Richard Allardyce

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT RICHARD ALLARDYCE

I have built my career on one simple belief: great food can transform culture, business, and how people connect. Over more than two decades in culinary leadership, retail innovation, and food operations, I have had the privilege of helping shape how Canadians experience food—whether that’s a ready-to-eat meal in stores, a chef-crafted product developed in our central kitchens, or the systems and teams that make it all happen. Today, as National Director, Food Experience at Sobeys Inc, I lead a cross-functional team that unites culinary innovation, product development, procurement, and operational excellence. Our work brings creativity and consistency to life across banners and regions, creating experiences that delight customers and strengthen our brands. I am passionate about building world-class teams, designing scalable systems, and turning ideas into experiences that inspire customers every day. My background spans everything from trend forecasting and menu development to enterprise systems design, plant operations, and brand storytelling. I’ve had the opportunity to develop national culinary strategies, secure transformational capital funding, and partner with leaders across the business—from IT to marketing—to bring bold ideas to life. I am also proud to contribute to Empire’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, helping shape company-wide objectives and culture. At my core, I’m a chef who thinks strategically and a business leader who believes food should always inspire. Whether in a kitchen, a boardroom, or a production facility, I lead with empathy, precision, and purpose—because excellence in food is about people, process, and passion in equal measure. Always open to connecting with others who believe food isn’t just a business—it’s a story worth telling.