Chef C.R. “Robbie” Nicolaisen has been highly recognized in and around the southeast
for his unique approach to southern style cuisine. He attended the highly-accredited
Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, graduating with honors.
At the age of 24, his culinary career elevated immensely as he received his first
Executive Chef position with Hilton Hotels. Since then, his career has expanded to
other high-end venues such as the Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina in Charleston,
SC, the four-diamond Marina Inn in Myrtle Beach, SC, the exclusively private Moore’s
Mill Club, as well as the Fountainview Mansion, both of which in Auburn, AL. Currently,
Chef Nicolaisen serves as the Executive Chef for The Hound, a restaurant and bourbon
bar in Auburn, AL.
Staying involved in the community is an important aspect of his career. Chef
Nicolaisen has served on the board for the Chef-Farmer Coop Initiative through
Clemson University and is currently an active member of the Southern Foodways
Alliance and the James Beard Foundation. Chef Nicolaisen has also been publically
recognized for his talents by winning multiple awards from national publications and
organizations such as the US Blueberry Council and California Almond Board. He is an
honorary member of Chaine des Rotisseurs and has been featured in local print and
television. He currently resides in Auburn, AL with his wife Rachael, daughter Paisley,
son Charlie, Black Lab named Lucy, and Biscuit the cat.