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
Wind Creek Montgomery Casino & Hotel
HEAD COOK: Kelly Hargroves
COMPETITION: World Burger Championship
Biography Chef Kelly Hargroves Chef Kelly Hargroves joined the Wind Creek Hospitality culinary team in 2016. He currently serves as Room Chef of Wind Creek Casino & Hotel Montgomery. In this role, Chef Kelly oversees team member dining, catering and hotel room service. He also represents the Wind Creek culinary team in competitions including the Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Offs and the upcoming Alabama Seafood Cook-Off Top-4 competition in Orange Beach, Ala. In 1994, Hargroves earned an associate’s degree from the culinary arts program at Trenholm State Technical College. Since that time, he has spent years working with professionals in Montgomery, his city of inspiration. “I have been lucky to work with several of Montgomery’s finest chefs and restaurants over the last two decades; I’ve learned a lot from the culinary community here,” Hargroves said. “That community has helped our food scene grow into one of Alabama’s best.” Chef Kelly is passionate about preparing seafood and game – something that stems from his family’s enthusiasm for hunting and fishing. One of Chef Kelly’s proudest accomplishments is becoming a loving husband and father of four wonderful children.