Travis Kirkley

Charlotte Culinary

A Georgia native, Travis Kirkley grew up in the South Forsyth and Alpharetta area, where a love for competition first took shape on the football field. That same drive led to a career in the kitchen, beginning in 2017 as a line cook at Colletta in Avalon. From there, Travis quickly moved through the ranks, taking on leadership roles at Oak Steakhouse Avalon before returning to Colletta as Executive Chef.

A move to Charlotte brought new opportunities, first as Executive Chef of Indaco and later overseeing Oak Steakhouse Charlotte. With each transition, Travis has continued to refine his culinary approach, focusing on seasonality, technique, and the guest experience. Now leading culinary operations across Charlotte, he remains committed to mentorship, team development, and pushing the boundaries of Southern-inspired cuisine.

Outside of the kitchen, Travis enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and working on cars in his garage—where precision and creativity come into play just as much as they do in the kitchen.