Meet Your Local Chef: Jake Yeomans!

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Jake Yeomans, our Production Kitchen Assistant Manager. If you’ve ever enjoyed a warm cup of Co-op soup on a snowy day, there’s a good chance Jake had a hand in making it.

From Burlington to Bozeman

Jake’s story with co-ops started back in Burlington, Vermont, at the Onion River Co-op. That’s where he first saw how the co-op model could bring people together — and he was hooked. “When I moved here about six years ago,” Jake says, “I got an entry-level job in the (then) new production kitchen and set my sights on learning as much as I could from the co-opers who built this place into what it is.” With basic knife skills and a hunger to grow, Jake worked his way up, one delicious dish at a time, to join the Co-op’s management team. Along the way, he’s had great mentors, friends, and opportunities to develop his craft.

Life in the Kitchen

On any given day, you’ll find Jake moving between the kitchen and the store — cooking, training, and connecting with shoppers and staff. His favorite part of the job? “I’m learning every day; soaking in information from the staff, management team, customers, and vendors.”

When winter rolls around, Jake’s love for big-batch cooking truly shines. “I love making absolutely massive batches of soup in the winter. The White Chicken Chili is my personal favorite. In peak soup season, we are making hundreds of gallons per week, all in-house.” Collaborating with his team on new recipes is one of the most rewarding parts of his role. For Jake, the Co-op is a bridge to the Bozeman community. He enjoys chatting with longtime shoppers who share bits of local history, as well as visitors heading to Yellowstone or winding down after a day at Bridger Bowl. “The variety of people who shop here keeps it interesting,” he says.

Life Beyond the Kitchen

When he’s not whipping up soups or training staff, Jake is out exploring Montana’s beauty with his dog, Marlin. Whether kayaking crystal-clear lakes, hiking in the Rockies, or camping under the stars with his partner and pup, he’s always up for an adventure. He’s also a talented musician who enjoys playing guitar and piano.

Thank you, Jake, for your dedication, creativity, and the warmth you bring to both our kitchen and our community.