Her Story
About Toni
Toni Halstead is a culinary professional and head chef at Red Wine & Co., a bar and food truck operation located in the Reading Bridal District of Reading, Ohio. With approximately 10 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Toni leads kitchen operations, menu development, food cost management, staff training, and daily culinary execution. She currently plays a key role in expanding the business from a food truck concept into a permanent kitchen while continuing to create innovative menus and memorable dining experiences for the community.
Before pursuing her culinary career, Toni spent 23 years in the retail industry before transitioning into food service. She attended culinary school from 2016 to 2018 and later earned a bachelor's degree in Food Science from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in 2025. Her educational background, combined with hands-on experience in culinary operations, food safety, and kitchen management, has strengthened her expertise in both the creative and technical aspects of the food industry.
Toni is passionate about fostering a positive, non-toxic kitchen culture built on honesty, transparency, and mutual respect. She is dedicated to developing teams that share a passion for the culinary field and values strong relationships within the workplace and local community. Through her leadership at Red Wine & Co., Toni has contributed to the growth and recognition of the business, including its feature for Best Wings of the North in Cincinnati Magazine, while continuing to support local sourcing, community engagement, and the advancement of culinary excellence.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Toni
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for my work and my commitment to creating a positive environment. I have dedicated myself to building a culture alongside the owner that reflects our shared ideals and goals, while intentionally moving away from the toxic kitchen environments that are often found in the industry. By fostering respect, collaboration, and a healthier workplace culture, I have been able to contribute to a team where people feel valued and motivated to succeed.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to enter the industry with humility and a willingness to learn. Be a sponge, absorb everything experienced people are willing to teach, and build your own leadership style when it’s your turn to lead.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay open-minded while standing firm in who they are. Find your voice, make sure you are heard, set boundaries, and never settle for being treated as anything less than an equal.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is finding people who share the same passion for the business and who are committed to helping drive growth while supporting the positive, non-toxic culture we are building.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty and transparency. I believe honesty is the foundation for building trust and the truest way to show love and support. Through honest conversations, we learn from our failures, grow stronger, and create a culture where people feel valued and respected.
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