ABOUT daniel raia
Daniel Raia is a native of Massachusetts born in Arlington. He has spent most of his life locally, but lived in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He earned both an associate degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Service and Management at CIA and was also accepted to Cornell for a Master’s Degree in Restaurant Business Management. Additionally, he has worked at Blue Ribbon in Arlington, Blue in Boston, former Boston notable, Rocca, and has served in numerous roles opening Sweet Cheeks Q, Tiger Mama, Fool’s Errand, and Orfano with Big Heart Hospitality. Having met Chef Tiffani three years into his time at Rocca as executive sous chef, the two struck a long-standing relationship that would eventually bring him on board as a founding chef de cuisine with Sweet Cheeks. After a six-month stint of looking for the right fit for work having been offered multiple jobs, Dan came in board with Sweet Cheeks Q and Big Heart Hospitality in 2011, his Texas roots in part driving acceptance of the offer. From a bird’s eye view, he is the right hand of Big Heart Hospitality and practices a relentless pursuit of quality of excellence for our diners every minute of every day. Outside of work, Dan enjoys all things automobile and spending time with his girlfriend, Liz, as well as his dog, Macy.