Richards Wilks grew up in Eudora, KS and graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, along with minoring in Business Administration. I have 22 years of restaurant industry experience and have worked in places such as East Hampton, NY, Palm Beach, FL, Denver, CO and Alaska. 

Richard loves going on runs and being outside with my wife Maddy and son Simon. We enjoy being with our friends and family as much as possible. A lot of this time I have the opportunity to cook, which brings me the most joy. We love hosting Chiefs watch parties. 

“I want to teach young adults how to cook for themselves and for others in their family, friend group and community,” Wilks said. 

Wilks spent 22 years in the restaurant industry ranging from dishwasher to executive chef. Before this though, I took a year away from restaurants working as Project Manager for a Digital Agency. 

“I actually started my college career in Secondary Education,” Wilks said. “I wanted to teach and coach. I ended up switching to Hotel and Restaurant Management. I have always loved being taught a new skill. I also found that teaching others a new skill has always brought me joy.”