We are proud to introduce the Chef Alex Darvishi Culinary Classic, the newly renamed culinary competition presented at the Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Supply Show of the Southeast.

While the chef competition itself has been part of the show, 2027 marks the first year it will carry the Chef Alex Darvishi Culinary Classic name, honoring a chef whose career has been defined by culinary excellence, competition, education, and mentorship.

Chef Alex Darvishi brings more than four decades of professional culinary experience, having served as executive chef at prominent restaurants, hotels, and clubs across the country.

His competition career includes numerous local, national, and international honors, including seven Culinary Olympics gold medals and participation on the championship-winning 1990 Culinary Team USA. He has also devoted much of his career to mentoring young chefs, coaching culinary teams, and serving as an ACF and Worldchefs-certified culinary judge.

Renaming the competition in his honor reflects the values Chef Darvishi has championed throughout his career: professionalism, education, craftsmanship, mentorship, and the belief that culinary competition is an opportunity to continually learn and improve.

The Chef Alex Darvishi Culinary Classic begins a new chapter for the competition while continuing its tradition of bringing talented chefs and culinarians together to test their skills, showcase their creativity, and celebrate the culinary profession.

A respected competition. A new name. A new chapter.
Welcome to the first Chef Alex Darvishi Culinary Classic in 2027.