Denise Jones, Interim Executive Director

Denise grew up in an entrepreneurial household.  Her father owned a welding company and her mother owned and operated a restaurant. 

She grew up watching her mother cook and navigate the various aspects of owning a restaurant. Growing up in this setting she saw first hand the power food had in connecting and bringing people together. 

Denise spent her career in the health insurance industry where she held management roles in provider relationship, network development and contracting.  Being a self proclaimed “Foodie” she decided to take a leap of faith to pursue her interests in the culinary industry.  She enrolled in the culinary arts program at the Institute of Culinary Education(ICE)  in NYC.  Her goal is to continue learning about food and the culinary world and to help individuals accomplish their goals.   

“Food has so many facets. On a basic level it sustains us and nourishes us. If there is an occasion…there is typically food involved.  It has a unique way of bringing people together. It has a way of introducing foods from various cultures which allows us to learn about others.”

Kevin Toole, Director of Culinary Operations

Father of five, grandfather of three. Born and raised in Rochester, Kevin began cooking at Price's Seafood at age of 15. Although never attending culinary school, Kevin was recognized as the 2015 Chef of The Year by The American Culinary Federation and Rochester Professional Chef's. His past employers include Strathallan, Chapels, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Marriott Thruway, Brook Lea Country Club, Locust Hill Country Club, Mendon 64, 15 years in senior living, and now co-owner of Easy Eats with son Dylan.

Food, dining, parties, special events, and anything that brings friends and family together around a dinner table is what keeps me driven!

The Commissary holds a very special place in my heart especially due to the location. I've always been a huge supporter of downtown Rochester and having the ability to shape its future by way of food entrepreneurship is amazing to me! 

Hannah Robbins, Strategic Partnership Manager

Hannah is a driven and outgoing professional with a rich background in relationship building, event planning, and marketing at community-based organizations and start-ups. As the Strategic Partnership Manager at The Commissary, she works to connect our members with the incredible resources, people, and events in the greater Rochester community.

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and has loved working with small business owners throughout her college and professional career. Her dedication to empowering food entrepreneurs and building strong, supportive communities underscores her career trajectory and personal interests alike.

Her commitment to the food industry goes beyond her professional roles; she loves exploring food history, experimenting in the kitchen, learning about cultures through culinary traditions, and is an avid collector of cookbooks. When she’s not at work or in the kitchen, you can find Hannah taking a class at VAULT Rochester, strolling through the Brighton Market, trying a new restaurant, or spending time with her family in the Finger Lakes.