Executive Chef/Owner Robbie Nicolaisen

        The Hound (Auburn, AL)

Executive Chef C.R. “Robbie” Nicolaisen has been nationally recognized in and around the Southeastern United States for his distinctive approach to Southern-style cuisine. He began his culinary journey during his childhood working on his family’s farm just outside of Asheboro, North Carolina. Chef Robbie was never far from the kitchen table as he became fascinated with everything from harvesting to preserving, pickling, and canning fruits and vegetables with his grandmother. When he entered the workforce at the age of 14, he held several different positions with family-owned restaurants in the Raleigh/Cary area, this is where he was inspired to pursue a career in the culinary industry.

Chasing his passions, Chef Robbie attended the highly accredited Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating with honors. Shortly after graduation, Nicolaisen became an Executive Chef for Hilton Hotels at the age of 24 and worked at the world-class waterfront, four-diamond Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, followed by the Sea Trail Golf Resort in Sunset Beach, and Shoals Club at Bald Head Island before becoming the Executive Chef at the four-star, four diamond Marina Inn in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

However, in 2013, Chef Robbie relocated to Auburn, Alabama and in 2017 he accepted an opportunity to lead the culinary operations at The Hound. Serving as the Executive Chef of the famous and locally loved restaurant and bourbon bar, Chef Robbie focuses on high quality southern products that are thoughtfully sourced from local or regional growers. This is evident on his menus with such items as heritage breed, all-natural, and humanely raised proteins, as well as pristine produce from local or specialty growers.

Expanding his culinary repertoire and lineup, Chef Robbie has recently launched his own new pop-up concept, The Chubby Belly Noodle Shop, highlighting his admiration of Japanese cuisine. Featuring traditional and more modern interpretations of Ramen, Chef Robbie incorporates ingredients and flavors into his creations, blending old and new. Not confined to one cuisine, Chef Robbie is redefining New American Southern food in the heart of Auburn. Chef Robbie is proud to be plating up some of the finest food in all of Alabama.

Featured on the show Southern & Hungry on the Cooking Channel, Chef Robbie is also affiliated with Southern Foodways Alliance, Eat Ya’ll , an honorary member of Chaine des Rotisseurs, and active member of the James Beard Foundation. Chef Nicolaisen has served on the board for the Chef-Farmer Coop Initiative through Clemson University and has also been publicly recognized for his talents by winning multiple awards from national publications and organizations such as the US Blueberry Council and California Almond Board.

Chef Robbie Nicolaisen currently resides in Auburn, AL with his wife Rachael, daughter Paisley, and son Charlie.