Renowned chef, restaurateur and educator Roy Yamaguchi, executive director of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific (CIP) at , has been inducted into the Culinary Institute of America¡¯s (CIA) Alumni Walk of Fame, joining a distinguished cadre of alumni whose careers have shaped the global culinary landscape.
The Walk of Fame honors CIA alumni who embody the college¡¯s “Food is Life®” philosophy and whose work expresses excellence, innovation and influence. As a 1976 CIA graduate, Yamaguchi was recognized for his leadership in Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s culinary community, his pioneering approach to regional cuisine, and his steadfast commitment to culinary education.
Born in Tokyo, Yamaguchi¡¯s Â鶹´«Ã½ roots trace to his grandfather, who ran a tavern and general store on Maui. He launched his first restaurant, 385 North, in Hollywood in 1984, and opened the first Roy¡¯s Restaurant in Honolulu in 1988, helping define Â鶹´«Ã½ Regional Cuisine.
“It¡¯s an incredible honor to be recognized by the school that shaped so much of my life and career,” Yamaguchi said. “The CIA instilled in me a deep respect for the craft and for the people who make food meaningful. To now share that legacy with the students and future chefs of Â鶹´«Ã½ is a full-circle moment I¡¯ll always treasure.”
A James Beard Award recipient (Best Pacific Northwest Chef) and co-founder of the Â鶹´«Ã½ Food & Wine Festival, Yamaguchi continues to elevate culinary education at CIP by blending sustainability, culture and innovation into hands-on training for Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s next generation of chefs.
Other 2025 CIA Alumni Walk of Fame inductees included Michelin-starred chef Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain (in memoriam) and Susan Feniger, a chef, restaurateur and TV personality.
CIP and CIA are collaborating on a workforce professional development program for Â鶹´«Ã½-based culinary professionals. Since launching in 2024, the program has graduated more than 150 culinary professionals. The program graduated 29 participants in September, who trained under CIA instructors.