Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program
Mission
To create a statewide, Georgia Grown Executive Chef program to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers. The program will create a mark of honor and distinction for each chef involved, and garner a greater awareness both among restaurateurs and consumers about the availability of quality, local products on Georgia’s restaurant scene.
Every year, the new class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs are honored at the GRA's Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception.
Register your restaurant for taste of georgia
This annual event, held in February during the Georgia legislative session, is an opportunity for GRA members to showcase their food to elected officials and for our legislators to network with our state’s second largest employer. To view event details and registration requirements, click HERE.
Apply for the Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program
The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Georgia Grown campaign has partnered with the Georgia Restaurant Association for a statewide Georgia Grown Executive Chef program; your involvement in this program contributes to our mission to create a greater awareness both among restaurateurs and consumers about the importance of buying and eating local. Winners will be honored at the GRA's Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Interested in becoming a 2025 Georgia Grown Executive Chef? Review the requirements and complete the application process HERE.
Past Georgia Grown Executive Chefs
2024
Lauren Bolden, Pie Bar
Jared Hucks, The Alden
Thomas Jacobs, North Pointe Hospitality
Ashley Keyes, The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, Inc. (C.H.O.I.C.E.S.)
Stuart Rogers, Your 3rd Spot
Jason Vullo, Community Brew and Tap
2023
Chef Robert Butts, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
Chef Kristina Dahl, Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia | Helms College
Chef Karl Gorline, the Woodall
Chef Ray Kees, Krystal Restaurants
Chef Matthew Raiford, Gilliard Farms
2020 - 2022
Jamie Adams
Alex Friedman
Timothy Magee
Jessica Rothacker
Maricela Vega
Peter Vossenberg
2019
Julio Delgado
Jessica Gamble
Greg Lipman
Thomas McKeown
Christian Perez
Deborah VanTrece
2018
Evan Cordes
Julian Goglia
Chef Jason Jimenez
Brian David Jones
Zach Meloy
Christian Rodriguez
Chef Todd White
2017
Chef Rusty Bowers
Chef Megan Brent
Chef Cynthia Graubart
Chef Dusty Grove
Chef Nick Leahy
Chef Jason Paolini
2016
Chef David Larkworthy
Chef Savannah Haseler
Chef Douglas Turbush
Chef Seth Freedman
Chef Derek Dollar
2015
Chef Matthew Basford
Chef Cathy Conway
Chef Jay Swift
Chef John Syzmanski
2014
Senior Director Gary Coltek
Chef Roberto Leoci
Chef Marc Taft
Chef Virginia Willis
2013
Chef Jennifer Hill Booker
Chef Linton Hopkins
Chef Ahmad Nourzad
Chef David Snyder
2012
Chef Holly Chute
Chef Michael Deihl
Chef Kevin Gillespie
Chef Hilary White