HINDS CULINARY EXPO

Hinds Community College and Visit Jackson presents
2024 Hospitality Culinary Expo

October 25, 2024

  • 10:00 AM - Welcome - Hinds Community College Vice President Jonathan Townes, Visit Jackson Representative and Mayor Chokwe Lumumba
  • 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Hospitality Culinary/Tradeshow Expo
  • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Student Expo
  • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Hotel/Attraction Expo
  • 10:30 AM - Presentation, Jeff Good, Jackson Restauranter
  • 11:45 AM - Presentation, Scott Sledge, Hospitality Industry
  • Noon - Presentation - Pat Fontaine, MS Hospitality & Restaurant Association
  • 12:15 PM - Chef Donovan Barner
  • 12:45 - Hinds Graduate - Hospitality and Culinary
  • 1:00 PM - Chef Nick Wallace
Nick Wallace in the kitchen
Wallace
Credit: Nick Wallace Culinary

NICK WALLACE

Jackson native Nick Wallace credits his grandmothers, Queen Morris and Lennel Donald, for his profound love of food, honed through a childhood surrounded by strong, culinary-skilled women. Specializing in dishes that blend Mississippi roots with French culinary techniques, Wallace emphasizes fresh, local ingredients.

His career includes prestigious roles as Executive Chef at leading museums and hotels. He now pioneers his culinary venture, the Nissan Café by Nick Wallace at the Two Mississippi Museums, alongside appearances on Food Network's Comfort Nation, Chopped, and Cutthroat Kitchen. Beyond his kitchen achievements, Wallace is passionate about community engagement, founding Creativity Kitchen to provide Jackson Public Schools with fresh, healthy meals, and constantly celebrates Jackson's rich culinary scene and its bounty, from local produce to Gulf seafood, affirming the unparalleled quality of his hometown's food landscape.

In 2025, Wallace will open Hen & Egg, "slow food served fast," at the former Sun & Sand in downtown Jackson and serve (again) as the Chef Chair for JXN Food & Wine.

Donovan Barner with his culinary partner (and mother), Glenda Barner

DONOVAN BARNER

Chef Donovan Barner, a proud graduate of Hinds Community College, is the dynamic co-owner of Sugar’s Place Downtown, a thriving local dining establishment known for its commitment to quality, community, and innovation. With a degree from Hinds, Chef Donovan gained a solid foundation in both culinary techniques and business management.

Inspired by Southern flavors and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, Chef Donovan opened Sugar’s Place after years of refining their skills in the industry. Their restaurant has since become a community, blending traditional recipes with modern twists. Chef Donovan attributes his success to the values instilled during his time at Hinds and his dedication, hard work, and love for bringing people together through food.

Under Chef Donovan’s leadership, the restaurant has not only earned a loyal customer base but also supports local businesses, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community.

Where to Drink and Dine

From delectable soul food classics - some of them James Beard Award-winning - to innovative Southern fusion, don't sleep on the City With Soul's culinary scene.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JACKSON CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS