Chef Greg’s Mission to Support Mental Health in Hospitality
From scaling Mount Kilimanjaro to mentoring young chefs, our South West regional culinary lead, Greg Popek, is shaking things up in our kitchens and communities, putting positive mental health on the menu.
Recently crowned the winner of the BaxterStorey Award at our 2025 People Awards, Greg was celebrated for his commitment to making a difference, supporting others and giving back to his community.
With over 25 years in hospitality and 15 at BaxterStorey, Greg’s influence stretches far beyond the kitchen. Through our Chef Academy and partnership with the Adopt a School programme, Greg serves mentorship with purpose, helping others build skills and confidence through food.
Since 2023, Greg has been an ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, a charity tackling mental health stigma in hospitality. Just last month, he took his role to new heights – completing the 14-day trek up Kilimanjaro. Summiting nearly 6,000 metres above sea level, he helped raise over £22,000 for the charity while showing the power of resilience, community and open conversations about mental wellbeing.
“Every 90 seconds someone takes their own life,” Greg says. “In hospitality, eight out of ten people have considered it. We need to keep talking, supporting each other, and showing it’s okay to ask for help.”
Dishing up kindness every festive season, Greg also gives back to his local community, hosting a Christmas lunch for local pensioners, cooking every dish himself for many of whom live alone or face hardship.
Now training as a Mental Health First Aider, he joins over 65 team members across our business, helping others get support when they need it most.
This World Mental Health Day, we’re extra proud to have people like Greg in our business – leaders who fuel their craft with purpose, break boundaries, support those around them and show that in our kitchens, food really does have the power to change lives.
The Burnt Chef Project offers free, 24/7 confidential support with immediate responses to help work through challenges, whether it’s an in-the-moment crisis, ongoing stress, relationship worries, or practical issues like legal or financial advice.