We're excited to see the field of competitors who have already won their golden ticket and registered to compete at the 2024 World Food Championships. And we are always proud to announce our special guests and celebrity judges participating in our judging events across the nation - we're sure the championship food certainly helps! Best of luck to our 2024 competitors!
COMPETITOR
Bates Technical College
HEAD COOK: J.J. Meland
COMPETITION: World Burger Championship
QUALIFYING EVENT: WFC Special Invitation
I grew up in professional kitchens. My father was a executive chef and I followed him to work most of the time, helping out in the kitchen whenever I could. So when it came to deciding my career it was an easy and natural choice. I went to my fist culinary school when I was only 16 years old, working on graduating high school at the same time. The school was in Astoria Oregon. After graduating at 17 I wasted no time and started cooking. After four years of cooking I was a lead line cook at a busy restaurant. My chef at that time told me that I would never make it as a chef. That was all the motivation I needed. I went back to Culinary School and I graduated with a 4.0 G.P.A and class alumni president of Western Culinary Institute in Portland Oregon. I came back to my old job as the sous chef and quickly took over as head chef proving to myself that I could do it. I have been a chef for many well-known hotels and restaurants, such as the Marriott, Coast Hotels & Resorts, Silver City Restaurant and El Gaucho in Washington state and serve on the board for the Washington State Chef’s Association. I am a active member in the community, working with the Boys and Girls Clubs, local high schools, and the Goodwill. I am currently a tenured culinary arts instructor at Bates Technical College in Tacoma Washington teaching two programs. I feel this competition is the next step in my culinary adventures. I am very honored to be invited and, very excited cook in the World Food Championships!