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
palace Casino Resort, Wahoo's
HEAD COOK: Dean Kronauer
COMPETITION: World Sandwich Championship
Executive Chef Dean Kronauer My passion for food began at a very early age. With my father being a cook in the military. When he would cook at home, I would sit on the counter watch. My mother was a great cook also. As I grew older I would help my mother cook meals. The real treat was going to Grandma’s house, she was a true southern "from scratch cook". I watched her whenever I got the chance to. It was a learning experience for me. I starting cooking professionally in a southern Donut shop. From there I moved to A small dinner where I did everything there was to do in a kitchen. While there I was able to start developing my own recipes and cooking style. I worked my way up to lead cook. From there I moved to a lead cook position in a fine dining restaurant. After a time I was able to get in to buffet style cooking. I started as A line cook and worked my way up to Sous Chef with-in six months. I worked in a other Buffet Restaurants after that. In 2001 I began working at the Palace Casino Resort Buffet, Biloxi, MS. I have worked my way through the management ranks and I am currently the Executive Chef of the award winning Best Buffet in the market. Along my journey I have entered in many culinary competitions winning some along the way.