Bruce Kalman, Chef

Bruce Kalman is an award winning, nationally recognized chef and founder who discovered his passion for culinary as a teenager flipping pizzas in Paramus, New Jersey. He honed his craft at his local College's culinary program, where mentorship and kitchen discipline shaped his philosophy to respect ingredients, master technique, and stay endlessly curious. Kalman rose through America's kitchens, cooking under Paul Bartolotta at Spiaggia before leading kitchens at Okno, Green Dolphin Street, and Coco Pazzo. He held executive chef positions in Santa Fe and Phoenix; and in Los Angeles helming The Misfit and The Churchill, also co-founding the acclaimed UNION and Knead & Co. Pasta Bar + Market, and launching his artisanal pickle line, BK Brinery in 2013. These experiences set the stage for his move to Las Vegas and the opening of Soulbelly BBQ in 2021, a contemporary, chef-driven reinterpretation of American barbecue that fuses butchery, fermentation, and seasonal flavors with regional smokehouse traditions, all while supporting local farmers and producers.

Kalman has earned national acclaim on television as a James Beard Foundation "Rising Star Chef" nominee, winner of Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Knife Fight, Top Chef Season 15 finalist, and guest on Home & Family, The Talk, Viceland's Untitled Action Bronson Show, and Last Call with Carson Daly. Most recently, he competed on BBQ BRAWL, reaching the finale. Outside the kitchen, he has reached his personal goal of losing over 100 pounds through disciplined health and fitness and is the frontman of the chef cover band Foie Grock with Duff Goldman. Outside of work, Bruce enjoys spending time with his son, Jude and loved ones.