# Christopher Pappas

> Christopher Pappas is the co-founder, chairman, president and CEO of The Chefs’ Warehouse. An Adelphi business graduate and former professional basketball player in Europe, he co-founded Dairyland USA with his brother John in 1985 and has led the company through its 2011 Nasdaq debut and expansion across North America and into the Middle East.

- **Role:** Founder, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer at The Chefs’ Warehouse
- **Organizations:** The Chefs’ Warehouse, Dairyland USA, International Foodservice Distributors Association, Hudson National Golf Club
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (as described in company biography), Adelphi University, Honorary degree; specific degree designation not established, Adelphi University
- **Known for:** Co-founded the business that became The Chefs’ Warehouse in 1985., Led The Chefs’ Warehouse through its 2011 Nasdaq debut under CHEF., Presided over expansion into the Middle East through the 2022 Chef Middle East acquisition.

## Career timeline

- **1981** — Graduated from Adelphi University; subsequently played professional basketball in Europe.
- **1985** — Co-founded Dairyland USA with John Pappas; began his continuous tenure as chief executive.
- **1991** — Initiated a Chef Placement Program, according to the Food & Beverage Association’s historical biography.
- **2009** — Resumed the presidency on April 11, having previously held the role until January 1, 2007.
- **2011** — Rang the Nasdaq opening bell on July 28 for the company’s IPO; became chairman in connection with the IPO.
- **2022** — Led the company as it acquired Chef Middle East, adding operations in the UAE, Qatar and Oman.
- **2025** — Company marked 40 years since its founding and recorded $4.149537 billion in annual net sales.
- **2026** — Received an honorary degree and spoke at Adelphi’s graduate commencement on May 21.

## Achievements

- Co-founded the business that became The Chefs’ Warehouse in 1985.
- Led The Chefs’ Warehouse through its 2011 Nasdaq debut under CHEF.
- Presided over expansion into the Middle East through the 2022 Chef Middle East acquisition.
- Led a company reporting approximately $4.15 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales.
- Received an honorary degree from Adelphi University in May 2026.

## Latest updates

- **2026-07** — On July 29, company reported Q2 2026 net sales of $1.17 billion, up 12.9%; Pappas also reported Middle East operations at approximately 94% of the prior-year level in May and June.
- **2026-05** — Received an honorary degree and delivered Adelphi’s graduate commencement address on May 21.
- **2026-02** — Fiscal 2025 annual reporting showed net sales of $4.149537 billion, up 9.4%.

## Links

- Website: https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pappas-945689163
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/WhereChefsShop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wherechefsshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wherechefsshop

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/christopher-pappas
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-24