Executive Chef - Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter

Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company renowned for its commitment to culinary excellence and innovation. Established as a leader in the catering industry, Proof of the Pudding has expanded its reach significantly into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services, delivering elevated concessions and premium offerings at prestigious venues. These include collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, professional sports teams, raceways, and more. This expansion underscores the company’s dedication to providing not only high-quality food but also exceptional service experiences to a diverse range of audiences. Their ability to blend innovation with tradition has earned them a stellar reputation, positioning them as a trusted partner for large-scale and high-profile events.

The company’s newest collaboration is with The Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter located in Perry, Georgia. This premier multi-purpose event facility is dedicated to celebrating Georgia's rich agricultural heritage by hosting a wide variety of events including exhibitions, conventions, livestock shows, concerts, and community activities year-round. As a hub for education, entertainment, tourism, and economic development, the Agricenter welcomes visitors from across the state and the region, serving as a vibrant gathering place for community engagement and cultural celebration.

The Executive Chef role at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter represents a unique leadership opportunity to join Proof of the Pudding’s growing Sports and Entertainment team. This role entails overseeing all culinary operations, including the day-to-day responsibilities and the detailed planning and execution of events. The ideal candidate is a seasoned culinary leader with extensive experience in large-scale catering, who also demonstrates strong team leadership skills and innovative culinary creativity. This individual will work closely with internal teams and external clients, ensuring all aspects of food production and event logistics run smoothly and efficiently, maintaining the high standards that Proof of the Pudding is known for.

As an Executive Chef, the incumbent will be responsible for menu creation, ordering, supervising event production, and ensuring that every culinary offering aligns with the company’s quality benchmarks. A crucial part of the role involves collaboration with the GNFA client and various internal teams such as sales, operations, and staffing to ensure comprehensive service delivery. Financial management plays a significant role, requiring skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to meet venue objectives while controlling costs effectively. Maintaining food quality, presentation, and safety standards is paramount, alongside managing and motivating the culinary team to foster a positive, productive work environment.

This position demands hands-on leadership and an active presence during events to ensure all culinary operations exceed guest expectations. Operating from the venue’s on-site office, the Executive Chef will balance administrative duties with dynamic event execution. The role requires a candidate who thrives in fast-paced environments, exhibits impeccable integrity, fosters inclusive teamwork, and is passionate about continuous improvement and culinary excellence. Proof of the Pudding offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 annually with potential bonus opportunities, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, 401k, short and long-term disability, cell phone reimbursement, and HSA options.

Overall, this is a prestigious and rewarding opportunity for an executive culinary professional committed to leading a successful and innovative culinary program within a prominent event and entertainment venue that celebrates community and culture.