Michael Klocinski, C.E.C., owner and chef at Mako’s Coastal Kitchen, began his culinary journey at age fifteen in Lima, Ohio, where he quickly developed a deep dedication to the craft. After moving to Columbus, he worked his way up from dishwasher to lead line cook at La Scala Italian Bistro. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Alexis, and began building their family.
His extensive private club experience includes completing a chef’s apprenticeship program at Muirfield Village Golf Club under Chef John Souza. Michael earned his first Executive Chef title at Shaker Heights Country Club, successfully running the operation for five years. He went on to manage two clubhouses at Forest Highlands Golf Club in Flagstaff, Arizona, before spending the past ten years as Executive Chef at the Boca Bay Pass Club in Florida.
Throughout his twenty-year career, Michael has specialized in building strong, capable culinary teams. Guided by the hospitality philosophy, which is “The answer is yes, what is the question?” He makes sure his team takes initiative and regularly goes beyond what members expect. He brings extensive administrative expertise, including budget creation, board collaboration, and overseeing design inputs for four major clubhouse and kitchen renovations.
Michael and Alexis have raised three children: Karli, Riley, and Tyler. Now, he and his family are excited to bring his passion, expertise, love for the outdoors, and his incredible culinary gifts to the community of Englewood.
What is your most marked or distinctive characteristic?
Attention to details and helping others.
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty
Who is your hero of fiction?
He Man
Who are your heroes in real life?
Philanthropists and those who use their influence and wealth to help the underprivileged. People like Melinda Gates for her generous sum of donations and also those like Snoop Dog who gives time and money in his youth football league in LA.
What is it that you most dislike?
Disorganization
What is your greatest regret?
Not meeting my wife sooner. Also discovering how great it is to work together.
What is your motto?
Do not treat others how you would like to be treated. Treat others like they would like to be treated.
Every edition, Englewood REVIEW spotlights someone who stands out in the community. We ask each person to tackle The Proust Questionnaire; a classic set of questions created by Marcel Proust, the French writer.
