Crawford & Son
Jolie
Aaron Salita stands at the forefront of Raleigh’s culinary renaissance as Chef de Cuisine of both Crawford & Son and Jolie, the acclaimed flagships of renowned Chef Scott Crawford’s hospitality portfolio. Recruited in 2022 to helm Crawford & Son as Chef de Cuisine, Salita earned Crawford’s trust to oversee both award-winning establishments by 2024—the same year Crawford & Son was named a James Beard Foundation Finalist for Outstanding Hospitality.
Salita honed his craft at the prestigious Thomas Keller Restaurant Group, where precision and excellence are doctrine. At The French Laundry—consistently ranked among the world’s finest restaurants—he mastered classical technique as Chef de Partie. He deepened his expertise during a six-year tenure as Sous Chef at Bouchon Bistro (2015-2021), before serving on the opening team of Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge (2021-2022).
In 2017, Salita was chosen to serve Team USA at the Bocuse d’Or in Lyon, France—the world’s most prestigious chef competition, often called the “Culinary Olympics.” His team’s historic Gold Medal victory—the first for the United States—cemented his place among the culinary elite.
Now in North Carolina with Crawford Hospitality, Salita brings that same championship spirit to every plate, honoring French tradition while embracing the vibrant flavors of the South.
