Cynthia L Romstadt
Cynthia Romstadt is an accomplished Executive Chef with over a decade of experience in culinary leadership, currently serving as the Executive Chef at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. A graduate of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College with an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts, Cynthia began her career with a pivotal apprenticeship under Kyongran “Alex” Hwang, the 2011 National Pastry Chef of the Year, at Cherokee Town and Country Club. That experience ignited a journey marked by innovation, mentorship, and excellence. Her early passion for cooking began at home, sparked by the need to help her single father expand his limited kitchen skills—an experience that not only developed her palate but also her purpose.
Throughout her career, Cynthia has held leadership roles at several prestigious venues, including Cedar Rapids Country Club and Ox Yoke Inn, where she developed a reputation for both creative execution and operational excellence. At Colonial, she leads a culinary team of over 50 chefs and oversees large-scale events such as the Charles Schwab Challenge PGA tournament. Her dedication has earned her numerous accolades, including two gold medals from ACF pastry competitions, a Mark Rosenstein Scholarship, and the honor of cooking at James Beard Foundation Dinners. Cynthia was also named to Resort and Chef Magazine’s 2024 “40 Under 40” list and is currently pursuing her Executive Chef Certification. Passionate, team-driven, and relentlessly committed to quality, Cynthia continues to redefine what it means to lead in the culinary world.
• Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College- Associate's
• Texas Chefs Association
• American Culinary Federation
• Club Management Association of America
What do you attribute your success to?
Grit, Motivation, Drive and Hustle.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In the kitchen you aren't a woman, you're a chef.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't have a chip on your shoulder, keep your head down, work hard, and don't skip steps. Master the basics and the fundamentals. Start at the bottom and work your way up.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Less people want a physically demanding job, more people want to be influencers.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity. Integrity manages your staff when you can't be there.