James Hicks has been crafting exceptional dining experiences as Chef De Cuisine at Ravello Ristorante since July 2022. With a passion for culinary excellence, he has navigated the many roles within a kitchen, ultimately earning a leadership position at one of Montgomery’s premier dining destinations. Committed to delivering exquisite cuisine, he takes pride in creating a space where the community can gather and enjoy fine dining. While currently seeking new ways to extend his outreach, he enjoys serving and bringing people together through food.

• Key to Success: Staying true to oneself, you can do whatever you truly set your mind to.
• Guilty Pleasure: I do love my fair share of video games when I am not working.
• High School Superlative: Most likely to become an owner of a restaurant.
• Childhood Aspirations: I wanted to become a scientist. Although that didn’t happen, I still am fascinated by all things science.
• First Job: A line cook at the Country Club of Columbus in Columbus, GA.
• Best Advice: If you are always ready, you don’t have to get ready.
• Biggest Influence Personally & Professionally: Firstly, my culinary chef in highschool, Chef John. He has made a huge impact on my career and always pushed me to be the best in this career that I could be. Secondly, my fiance, Megan, has always wanted what is best for me and always thought that I could do whatever I set my mind to, no matter how crazy the idea or process.