Jose Garces
Renowned Latin-American chef Jose Garces translates his rich cultural traditions and culinary vision into personal dining experiences through Garces, a Philadelphia-based hospitality group. Taking a heartfelt and creative approach to time-honored recipes and dishes, Garces, in partnership with IdEATion Hospitality (New Orleans-based Ballard Brands; David Maser, a Philadelphia attorney and investor; and Ronnie Artigues, Ballard Brands’ general counsel), operates numerous restaurants including Amada, Distrito, Tinto, Village Whiskey, JG Domestic, Volvér, The Olde Bar, Buena Onda, Ortzi at the LUMA Hotel Times Square, Okatshe, Olón and Bar Olón at Tropicana Atlantic City, and Amada and Distrito Cantina in the Ocean Resort Casino. The group also operates Garces Events, a full-service catering and event division; the Garces Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to Philadelphia’s underserved immigrant community; and Luna Farm, Chef Garces’ 40-acre farm in Bucks County, PA.
To learn more visit garcesgroup.com and @chefjosegarces.
KEVIN SBRAGA
Justly renowned as a culinary innovator, Chef Kevin Sbraga brings exceptional creativity experience to the kitchen. Best known for his winning turn on Season 7 of Bravo’s hit Top Chef, he is also an inventive executive chef who has helmed some the Philadelphia area’s most exciting restaurants of the past 10 years. Today, Kevin serves as Principal of Sbraga Consulting, in addition to serving as the Executive Director of Culinary for the Fitler Club, a members only lifestyle club.
Most recently, Chef Sbraga appeared alongside Gordon Ramsay and Christina Tosi on FOX’s MasterChefSeason 7; in addition to his work as a food personality, he makes celebrity and charitable appearances across the country and consults on private dining and hospitality projects.
MARCIE TURNEY
As one of Philadelphia’s most prominent and ambitious businesswoman, Chef Marcie Turney has worked for more than a decade alongside her partner Valerie Safran to transform the once-desolate 13thStreet neighborhood into what has become known as the trendy “Midtown Village.” Today, Chef Turney and Safran’s five wildly popular restaurants in the neighborhood (Barbuzzo, Lolita, Jamonera, Little Nonna’s, Bud & Marilyn’s, as well as their gourmet prepared food market, Grocery, and two lifestyle boutiques, Open House and Verde, are thriving.
Additionally, Chef Turney has also created her own signature line of chocolates, Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates, which are sold online and at their lifestyle boutique, Verde.