Meet Chef Jeremy Switzer: Culinary Director at The Pillars

At the Pillars, Chef Jeremy Switzer transforms dining into a culinary adventure! As our culinary director, he leads a talented team of chefs dedicated to creating exceptional dining experiences, catering special events, and hosting memorable happy hours for our community.

Here’s an impressive bite-sized fact: Jeremy and his team serve a staggering 3,625 meals every week - 2,500 for our residents and 1,125 for child care. It’s no wonder his Power Salads, a community favorite, are packed with flavor. (Be sure to check out the recipe below!)

Chef Jeremy's Story

Jeremy’s culinary journey began in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Go Blue!) and Cedar Falls, Iowa. With 25 years in the hospitality industry, he’s honed his craft across six restaurants and two hotels. A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Jeremy's career took off as Executive Chef at a family-owned bistro specializing in modern, locally sourced cuisine.

In 2014, Jeremy and his wife, Barbara, moved to Minnesota, her home state, where he discovered his passion for senior living cuisine. Over the past decade - five of those with Ebenezer - he’s brought creativity and flavor to countless meals.

Beyond the kitchen, Jeremy loves being a dad and spending time with his family and watching his kids - Lilli, Jae, and Mia make each other laugh!

Cooking with the chef

We’re proud to have Jeremy’s passion and expertise enriching our community every day! And every month Chef leads a cooking demonstration for our community. It’s a great time to ask questions about the menu, learn about the culinary team and the dining experience at the Pillars.

In our next Cooking with the Chef program, we will be joined by special guest and intern, Moriah Cebulla. She's a Master of Public Health student and Dietetic Intern at the University of Minnesota. Moriah will be interning at the Pillars through March and is looking forward to sharing her expertise with our community and cooking for you in December!  

A Taste of Jeremy’s Magic: Power Salad

Try one of Chef Jeremy’s beloved creations! Packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor, it’s no surprise this salad is a community favorite. 

Power Salads:

Spring Mix

Fennel

Bell Peppers

Carrots

Watermelon Radish

Blueberries

Pomegranate

Sunflower Seeds

Edamame

Dressing:

1 C Olive Oil

¼ C Champagne Vinegar

1 T Lemon Juice

1 t Lemon Zest

1 T Grainy Mustard

2 T Honey

1 T Fresh Mint, chopped

1 T Fresh Tarragon, chopped

1 T Parsley, chopped

1 Shallot, minced

1 Clove Garlic, minced

Salt & Black Pepper