Monmouth chef Kim Fornero recalls staffing the Olympics in Athens, Beijing

Longtime Aramark employee grew up in Pontiac, attended SIU

by Barry McNamara

Monmouth, IL (02/10/2026) — Olympians run - and, in the winter, skate, ski and sled - on food for fuel. But there is also a large contingent of non-Olympians at the quadrennial event who need to be fed, and one of Monmouth College's own has had two experiences serving them.

Executive chef Kim Fornero had the privilege of working the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing through his association with Aramark, the food service provider for the college.

With the 2026 Winter Olympic Games set to begin Feb. 6 in Italy, it seemed a good time to revisit that memorable work assignment for Fornero, who's been preparing meals for Monmouth students since 1999.

Feeding the journalists

"In Athens, I worked in the International Broadcast Center," said Fornero. "More specifically, my compound was responsible for part of NBC's sports broadcasters and crew. We were a 24-hour operation, as they would broadcast some events that occurred earlier in the day at night, United States time, since there was an eight-hour time difference. We were also responsible for Today's green room for its anchors and guests."

Fornero was also in the IBC in Beijing, this time helping to feed journalists covering the Olympics, as well as various dignitaries.

"The owner of our compound, which was just across the street from the Olympic stadium that was known as the 'Bird's Nest,' was one of the most powerful and influential businesspeople in China," he said.

The Acropolis and the Great Wall

Fornero applied for the twice-in-a-lifetime opportunity through Aramark. After passing the interview portion, he had a three-month assignment for Athens and worked for two months in Beijing. Both experiences provided plenty of memorable moments.

"In Athens, I first lived in the port village of Rafina for a couple of weeks, then moved to an apartment/hotel in the center of Athens, where I could walk out of my building and look down the street at the Acropolis, day or night. At night, it was completely lit up," said Fornero. "I could also visit many historical sites and restaurants and cafes. In Beijing, I enjoyed my time touring many of the historic sites in and around the city, and I so enjoyed walking The Great Wall of China."

Athletic feats and gold-medal performances are certainly a key part of the Olympics, but so is the Olympic Spirit of promoting peace and global unity through sport, with so many of the world's cultures brought together. In particular, Fornero relished the opportunity to be immersed in each host country's culture.

"Both cultures were amazing to experience," he said. "Each had their own great attributes. Both had marvelous historic sites and venues to visit, and I would enjoy visiting either place again. But I would really like to visit China again, as I still have acquaintances there I communicate with periodically."

Fornero started in the food service industry at his hometown's country club in Pontiac, Illinois, just after he turned 15. He attended Joliet Junior College's culinary arts program, then earned a bachelor's degree in hospitality, tourism and event management, specializing in food service, from Southern Illinois University.

"I've worked in many different states, many different cities, and I've had the opportunity to cook for presidents, the White House chief of staff, celebrities, pro athletes and princes," said Fornero, who said he cooked for George W. Bush for a campaign at the Adam's Mark Hotel in St. Louis, for Bill Clinton, also in St. Louis, and for George H.W. Bush for Monmouth College's 2000 commencement.

"But most of all, I enjoy cooking for family and friends, and especially Monmouth students - getting to know them and their families. I enjoy the students because they keep me young."

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