Ann Marie Stefaney

Ann Marie’s culinary journey began in 2013 when she attended Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, earning multiple degrees for the hospitality and restaurant industry. While still in school, she joined the opening team at Heirloom Restaurant and spent nearly five years developing its acclaimed pastry program.

Her work earned her recognition as the 2017 NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year, along with appearances on two Food Network competitions, the local web series Order/Fire, and Bravo’s Welcome to Waverly. In 2019, she shifted to savory cuisine at Southminster, where she rose through the ranks to become General Manager of all campus dining during the pandemic. That experience deepened her leadership skills and broadened her culinary perspective.

Now part of YFYT, Ann Marie has returned to her pastry roots with a renewed mission: to create exceptional food and help reshape kitchen culture. For her, the kitchen isn’t just a workplace-it’s where she truly belongs.

Social Handles: @restaurant_constance