The Chef Bobby Holley '86 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Robert Holley was born and raised in Long Island, New York, the proud son of a large family of seven children. His passion for cooking emerged early in life, and by the age of 17, he had taken his first job in the kitchen as a cook at Good Samaritan Hospital in Long Island. This experience ignited a lifelong love for the culinary arts and led him to enroll at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

After graduating from the CIA in 1987, Chef Bobby began his professional career working under acclaimed chef Gilbert Le Coze and Maguy Le Coze at the renowned La Bernardin in New York City. There, he honed his skills in one of the country’s most respected kitchens.

In 1991, Chef Bobby moved to Miami to help open Brasserie Le Coze, and just a few years later, in 1994, he relocated to Atlanta to successfully launch a second Brasserie Le Coze location. His talent and leadership in the kitchen quickly earned recognition in the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

In 2000, Pano Karatassos of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group invited Chef Bobby to lead the kitchen at the Atlanta Fish Market. There, Chef Bobby found his culinary home, serving as Executive Chef and beloved leader for the remainder of his distinguished career.

Chef Bobby was widely admired not only for his exceptional cooking but also for his warmth, generosity, and mentorship. He had a gift for bringing people together through food—hosting unforgettable gatherings for family and friends, always filled with laughter, love, and remarkable meals. Passionate about teaching, he eagerly shared his knowledge and techniques, inspiring others to elevate their own cooking.

Chef Robert Holley’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, both in and out of the kitchen.