Chef Matt Pearson
Matt Pearson, a native of Urbandale, Iowa, studied in the Des Moines Area Community College culinary arts program from 1999 to 2001. Matt furthered his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, from which he graduated with an associate’s degree.
Matt has 14 years experience in the food service industry, working mostly in leadership positions. While attending the Culinary Institute of America, he worked as a line cook and pastry chef at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill in New York City. He then moved to Austin, Texas, working at Salt Lick BBQ before moving back to Des Moines in 2005.
In the Des Moines area, Matt has worked as head chef at Trostel’s Dish and as executive chef at Gateway Market West and Sky Box Lounge,
specializing in Southwestern and Asian-infused cuisine. Matt is looking forward to teaching our customers how to create unique and creative recipes with fresh ingredients.
Chef Alex Strauss
Alex Strauss comes to West Lakes Hy-Vee with over 11 years of experience. He received a master’s degree from Loyola University and then went on to get an associate's degree in culinary arts from Kendall College in his home town of Chicago, Illinois. During this time he worked at numerous restaurants and hotels in Chicago, including the Drake Hotel.
Moving to Des Moines at the turn of the century, Alex started a catering and personal chef company. During this time he taught cooking classes, won culinary awards and made local television appearances. Most recently he was at Gateway Market filling a variety of roles.
Alex has traveled the world “on his stomach” picking up knowledge and recipes from around the globe. His main focuses at Hy-Vee are working with customers on recipe development, answering cooking questions, offering healthy dining options and helping on menu development.