NORTHAMPTON, MA, September 12, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Brad Labonte Banas has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Currently serving as the owner and executive chef at Toasted — which serves a variety of breakfast and lunch dishes such as eggs and bacon, corned beef hash, avocado toast, homemade soups and more — Mr. Labonte Banas has built a prominent career in the culinary industry. Having established his own business in 2024, he leads the establishment's kitchen team, prepares meals and ensures an unwavering standard of excellence. Though his journey counts many milestones, he is most proud of his evolution from an exceptional cook and line cook — distinct roles that each contributed to his expertise — to his more recent realization that he is a truly talented chef.

Prior to founding Toasted, Mr. Labonte Banas held the position of executive chef at The Northampton Hotel from 2022 to 2024. During this period, he was responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, menu development and banquet functions, further honing his management skills and culinary vision while providing memorable guest experiences. From 2019 to 2022, he served as the culinary director at Lyman and Lyman in Easthampton, Massachusetts. There, he directed kitchen operations of two separate restaurants, Riff's Joint and Riff's North, menu planning, recipe costing, ingredient sourcing, and learning as an "owner" from Rich Lyman, all of which played a pivotal role in his decision to open Toasted.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Labonte Banas was a sous chef at Max's Trumbull Kitchen from 2016 to 2017, during which he contributed to daily kitchen operations and supported the executive chef in delivering exceptional dining experiences. His extensive experience also includes work as a line cook at Max's Tavern beginning in 2001, where he developed many of the foundational skills that would inform his later achievements.

Outside the kitchen environment, Mr. Labonte Banas has held positions as a warehouse selector and gas station attendant — experiences that provided him with a strong work ethic and adaptability that have benefited his culinary pursuits. His journey also includes service as a server at Friendly's Restaurants Group LLC, where he gained valuable early insights into customer service and restaurant operations.

Before embarking upon his professional path, Mr. Labonte Banas earned a certificate in culinary arts in 2005, which provided him with formal training essential for his advancement in the industry. His entry into the profession was driven by necessity; motivated by hunger and the opportunity presented by a friend who mentioned that cooks could eat for free, he began what would become a lifelong career and passion. He attributes much of his subsequent success to dedication, a love of challenges, following his instincts and an unwavering commitment to providing high-quality service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Labonte Banas is actively involved in community service and charity work with various organizations, demonstrating a commitment to civic engagement alongside his culinary endeavors. Having established himself as a cornerstone of his community, he was recognized with five Readers' Choice Awards from the Daily Hampshire Gazette and H.S. Gere & Sons Inc. in 2025, including honors for best breakfast, best Sunday brunch, best sandwiches and best wait staff.

In his personal life, Mr. Labonte Banas enjoys playing games, hiking, biking and swimming at waterfalls as a balance to his vocational and civic efforts. Looking to the future with determination, he aims to expand Toasted by launching additional locations throughout the region and expanding his culinary and leadership skills to ensure its reputation for excellence continues to grow. His remarkable journey from seeking work in order to feed himself to becoming a renowned chef and business owner reflects a legacy of resilience, passion and continuous personal growth.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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