2024 Class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) President + CEO Stephanie Fischer announced six new Georgia Grown Executive Chefs at the 2024 Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception recently. The Georgia Grown Executive Chef program is a statewide program designed to promote and foster relationships between chefs and farmers while spreading awareness about the quality of locally sourced and grown products in Georgia’s restaurant scene.

The 2024 Executive Chefs include:

• 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

“This year we’re incredibly excited to announce a phenomenal group of chefs as the 2024 class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs,” said Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “These culinary leaders from across the state have earned the privilege of wearing the Georgia Grown chef’s coat for their commitment to supporting Georgia agriculture by sourcing high-quality, Georgia Grown ingredients from local farmers and building bridges between farmers, suppliers, restaurants and chefs. This program would not be possible without our partners at the Georgia Restaurant Association, and I want to thank GRA and President Fischer for their continued support of Georgia’s #1 industry.”

“I am proud and honored to congratulate our 2024 Georgia Grown Executive Chefs for this remarkable achievement,” said GRA President + CEO Stephanie Fischer. “By fostering partnerships between restaurants, suppliers and local farmers, Georgia Grown Executive Chefs are champions for culinary education, sustainability, regional economic growth and Georgia’s rich agricultural heritage. Each of our 2024 Executive Chefs has demonstrated excellence in their fields and a commitment to service. Through their participation this program, they are inspiring the next generation of culinary professionals to make meaningful contributions to their communities. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in our shared mission of making Georgia a place where businesses can thrive.”

In its 15th year, the Georgia Grown Executive Chef program continues to strengthen awareness of Georgia Grown products around the state, while acknowledging a diverse group of culinary professionals who prioritize Georgia Grown in their restaurants, schools and communities.

(Left to Right: Georgia Grown Executive Chef Olivia Rader, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Laura Bolden, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fishcer, GRA Board Chairman Justin Triplett)

(Left to Right: Georgia Grown Executive Chef Olivia Rader, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Ashley Keyes, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fishcer, GRA Board Chairman Justin Triplett)

(Left to Right: Georgia Grown Executive Chef Olivia Rader, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Jared Hucks, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fishcer, GRA Board Chairman Justin Triplett)

(Left to Right: Georgia Grown Executive Chef Olivia Rader, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Stuart Rogers, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fishcer, GRA Board Chairman Justin Triplett)

(Left to Right: Georgia Grown Executive Chef Olivia Rader, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Jason Vullo, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fishcer, GRA Board Chairman Justin Triplett)

(Left to Right: Georgia Grown Executive Chef Olivia Rader, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Chef Thomas Jacobs, GRA President & CEO Stephanie Fishcer, GRA Board Chairman Justin Triplett)

About Georgia Grown: The Georgia Grown program provides a powerful new branding tool as well as education, marketing and business connections to expand agribusinesses and the agricultural industry throughout Georgia. Learn more today at www.GeorgiaGrown.com.

About the Georgia Restaurant Association: The Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) mission is to serve as the voice for Georgia’s restaurants in Advocacy, Education and Awareness. The GRA is sanctioned by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) to operate Georgia’s only not-for-profit representing the state’s foodservice industry. From large chains to start-ups, the GRA helps make Georgia a better place for restaurants to do business and helps make restaurants better for Georgia. For more information, visit www.garestaurants.org.