Meet the Team
We are here to serve you and make your experience on campus one to remember. Please do not hesitate to reach out in person or via phone or email listed below with any questions, comments or feedback.
Meet the Chef
Pete Grello
Campus Executive Chef - PCII
Chef Pete Grello’s culinary journey began at the age of 15, when he took his first job as a dishwasher in a private restaurant. Rooted in a family legacy of hospitality, Chef Pete quickly realized his passion for the culinary arts and decided to pursue a career in the industry. He graduated from The Academy of Culinary Arts in Mays Landing, New Jersey, before embarking on an impressive culinary career that would span prestigious hotels and dining establishments.
Chef Pete's early years were spent at Hyatt Hotels, where he started as a Garde Manger and swiftly rose to the position of banquet chef. His innovative approach to dining earned him recognition in The Philadelphia Inquirer for the gourmet restaurant he ran within the Hyatt. From there, Chef Pete transitioned to Hilton Hotels, where he began as an Executive Sous Chef and later became the Director of Food & Beverage, overseeing the culinary operations of the hotel chain.
In 2019, Chef Pete returned to his roots in senior living, taking on the role of Executive Chef at a senior living facility in Andorra, Philadelphia. There, he honed his skills in creating delicious, nutritious meals tailored to the needs of older adults. In 2022, Chef Pete continued to expand his culinary horizons by joining Aramark, where he began working at Drexel University. His focus at Drexel has been to enhance the dining program with innovative menus and memorable dining experiences.
In February of this year, Chef Pete earned his ProChef II certification from the renowned Culinary Institute of America, further solidifying his expertise in the culinary world.
Drexel Dining Leadership
Hope Vega
Campus Dining Dietitian
Nicholas Mendez
Resident District Manager
Matt Ehrmann
Director Residential Dining
Matt Ehrmann is the Residential Food Service Director at Drexel University, bringing over 30 years of hospitality experience to his role. His career began in high school as a cook in a local Italian restaurant, sparking a lifelong passion for food and cooking. Over the years, Matt has led numerous reimages, transitions, and startups across various segments of the industry. He joined Aramark in 2007 as a banquet manager in a high-profile Sports & Entertainment account and transitioned to Collegiate Hospitality in 2016, where he played a key role in the successful acquisition of Drexel University. Starting as a chef, he has since advanced to his current leadership position. Matt holds an associate degree in culinary arts and a bachelor’s degree in management from Johnson & Wales University, and lives in Delaware County, PA with his wife, two daughters, and their dog.
David Hess
Retail Director
David Hess is the Retail Food Service Director at Drexel University, bringing over 38 years of hospitality experience—35 of which have been in the restaurant industry—to his role. He oversees several popular campus dining locations, including Chick-fil-A, The Pod Market, Wild Blue Sushi, Local Restaurant Row Toasted, Pret A Manger, and The Café at the Perelman Center for Jewish Life, ensuring brand standards are met and that safe, high-quality food is served to the Drexel community. David is passionate about enhancing the student dining experience and finds inspiration in daily interactions with students. His favorite spot on campus is Urban Eatery, where he enjoys comforting, nutritious meals from True Balance
