MEET OUR EXECUTIVE CHEF

Executive Chef David Ruiz, a James Beard Foundation competition-winner and farm-to-table visionary, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh, innovative approach to the dining experience at the Overland Park Convention Center.

With over 20 years of experience, he has an impressive culinary background. Chef Ruiz has honed his skills in award-winning restaurants in Aspen, San Jose, Yosemite, and Albuquerque, drawing inspiration at the intersection of culture, creativity, and consistency.

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“I am excited to create exceptional dining experiences for our guests by taking ordinary food and making it extraordinary. OPCC’s strong investment in culinary operations and alignment with my values of sourcing local produce and proteins were key factors in my decision to join. I look forward to incorporating this philosophy into our menus.”

– Chef David Ruiz

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

FINE DINING CHEF OF THE YEAR, INTERNATIONAL PRODUCE ASSOCIATION (2024)

JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION COMPETITION WINNER (2018)

WINNER OF FOOD NETWORKS, “IT’S COMPLI-PLATED” (2022)

FEATURED ON FOOD NETWORKS, “CHOPPED” (2016)

FEATURED ON FOOD NETWORKS, “GUY FIERI’S FAMILY ROAD TRIP” (2017)

WINNER OF ALBUQUERQUE’S, SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD COMPETITION (2013)

SUSTAINABLE ROOTS

Of Mexican and Jewish descent, Chef Ruiz’s culinary roots are inspired by summers spent at his grandmother’s northern California farm. There, he learned to tend the farm and cook everything from homemade tortillas to duck confit. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Chef Ruiz is deeply committed to food education and the farm-to-table movement.

Today, he continues to champion food education, emphasizing the vital connection between food and farming. Chef Ruiz has won Albuquerque’s Sustainable Seafood and Salad Mixer Competitions and was nominated for New Mexico Chef of the Year by the New Mexico Restaurant Association. He also founded 505 Food Fights, a grassroots chef competition fostering community within Albuquerque’s culinary industry.

“OPCC’s strong investment in its culinary operation and its alignment with my values of sourcing local produce and proteins were key factors in my decision to join. I look forward to incorporating this philosophy into our menus.”

Learn more about the Sustainability Program at the Overland Park Convention Center.

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JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION: AWARD-WINNING SUSTAINABLE BURGER

Chef Ruiz won the James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Project in 2018 with a burger aptly named The Royale. This prestigious competition, created in collaboration with the Mushroom Council, aims to promote more sustainable and nutritious food options.

Chefs are challenged to create innovative burgers that blend finely chopped mushrooms with meat, resulting in a more environmentally friendly and flavorful dish. Chef Ruiz’s winning entry showcased his culinary expertise and commitment to sustainability, aligning with his philosophy of incorporating local produce and sustainable practices into his cooking.