Welcome Nathaniel Gay as our District Food Service Director at Rapoport Academy!

Chef Nathaniel Gay, "Chef Nate," returns to Waco, completing a full circle in his Texas culinary career. His culinary journey began in Waco in 1979, living with his grandparents while his parents were stationed with the Army. He learned butchering and grilling from his grandfather and baking and comfort food from his grandmother, sparking his passion for the culinary arts. Inspired by his high school Home Ec. teacher, he attended the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin.

Chef Nate honed his skills working with chefs worldwide, embracing every facet of the culinary world. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Sous Chef at Stella's Restaurant in Lubbock and then Executive Chef. This experience ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. He further diversified his experience as Executive Chef & Director at Renaissance Casa De Palmas (McAllen) and opening consultant for Essenza Cucina Italiana (Dallas), building his skills toward restaurant ownership.

He then transitioned to a new challenge as opening consultant & Food & Beverage Director at Southwest Surgical Hospital (Euless), developing upscale room service and a café. This success led him to launch Texas Cater To Me, Inc., providing food service contracts in the Fort Worth area. Expanding his business, he leased a property in Keller, opening "Lonesome Lizard" Texas Cuisine. He also consulted on several DFW restaurant openings, from design and construction to staffing and operations.

After closing "Lonesome Lizard" due to unforeseen circumstances, Chef Nate joined Diamond Oaks Country Club to develop a new restaurant concept and oversee a major renovation. This two-year experience proved rejuvenating. His 30+ year career includes numerous publications, 4-star reviews, and awards.

In 2015, Chef Nate returned to Waco as the Food & Beverage Director and Executive Chef of the Hilton Downtown Waco. He played a key role in the hotel's kitchen renovation and built an award-winning team, expanding the hotel's food and beverage services, including on- and off-site catering, the public restaurant, and community outreach. Chef Nate believes "everyone has something to teach" and is passionate about team growth and mentorship.

While proud of his career and team successes, Chef Nate's greatest pride comes from being a husband to his "Bestest Everything" and a devoted father to his son and daughter. His family is his priority.

We are thrilled to have Nathaniel Gay join the Rapoport Academy family as our District Food Service Director!