Sri Divel is the founder of The Culinary CMO, a full-service marketing agency that blends deep culinary knowledge with strategic branding to serve the restaurant and hospitality industry. The agency delivers a comprehensive suite of services designed to generate long-term growth for both emerging independent restaurants and established fast-casual and full-service brands. With an innovative online training program, The Culinary CMO also empowers restaurant managers to drive revenue through strategic marketing, brand awareness, menu engineering, customer engagement, and multi-channel digital execution.
A classically trained chef with a degree from the prestigious Art Institutes of California, Sri brings more than 20 years of hands-on culinary and operational experience to every client engagement. Her expertise took shape early in her career as one of the original Food & Beverage trainers at the acclaimed Montage Laguna Beach, where she played a key role in earning the property its first Mobil Five-Star designation. She was also part of the elite opening team at Montage Beverly Hills.
Sri later served as Vice President and Operating Partner of Salt Creek Grille, one of Orange County’s most iconic coastal steakhouses, where she combined culinary leadership with brand strategy to drive operational excellence. This blend of culinary insight and business acumen became the foundation for The Culinary CMO, which has helped shape the success of renowned brands such as Pokeworks, Nékter Juice Bar, Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails, Dos Amigos Cantina, Scratch Bakery Cafe, JARS OC, and Arizona’s upscale dining destinations, Arrowhead Grill and Preston’s Steakhouse, among many others.
Her most recent venture includes a partnership with Master of Meals, an innovative biohacking meal prep company based in Orange County. Drawing from her deep understanding of food systems and the evolving needs of the modern American diet, she plays a key role in shaping a menu that emphasizes gut health, nutrient density, and metabolic performance. This collaboration reflects her forward-thinking approach to both culinary and wellness trends—bridging the gap between gourmet flavor and functional nutrition.
Sri is a Level One Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and an active member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, a distinguished organization of women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality committed to mentorship, education, and community impact. Her deep culinary roots and strategic insight continue to elevate brands and redefine success across the hospitality landscape.
