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Our signature chefs play an integral part in keeping us on the leading edge. Their passion, insights and real world expertise influence nearly every part of our foodservice business, from product innovation to identifying the latest trends. Unique perspectives that keep us (and you) in-the-know about the state of our industry and where it’s heading next. Take a moment to get to know our culinary creators.
Corporate Chef
Culinary Collective Lead
With culinary interests that started in the family kitchen of his aunt’s Vermont farm, Barry would go on to become Executive Chef at the University of Iowa. His 30-year tenure gives him invaluable insights across all aspects of foodservice, but Barry’s impressive industry experience doesn’t stop there.
Barry has received countless industry awards and accolades throughout in his career, including grand prize winner of Minor’s® Flavor Expedition Recipe Contest and top honors at the Cattleman’s “Best of the Barbecue” competition. He’s also a certified barbecue judge with the Kansas City Barbecue Society and has been a National Certification Committee member with ACF since March of 2021.
Cooking is where Barry feels most at home and finding ways to connect through food is what he loves most about the foodservice industry. To him, it’s always about the people whether it’s the guests he serves or the chefs who inspire him.
What trend has Barry excited right now? Everything BBQ, from its rich smoky flavors to the meticulous cooking process needed to get it right.
Executive Chef
Erich has been working as a corporate chef for over 30 years. From director of culinary sales to executive research chef, there isn’t a culinary role Erich hasn’t had. And it’s his experience across so many corporate kitchens that make him such a valuable resource for our team.
In terms of chef-to-chef tips, bacon grease is one Erich’s favorite cooking hacks. He suggests adding a little when cooking eggs or baking biscuits to open up a whole new world of flavor.
Where does Erich go for culinary inspiration? He loves asking his daughters to arrange dining when they travel since they always find unexpected places that excite him.
Executive Chef
Hormel Foods Retail
Amy started her culinary career in Italy, where she assisted with nightly five-course meals at a prominent agriturismo (a style of vacationing in farm house resorts). Beyond her time in the kitchen, Amy helped maintain and harvest olive trees and cared for 130 Sardinian goats.
Following her time abroad, Amy honed her culinary skills at restaurants in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and New Orleans. She also spent 9 years working as a business marketing manager at Columbus Craft Meats.
What does Amy rely on to keep her busy kitchen running smoothly? Music. That’s right, singing songs in her head keeps her ready and focused no matter what comes her way. As for Amy’s favorite source of food inspiration, she says she loves her Culinary Collective team. That, and Instagram.
Executive Chef
As a World Certified Executive Chef and a World Certified Master Chef, Chef Jim Murray brings ample culinary expertise to the Hormel Foods team. His gastronomic journey has brought him to iconic food manufacturers along with the National Pork Board where he spent 10 years as the Executive Chef, Channel Market Development Manager.
In the kitchen’s most chaotic moments, Chef Jim relies on mise en place to maintain constant preparedness, ensuring he can respond efficiently to any challenge. What he cherishes most about working in foodservice is the instant feedback he receives from operators and customers, providing a sense of immediate impact.
Senior Chef
Chef Jen Selvaggi’s culinary journey began in the heart of her childhood kitchen, where her mother instilled a love for cooking from a young age. After graduating from Kendall College with a degree in Culinary Arts, her path led her to Balena Italian Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois.
What she loves most about working in foodservice is connecting with people who share a common passion for great food. Her inspiration comes from the vibrant food scene in Chicago, a city that continually offers new culinary experiences. In her busiest kitchen moments, Chef Jen relies on humor to keep the atmosphere easygoing and joyful.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Jen enjoys spending time with her dogs and going fishing.
Assistant Chef
With over 30 years of R&D experience at Hormel Foods, Gina rounds out our culinary team by being the voice for what’s possible. Her unique expertise and passion for food are the perfect blend of product innovation and delicious creativity.
Gina comes from a long line of hard working foodies. From Italy to Nova Scotia to Minnesota, culinary curiosity has been in her bloodline for generations. What’s her favorite Hormel Foods experience? Working the 2022 NRA Show after a 3-year Covid hiatus and seeing people face-to-face. It was magic!
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