Chef Ryan Gentelin

Alton native Chef Ryan Gentelin graduated from Alton High School in 1994. He started working in local restaurants as well as Lockhaven Country Club before pursuing his career by attending St.Louis Community College at Forest Park’s Culinary Arts program. Chef Gentelin graduated with his associates degree in Culinary Arts in 2001, as well as completing an intensive three year apprenticeship through the American Culinary Association under Chef Kevin Storm at Bellerive Country Club in St.Louis. While pursuing his degree, Chef Gentelin became involved in several culinary competitions and was part of a team which won a National Culinary Competition in Nashville, TN in 2001. That team was the first team from the Midwest to win in 32 years. Upon completing school, Gentelin took the role as Sous Chef at Bellerive Country Club before coming back to Alton to take the position of Executive Chef at Copley’ West 9th, where he remained for nearly four years.

Gentelin and his wife Sarah (Stalker), also an Alton native, were presented with an opportunity to pursue their goal to own their own restaurant in the fall of 2006 at the former Karen’s on Broadway, which was originally a Union Electric building. With the incredible support of family, friends and a dedicated (volunteer) staff, the Gentelins transformed the building in a short time to have a state of the art kitchen, as well as a bar and accessible restrooms. The doors of Gentelin’s on Broadway proudly opened on December 6, 2006.

Ryan and Sarah would like to extend great thanks to their families, friends, patrons and outstanding staff for working with them to achieve their dreams.