The Emily Hotel has announced the appointment of Chef Maurice Wells as the Executive Chef, to oversee the hotel’s dining offerings, including Fora, Selva, Rooftop Cinema Club, and the property’s banquet and catering.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Maurice Wells to The Emily Hotel family,” said Zoltan Payerli, General Manager of The Emily Hotel. “His extensive culinary background and innovative approach will undoubtedly enhance the guest experience at Fora and Selva, and his passion for high-quality ingredients and creative flair aligns perfectly with our vision for The Emily Hotel as a premier dining destination in Chicago.”
Wells’ culinary journey began at the age of 15, working as a dishwasher at a family-run BBQ joint in Illinois. Raised in a single-parent household, Wells often experimented in the kitchen, learning to make bread by age 11. Influenced by his African, Ethiopian, and Latina roots, he developed an appreciation for in-season ingredients, homemade sauces, pickles, and cured meats.
His career includes stints in Spain, France, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Montreal, and he once served as a personal chef for an NFL player. His love for North African, Middle Eastern, and Pan-Asian flavors, honed while running an Asian restaurant in Miami, continues to shape his approach in the kitchen.
Since returning to Chicago in 2016, Maurice has collaborated with local culinarians and has been an advocate for healthy eating in underprivileged communities through initiatives like A Tale of Two Chefs and Chicago Gourmet. His appreciation for Chicago’s food scene fueled his desire to return and contribute to the city's culinary landscape.
“I am incredibly excited to join The Emily Hotel and share my passion for food with our guests,” said Wells. “My goal is to create an inviting atmosphere where every dish tells a story, celebrating the global influences that have shaped my culinary journey. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences that reflect Chicago’s vibrant food culture.”
The Emily Hotel has announced the appointment of Chef Maurice Wells as the Executive Chef, to oversee the hotel’s dining offerings, including Fora, Selva, Rooftop Cinema Club, and the property’s banquet and catering.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Maurice Wells to The Emily Hotel family,” said Zoltan Payerli, General Manager of The Emily Hotel. “His extensive culinary background and innovative approach will undoubtedly enhance the guest experience at Fora and Selva, and his passion for high-quality ingredients and creative flair aligns perfectly with our vision for The Emily Hotel as a premier dining destination in Chicago.”
Wells’ culinary journey began at the age of 15, working as a dishwasher at a family-run BBQ joint in Illinois. Raised in a single-parent household, Wells often experimented in the kitchen, learning to make bread by age 11. Influenced by his African, Ethiopian, and Latina roots, he developed an appreciation for in-season ingredients, homemade sauces, pickles, and cured meats.
His career includes stints in Spain, France, Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Montreal, and he once served as a personal chef for an NFL player. His love for North African, Middle Eastern, and Pan-Asian flavors, honed while running an Asian restaurant in Miami, continues to shape his approach in the kitchen.
Since returning to Chicago in 2016, Maurice has collaborated with local culinarians and has been an advocate for healthy eating in underprivileged communities through initiatives like A Tale of Two Chefs and Chicago Gourmet. His appreciation for Chicago’s food scene fueled his desire to return and contribute to the city's culinary landscape.
“I am incredibly excited to join The Emily Hotel and share my passion for food with our guests,” said Wells. “My goal is to create an inviting atmosphere where every dish tells a story, celebrating the global influences that have shaped my culinary journey. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences that reflect Chicago’s vibrant food culture.”
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