​MEET OUR EXECUTIVE CHEF​
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Alex Ivnik

Born and raised in Lockport, Illinois, Alex Ivnik discovered his passion for cooking early, which led him to pursue formal culinary training at Joliet Junior College. He began his career at The Odyssey 18 years ago and later returned to JJC to teach as a Lab Assistant for four years, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of Chefs.

​Alex has led culinary teams at high-profile events, including the Culinary Hall of Fame dinner in Chicago for Chef Carrie Nahabedian. His career has taken him across the country, including three years in Colorado as an Executive Chef at a premier wedding venue and five years in healthcare kitchens in Arkansas, serving as FBD at a retirement community and Executive Chef at a hospital. While there, he organized free Thanksgiving lunches for the community, serving roughly 1,000 people each year.

​Passionate about creating joy through food, Alex celebrates and respects every ingredient, letting it shine in every dish. He thrives on experimentation, continuous learning, and team building, believing that every detail—from aroma to presentation—matters. He prioritizes local and seasonal ingredients, bringing freshness and thoughtfulness to every plate.

​MEET OUR sous CHEF

brett anderson

Born and raised in Tinley Park, Illinois, Brett Anderson began his culinary journey in 2015 at Culver’s and went on to graduate from Kendall College with a formal culinary education. His career has taken him from Sous Chef at a French Brasserie in Chicago’s Loop to General Manager of a food truck specializing in Chicago classics, including hot dogs and beef sandwiches.

For the past three years, Brett has served as Head Chef at a barbecue restaurant in Iowa City, Iowa, where he has actively participated in food shows, cook-offs, and charity events, honing his craft and building his reputation for excellence in flavor and technique.
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​Brett is driven by opportunities to collaborate with teams that value creativity, growth, and culinary excellence. He seeks to continue refining his skills while contributing fresh ideas and building a strong, cohesive team at The Odyssey Venue.