Nolan Hennenfent

Nolan hails from Kelowna, BC, and has spent his entire life living and cooking in British Columbia. With nearly 13 years of experience in the hospitality industry, his journey began at the age of 16 when he started dishwashing at the Old Spaghetti Factory to save money for his first car. It was at a smaller family restaurant, thanks to a job opportunity from his best friend, that Nolan discovered his passion for cooking.

Nolan’s career took off at The El Dorado in Kelowna, where he worked under Nixon Hospitality. He played a significant role in opening BNA and gained invaluable experience staging at The White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine. There, he mastered the art of cooking East Coast seafood and refined his skills in a fine dining setting. Upon his return, Nolan served as a junior sous at BNA before embarking on a new venture, opening a taco truck called YLW, where he developed recipes and managed the kitchen operations.

His culinary journey continued at Waterfront Wines in Kelowna, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of Mark Filatow. Nolan then took on the role of sous chef at Liquidity Wines, participating in one of the most extensive food programs of his career. Despite facing health challenges after being diagnosed with diabetes, Nolan’s determination led him back to the kitchen after a brief hiatus working in CNC machining.

A pivotal moment in Nolan’s career was his time at Liquidity Wines. The influence of a chef who had returned from Relae in Copenhagen pushed Nolan to new heights. The team created extraordinary food, working tirelessly to achieve culinary excellence. This experience introduced Nolan to the intricacies of tasting menus and the demanding yet rewarding nature of fine dining.

Currently, Nolan thrives at Published on Main, a journey that began when the restaurant was ranked #88 in Canada. His ambitious goals included elevating Published on Main to the top restaurant in the country and achieving a Michelin star. With these dreams realized, Nolan now focuses on understanding every aspect of the restaurant, fostering a culture of excellence and enjoyment among the team. Under the guidance of Chef Gus, Nolan continues to expand his culinary knowledge, striving to master the complexities of ingredients, flavors, and techniques.

Nolan’s love for the hospitality industry stems from his passion for working with exceptional ingredients and creating memorable dining experiences. The camaraderie within restaurant teams and the constant pursuit of culinary knowledge keep him inspired and motivated.

Beyond the kitchen, Nolan is a diabetic who once made airplane parts while managing his health. His dedication to cooking led him to Vancouver, driven by his obsession with the food at Published on Main. He cherishes spending time in nature with his mini Australian Shepherd, Penny. Nolan’s love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by his Nana, who taught him to appreciate the joy of good food.

Nolan’s journey is a testament to his dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.