Chef Kaiser

Chef Peter Kaiser has been a part of the Atlanta dining scene for over 30 years, working at some of the top-rated restaurant groups and with the best chefs in the city. His impressive history of success and outstanding reviews has made Peter Kaiser one of the most respected and sought-after chefs in Atlanta.

Growing up in Liechtenstein, Kaiser grew up with strong ties to the food community, with his family owning a popular cafe and grocery. It was natural for Kaiser to carry on a passion for the culinary arts. He apprenticed for a pastry chef for three years before his father landed him another apprenticeship at one of Liechtenstein’s top French restaurants, Real. After realizing he preferred cooking to baking, Kaiser embarked on his culinary journey. Kaiser’s first real job in the kitchen was at the elite resort restaurant Alpine Rose in Gstaad Switzerland where he was a line cook. He took this experience to his next opportunity, the Guide Michelin restaurant Chez Max in Zurich. Kaiser spent two years at Chez Max, including traveling around the world with owner Max Kell, before settling in the United States.

Kaiser officially called Atlanta home in 1986. His sister, who had already settled in Atlanta, introduced him to acclaimed chefs Paul Albrecht and Pano Karatassos of Buckhead Life Group. Soon after, he was hired by the group as a sous chef at Capriccio (now Pricci). Albrecht and Karatassos quickly noticed Kaiser’s abilities in the kitchen and offered him the opportunity of executive sous chef at the prestigious Pano’s and Paul’s. In 1995, after being recognized as an innovative force in the kitchen, Kaiser took over as executive chef at the Buckhead Diner, creating signature dishes and menus that diners and critics raved over. He returned to Pano’s and Paul’s after Albrecht’s retirement as executive chef in 1998, overseeing a complete restaurant remodel and menu revamp with tremendous success. Kaiser’s next venture was with Here to Serve Restaurant Group and owner Tom Catharall in 2001 as executive chef of Goldfish. Once Goldfish took off, Catharall chose Kaiser to establish and open a new restaurant, Twist, and eventually take the helm as executive corporate chef.

In 2017, Kaiser fulfilled his lifelong dream of opening a restaurant with his own namesake, Kaiser’s Chophouse, in collaboration with friend of over 20 years and esteemed chef, Kevin Rathbun. Located in the heart of Sandy Springs, the restaurant focuses on sourcing the highest quality and freshest ingredients while providing unforgettable service in a luxurious, yet comfortable environment. 

Kaiser’s culinary expertise has led to numerous television and radio appearances. Most recently, his endeavor Kaiser’s Chophouse has been recognized as one of Atlanta’s 50 Best Restaurants by Atlanta Magazine as well as one of 14 Must-Try Atlanta Steakhouses and one of Atlanta’s 10 Most Important Restaurant Openings of 2017 by Zagat. He is an active volunteer with local food non-profits like Project Open Hand, the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Meals on Wheels.