Chris Yeo
Straits Hawaii - Honolulu, HI
Chris Yeo’s journey from hairdresser to culinary maestro is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Graduating from Singapore’s Hotel and Catering School, Yeo embarked on a hairstyling adventure in London at Vidal Sassoon. However, his passion for good food and a desire to share the flavors of his native Singapore eventually led him to trade his shears for spatulas.
In 1980, Yeo ventured to San Francisco, where he opened Yeo’s Hair Design in the Haight Ashbury district. Yet, it was his dream of bringing authentic Singaporean cuisine to the Bay Area that truly ignited his culinary ambitions. In 1987, he realized this dream with the launch of Straits Café on Geary Street, followed by a Palo Alto location in 1998.
Not content with just one venture, Yeo continued to push culinary boundaries. In 2005, he unveiled SINO Restaurant & Lounge at Santana Row, introducing a sophisticated twist to Chinese classics. The sleek space mirrored the exotic flavors of the menu, featuring updated dishes like dim sum and Peking duck.
Yeo’s creative spirit struck again in 2015 with the launch of Roots & Rye, blending modern American cuisine with the sophistication of rye. His culinary empire expanded rapidly, stretching from Santa Monica to Texas, and even inspiring a partnership with Grammy-winning artist Ludacris for Straits Atlanta.
Beyond the kitchen, Yeo’s generosity and energy extend to his involvement in professional and charitable organizations. As a founding member of the ACA (Asian Chefs Association), he unifies Asian chefs through charity events. His support for CYC (Community Youth Center) is evident through the annual Straits & Sino golf tournament, benefiting the organization.
Yeo’s professional accolades are as impressive as his culinary feats. Co-authoring “The Cooking of Singapore” with Joyce Jue, he has showcased Singaporean cuisine on prestigious platforms like The Smithsonian Institute and the James Beard House. Yet, amidst his culinary endeavors, Yeo finds solace in family life with his wife Kelly and their two sons, Julian and Andrew, residing in Hillsborough.
Chris Yeo’s culinary journey embodies innovation, generosity, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary world and the communities he serves.
