About Ray Wiley

Ray was many things to many people. He was loyal, honest, fun, down for whatever, and any other awesome trait you would want your brother to have.  Ray was full of laughter, love, fun, dancing and if we are being honest at times some really bad decisions.  Ray was a brother to many of us, a son, uncle, classmate, teammate, dance partner and so much more.

Ray’s passion for cooking started at Queen of Peace grade school where he created his first culinary masterpiece, Cheese Donuts:  Take a piece of cheese and fold it in half, but not too far because you don’t want to break the cheese.  After you fold the cheese, bite in the middle.  Then unfold it and you have a cheese donut.  After grade school Ray went on to Althoff Catholic high school where he won best personality, a trait that would serve him loyally throughout his culinary career.  After High School Ray attended the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, Le Cordon Bleu.

Ray was well known for his impact on the culinary profession in both St. Louis and Chicago. His career spanned 18 years and included experience at Butler’s Pantry, Stefani Restaurant Group, and most recently was the General Manager and Executive Chef at Beffa’s Bar and Restaurant in midtown STL.

Ray was known as a fun-loving leader who created enthusiastic and productive kitchens. He could often be found starting the dance party both in the kitchen and at the bar. Saying Ray was the life of the party is not an exaggeration, he brought the party to every gathering large or small. He had the slickest dance moves and the best playlists. When you became Ray’s friend, you became a friend for life.