l-r: Chef Olivia Rader - Georgia Grown (short sleeve jacket); Chef Holly Chute (long sleeve jacket) - Georgia Grown Executive Chef; Karen Bremer - Georgia Restaurant Association President + CEO; Justin Triplett - MBC Concessions, GRA Board Chair; Chef Robert Butts – Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours; Tyler Harper - Georgia Agriculture Commissioner; First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp; Governor Brian Kemp; Chef Kristina Dahl – Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Helms College; Chef Ray Kees – Krystal Restaurants (photo courtesy Brandon Amato)

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper and Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) President + CEO Karen Bremer announced five new Georgia Grown Executive Chefs at the 2023 Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception last night. 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 2023 Executive Chefs include: 

• 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

“We’re honored that these phenomenal chefs, many of whom also are small business owners, have accepted the distinction of wearing a Georgia Grown chef’s coat,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “This program is one of the many ways our relationship with the Georgia Restaurant Association has helped our team support our growers and producers.” 

“Each year, our new class of Georgia Grown Executive Chefs raises the bar with their incredible skills and enthusiasm,” said GRA President + CEO Karen Bremer. “We are thrilled to have these five chefs represent our state’s culinary scene in 2023. Each is a true champion of the Georgia Grown program, passionate about promoting the use of local, season food on their menus and strengthening relationships with Georgia suppliers.” 

In its 12th 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.