Executive Chef - Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company with a commitment to creating quality culinary innovations. This standard was upheld through the expansion into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services by providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, Raceways & more.

Our newest partner, The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter is a premier multi-purpose event facility dedicated to promoting Georgia’s agricultural heritage while hosting a wide variety of events, exhibitions, conventions, livestock shows, concerts, and community activities throughout the year. Located in Perry, Georgia, the Agricenter serves as a hub for education, entertainment, tourism, and economic development, welcoming visitors from across the state and region.

We are seeking an experienced culinary leader to join our growing Sports & Entertainment team as the Executive Chef for the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. This Chef will oversee the day-to-day responsibilities as well as planning the execution of the events. The ideal candidate has proven experience in large scale catering, is a strong leader with a mindset for team development, and is a creative and talented chef.

Responsibilities:

• Execution of culinary operations including planning, ordering, menu creation, and supervision of all event production and menus.
• Work closely with the GNFA client for menu development, logistical planning, and event day execution
• Work closely with the sales, operations, and staffing teams to ensure all aspects of service are discussed and understood by all
• Meets venue financial objectives by forecasting requirements; preparing an annual budget; scheduling expenditures; analyzing variances; initiating corrective actions.
• Create weekly financial reporting, to include declining balance, invoice tracking and labor vs. sales reports
• Develop, implement, and communicate creative menu items that adhere to the Proof of the Pudding standard
• Execution of events and food service while maintaining the highest level of food quality and presentation
• Manage financial goals and food cost of multiple coinciding events while maintaining and tracking the culinary budget
• Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen/food service areas
• Create and maintain the overall moral of the kitchen and culinary team
• Schedule staff and food production in accordance with the demands of business by working closely with the staffing and sales departments to ensure communication and budgets are kept
• Responsible for training, accountability, and scheduling of the culinary staff
  • Working with the HR team to ensure schedules for FOH & BOH are concurrent with scheduled events
• Oversee logistical planning and execution of events including communicating equipment needs and kitchen layouts
• Develop comprehensive prep sheets, food distribution plans, and efficient culinary event logistics
• Create relationships and maintain existing relations with subcontractors and 3rd parties
• Execute 3rd party contracts for events, assist in all logistical planning for partners with the operations team

Performs other related duties as needed