G. Garvin

Chef Gerry Garvin, known professionally as G. Garvin, is a chef, cookbook author, television host, James Beard Award nominee, and philanthropist whose career spans more than three decades in the culinary industry. Garvin began his culinary journey at Old Vinings Inn in Atlanta at age 13, later becoming the youngest line cook in a gourmet dining room at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Atlanta. After gaining experience in California, Garvin worked as an apprentice for Chef Jean Pierre Maharebacha in Warsaw and Hamburg. He then advanced his career in Los Angeles, serving as dining room sous chef at Noa Noa, moving to the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, and eventually becoming executive chef at Morton's and Kass Bah.

Garvin opened his first restaurant, Reign, in Beverly Hills in partnership with former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson. He was subsequently hired to cater high-profile events, including dinners for former President Bill Clinton and a brunch for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Garvin later opened his signature restaurant, G. Garvin's, in Los Angeles. His entrepreneurial ventures include Low Country Restaurant at Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport, Garvin's Spices, and a line of gourmet products. He also develops recipes for clients such as Kraft Foods, Tyson Foods, SodexoMAGIC, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Garvin's television career includes hosting "Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin" on TV One Network, which aired for seven seasons in the United States and Brazil. He has also appeared on the Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, and Food Network, and hosted "G. Garvin: The Road Tour" and the Cooking Channel's "Road Trip with G. Garvin." Garvin has been a guest on Good Morning America and worked alongside hosts such as Guy Fieri. He hosts "City Eats: Savannah" on AspireTV, a culinary road trip exploring the kitchens and restaurants of Savannah.

As an author, Garvin released the cookbook "Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin," which received an American Literacy Award and a NAACP Image Award nomination. He has served as chief culinary advisor for SodexoMAGIC and as chief culinary officer for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena.

Garvin is committed to community engagement through his One Bite at a Time Foundation, which operates the G. Garvin Culinary Boot Camp. This seven-day camp introduces culinary careers to young adults ages 16 to 19 from underrepresented communities in Atlanta, aiming to increase diversity in the culinary field. Garvin also supports organizations such as Second Harvest and the Jenesse Center. Throughout his career, Garvin has received multiple awards and honors, including an American Literacy Award, a NAACP Image Award nomination, and recognition as Man of the Year by Women Moving Forward in Business.