Meet Chris Flagg, Culinary Director at Autumn Glen at Dartmouth, whose journey into senior living was inspired early in life by time spent with his grandmother and her senior neighbors – helping with yardwork, sharing laughs at bingo, and building a genuine connection with older adults. With nearly three decades in the field since his first role as a prep cook in 1997, Chris brings creativity, heart, and a passion for making a difference through food. Known for his juicy steaks, personalized meals, and the joy he brings to the dining room, Chris takes pride in creating memorable experiences that support residents’ health, happiness, and quality of life. At Autumn Glen, he continues to build lasting relationships while crafting dishes that truly WOW.
Culinary Director Spotlight – Chris Flagg
Culinary Director: Chris Flagg
Community: Autumn Glen at Dartmouth
What first made you interested in working in Senior Living?
When I was little, I spent a good amount of time with my grandmother on weekends and in the summertime and I liked to help her around the house fixing things and taking care of her yard also her neighbors were seniors as well and needed help so I would help them out too doing things for them at their house. I would go with her to play bingo at the center up the road and I would talk with a lot of her friends, and they thought I was very funny and would say “you should come here more often and make us laugh.” I knew somewhere around ten years old that I liked being around seniors and felt I should be involved with them more and become a helper of some sort to them in the future. Also my two sisters were working in a nursing home, one as an RCA and the other as a RN, and they would always ask if I wanted to work with them. I knew at some point I would become an employee at a nursing home and/or assisted living community and I did shortly after an opening came available.
How long have you been working in Senior Living and what was your first job in this field?
My first job in senior living was at a retirement community back in October of 1997 (right next door to where my sisters worked) my sister knew someone who knew the chef and I got the job right away. I got hired as a prep/lunch cook and was extremely excited to be working in this role as a new member of the culinary team.
What is your favorite part about working in Senior Living?
My favorite part of working in senior living is the many relationships I’ve gained over the years both with the residents and their families and the lifelong connections with my peers.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about being a Culinary Director?
One thing I wish everyone knew about being a culinary director is that you can make a positive impact on a residents life through the food they eat by adjusting to their specific dietary needs.
What is one piece of advice you would share with someone thinking of starting a career in Senior Living?
I would let them know that the residents truly appreciate the care and help you are giving them and this job gives them the opportunity to make a direct impact on a person’s life.
What keeps you invested in the field?
I feel that as long as my residents show interest in creating an enjoyable dining experience and eating food that is healthy and good for their quality of life…… I’m ALL IN!
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is creating unique and creative recipes that WOW our residents, to see the joy in their eyes when eating something our culinary team created is a great feeling.
What is the best part about working at Autumn Glen or at Northbridge?
Autumn Glen/Northbridge is a great company to work for that cares about our residents and their well-being.
What is your favorite meal to prepare for the residents?
I love cooking a good juicy steak!
Want to try out Chef Chris’s steak? Click here for the recipe complete with ingredients and instructions!