Sustainability Equals Success for Urban Farmer Executive Chef

Chris Starkus leads his kitchen with strong values

Lisa Ryckman //January 17, 2019//

Sustainability Equals Success for Urban Farmer Executive Chef

Chris Starkus leads his kitchen with strong values

Lisa Ryckman //January 17, 2019//

CHRIS STARKUS, 38

EXECUTIVE CHEF, URBAN FARMER

For Chris Starkus, sustainability equals success. Recycling efforts are posted online and in the back of the house. Food waste, compost and oil recycling take priority in day-to-day preparation to reduce plastic and cardboard intake. In spring 2018, Starkus implemented a fully compostable to-go program. One of his early partnerships was with Scraps, a bicycle-operated compost program that extended the opportunity to compost to Lower Downtown Denver residents.

Starkus operates Lost Creek Micro Farm with his family in Lakewood, providing produce for his community and for Urban Farmer. Starkus supports those in the community who seek a culinary career by hiring through programs such as Culinary Quick Start, Urban Peak and WOW Culinary.