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Ithaca Hummus founder Chris Kirby named 2026 Cornell Hospitality Innovator

By: Crystal Bertou Marsh
Chris Kirby '15 stands in front of a Ithaca Hummus display in a grocery store.

Chris Kirby ’15, founder and CEO of Ithaca Hummus, has been named the 2026 Cornell Hospitality Innovator. Kirby will be honored at the annual Cornell Hospitality Icon & Innovator celebration on June 2 in New York City, hosted by the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration and the Pillsbury Institute for Hospitality Entrepreneurship. The award recognizes visionary leaders whose work is transforming industries through innovation, entrepreneurship and impact.

Founded by Kirby while he was a student at Cornell, Ithaca Hummus has grown from a local startup into the nation’s leading premium hummus brand, known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors and disruptive approach to refrigerated foods. What began as a small venture selling hummus at local farmers’ markets has evolved into a nationally distributed brand available in thousands of grocery stores nationwide.

“Chris exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative mindset we strive to cultivate in our students,” said Kate Walsh, Dimond Family Dean of the Cornell Nolan Hotel School. “His journey from Cornell student entrepreneur to founder and CEO of a nationally recognized food brand is an inspiring example of what is possible when vision, determination and hospitality intersect.”

Kirby launched Ithaca Hummus in 2013 after recognizing an opportunity to bring fresher, more flavorful hummus to the marketplace. With an emphasis on high-quality ingredients, chef-inspired recipes and a differentiated refrigerated product, the company quickly carved out a unique position in the competitive consumer packaged goods landscape.

As Ithaca Hummus expanded, Kirby remained committed to innovation and operational excellence, building a brand centered on freshness, taste and accessibility. Today, Ithaca Hummus products are sold in more than 10,000 retail locations nationwide, including major grocery chains and specialty retailers throughout the United States.

Kirby’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply rooted in Cornell. While a student, he leveraged resources, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities offered through the Nolan Hotel School and the Pillsbury Institute to refine his business concept and launch the company. Since then, he has built on that early foundation to grow Ithaca Hummus into a nationally recognized brand known for innovation and impact within the food industry.

The Cornell Hospitality Innovator Award honors leaders whose creativity, vision and business acumen are shaping the future of hospitality and entrepreneurship. As the 2026 recipient, Kirby joins a distinguished group of alumni industry leaders recognized for driving innovation and redefining what is possible within their fields.