Jim Johnston, executive chef at the Hot Springs Convention Center from 1998 to 2000, is returning to become the center's chef de cuisine and director of food and beverage.
Brad Wolken, president of Turf Catering Co., which handles all food and beverage services at the convention center, said, "We are pleased that Jim is returning to the convention center, bringing his culinary and management skills to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who dine at the facility annually.
"Jim is returning to the convention center where he led the original design and planning team for Turf Catering in 1998 during the construction and expansion of the center," Wolken said. "Jim was the executive chef for two years after the center reopened.
"Jim is looking to showcase culinary excellence at the convention center. He will broaden and diversify our offerings in traditional, ethnic and gourmet dining as well as showcase new trends in healthier and lighter choices," said Wolken. "I welcome him back to the Turf Catering team."
Johnston was executive chef and later food and beverage director at Oaklawn Racing and Gaming through the development and construction of Oaklawn's new gaming facility and the opening of Oaklawn's Lagniappe Restaurant. In 2011, he became food and beverage director at The Atrium, a nationally known retirement community in Hot Springs.
Business on 08/18/2014