Prior to founding Bearcat, Kovach helped manage some of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago as Chef de Cuisine at Elizabeth Restaurant, a one Michelin-starred restaurant; the opening Executive Pastry Chef of Ever, which won two Michelin stars within 6 months of opening; the Executive Pastry Chef for two Michelin-starred Acadia; and Executive Pastry Chef of one Michelin-starred Band of Bohemia, respectively.

In 2017, Kovach received a Young Gun nomination from Eater, as well as the semi-finalist spot on Zagat’s first national 30 under 30 list. Kovach and his recipes have been featured in numerous national publications including Food & Wine Magazine, USA Today, and Eater.