Atlanta Native, Accomplished Author and Philanthropist Will Bring Vast Food, Dining and Hospitality Experience to ‘Atlanta’s Largest Restaurant’

ATLANTA – The Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena have tapped award-winning and critically acclaimed chef, author and TV personality G. Garvin as Chief Culinary Officer to oversee the food experience throughout the venue. Teaming with Levy, the hospitality partner of State Farm Arena, Chef G. Garvin will bring his more than 25 years of experience working with luxury brands throughout the country, curating fine-dining experiences for high-profile celebrities and dignitaries, to one of the NBA’s top-rated dining experiences as selected by season ticket members.

 

A native of Atlanta, Chef G. Garvin began his illustrious career at Old Vinings Inn at 13 years old before becoming the youngest line cook in the gourmet dining room of downtown Atlanta’s The Ritz-Carlton, at the age of 16.

 

“As a kid growing up in Atlanta taking the Marta across the city for school and work, it was a real treat to get to watch the Hawks play on the occasional downtime. Then we'd all go out to play basketball at the neighborhood hoop pretending to be your favorite player. As a kid I wasn't afraid to dream bigger than what was the norm for us because I believed that if I could dream it, I could achieve it- but I could never have dreamed of something like this- becoming the Chief Culinary Officer with the Hawks and State farm Arena. I feel like the luckiest kid in the world and all because I believed that food was my way to make a difference in my family's life, and now I get to make a difference in the lives of families all over the country. I love this city and I am humbled and forever grateful for this great opportunity,” Chef G. Garvin said.

 

Selected by the luxury hotel to open The Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage (Rancho Mirage, Calif.), Chef G. Garvin worked under the tutelage of Chef Jean Pierre Dubray before heading to Europe to serve as an apprentice to legendary Chef Jean Pierre Maharebacha. He returned to the states, working as dining room sous chef at Noa Noa in Los Angeles, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at in Beverly Hills and Veni Vidi Vici and Pricci in Atlanta. Moving back to Los Angeles, Chef G. Garvin became Executive Chef of Morton’s The Steakhouse and Kass Wine Bar & Restaurant before partnering with former NFL star KeyShawn Johnson to open Reign Restaurant.

 

In 2001, he opened his first signature restaurant G. Garvin’s in Los Angeles, where he continued to cater to and host high-profile dinners for clients ranging from former Presidents to Hollywood stars. He launched LowCountry Restaurants in Atlanta, with locations in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and LowCountry Steak in Midtown.

 

His culinary success, unique style of ‘keeping it simple with a Southern twist’ and personality led to media fame, where he authored best-selling cookbooks “Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin”, “Make it Super Simple with G. Garvin” and “Dining In” before expanding his brand with a hit TV show, “Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin”, which aired for seven seasons on TV One. His 2018 book “A Message to My Children” features hundreds of life-changing and insightful quotes to inspire our youth.

 

The Food Network’s Cooking Channel tapped the James Beard nominee with his own series “Road Trip with G. Garvin”, where he remains a fixture. He is also the host of G Garvin Live and Hustle, Sizzle and Smoke on the Aspire network, a show highlighting everyday novice cooks and chefs thought of the city of Atlanta.

 

“Chef G. Garvin is a True to Atlanta success story. He has such an incredible passion for food, people, and the city of Atlanta having grown up here. He was the ideal person to partner with, and we are excited about what he will offer our fans with his culinary experience, connections within the industry and expertise in hospitality,” Hawks & State Farm Arena Chief Executive Officer Steve Koonin said.

 

Committed to giving back and creating opportunities, Chef G. Garvin’s One Bite at a Time Foundation changes lives through his G. Garvin Culinary Boot Camp, a seven-day camp that introduces carers in the culinary arts to young adults ages 16-19 from underrepresented communities in Atlanta. A childhood victim of domestic violence, Chef G. also supports Second Harvest, the nation’s largest charitable hunger relief organization, and the Jenesse Center, the oldest domestic violence intervention program in south Los Angeles.

 

To learn more about the food and beverage options at the award-winning State Farm Arena, visit StateFarmArena.com/food-beverage.

 

Fans interested in attending Hawks games during the regular season can purchase single game tickets at Hawks.com/Tickets. For access to more than just tickets, check out our Stack Pack, starting at only 10 games. All Stack Pack Members receive higher savings and exclusive benefits including playoff priority, exclusive events, a personal membership consultant and much more. For more information visit Hawks.com or call (866) 715-1500.