Steve Madonna

As Director of Culinary R&D for Connections, a comprehensive marketing and food solution provider in the away-from-home industry, Steve Madonna leads a team dedicated to insight-driven culinary strategy; flavor, product and menu innovation; and national account sales support.

Steve’s career is a testament to the value of dedication and persistence in the culinary world. At Wolfgang Puck Catering, he worked his way up from Sous Chef to Regional Chef for their catering locations. He then moved to Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, serving as Director of Culinary and Corporate Executive Chef for the company’s casual dining restaurants, both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining the Connections team, Steve served as VP of Culinary, Food & Beverage for Bar Louie—overseeing food and beverage research, and menu development for the 70-unit gastrobar chain.

With a passion for the culinary industry that truly knows no borders, Steve has opened restaurants in North America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East throughout his career. He has even been selected to be a part of the culinary teams of such notable events as the 2008 United States Presidential Inaugural celebration, Governor’s Ball Oscar celebrations, the GRAMMY Awards, and more. Back at home in Chicago, Steve has taken the stage for culinary demonstrations at The National Restaurant Show in 2022.

Steve studied Marketing and Management Information Systems at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, earning his Bachelor of Science degree before pursuing his culinary training at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Costigliole d'Asti, Italy, and the International School of Hospitality in Firenze, Italy.