BiRite is continuously striving to seek the best resources for our customers. We hire experienced chefs, industry experts, and culinary masters to help give our customers an edge. 

Expert Resources

Jim Benson: Corporate Chef


BiRite Foodservice Distributors is proud to include Corporate Chef Jim Benson in our family. Chef Jim Benson offers our customers invaluable advice.

Jim is a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York, where he received both the prestigious Angel Award for Valedictorian and the coveted McIlhenny Award for Academic Excellence. In 1976, Jim was hired as Executive Chef for Victoria Station Restaurants, where he was responsible for R&D, kitchen layout and design, creation of food concepts and training. In 1979, Jim left Victoria Station to co-found Roadhouse Restaurants, which then became California Cafe Restaurant Corporation. Most recently, Jim was partner in Harvest Restaurants, Inc. and Harvest Restaurant Consulting.

Please contact your local BiRite Sales Representative  to set an appointment with Chef Jim Benson to conduct menu and product ideation sessions and to discuss menu engineering & pricing strategy.

Expert Resources

Kurt Glazier: Produce Specialist


Kurt is a native to the Bay Area being born in Santa Rosa, California. Kurt has been active in the produce industry for 25 years having worked for local produce companies prior to joining the BiRite team. He has a vast knowledge of fresh and precut produce and is happy to assist with any special cuts or blends you may desire. Over the years he developed strong relationships with some of the Bay Area’s leading local farmers and is always looking to expand the BiRite family of growers.

Expert Resources

Kevin Kawada: Chemical Specialist

Kevin Kawada boasts an impressive 20-year tenure in the restaurant industry, marked by a diverse range of roles that underscore his exceptional qualifications to lead BiRite’s Chemical Department. His career trajectory has seen him excel from a Line Cook within an esteemed Michelin-Starred restaurant to the position of Area Manager, overseeing multiple restaurant concepts.

Furthermore, Kevin has garnered valuable experience as a Sales Representative in both Produce and Chemical Departments across various organizations. These roles have furnished him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of chemical management.

In his current capacity as Manager of the Chemical Division, Kevin spearheads BiRite’s ProPLUS warewashing and chemical programs with exceptional finesse. His leadership extends to a dedicated chemical team comprising ten highly skilled technicians, each equipped with fully stocked service vans. These vans serve as the backbone of our operations, ensuring regular maintenance and swift emergency service to nearly 2,000 dishmachines spread across the expansive greater Bay Area.

Kevin Kawada’s extensive background, encompassing diverse roles and a wealth of industry knowledge, uniquely positions him to lead BiRite’s Chemical Department to unparalleled success. His proven track record and expertise are invaluable assets to our team and the clients we serve.

50 YEARS OF SUPERIOR SERVICE