Influence This | Episode 16: Shannon Waters

Apr 23, 2024

A former chef, restaurant consultant, and culinary school professor, Shannon Waters has spent a lot of time in kitchens. Formally trained at The French Culinary Institute in New York, she went on to hold positions at some of the best restaurants in the country and gain skills and technique from renowned Chefs. Her love of cooking and the outdoors collided when she packed a heavy cast iron pan into the backcountry. That’s when she realized that if she was going to enjoy a great adventure and a great meal, she was going to have to find a solution for packable meals. That’s how her company, Gastro Gnome got its start. Shannon has taught at Montana State University and Gallatin College both in the Culinary and Hospitality fields and holds a Master's Certificate from Cornell University in Restaurant Management. Shannon now eats a lot of really dry food in far flung places accessible by packable boat, mountain bike, or skis. When she's not out there, she's raising her 8 month old daughter and eating plenty of Cheerios.