Seared salmon over corn and asparagus, plated by Chef Kent Rathbun

For Restaurants

Hospitality Consulting

Chef Kent Rathbun brings real-world expertise to your restaurant vision, from menu development to opening day.

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A catered backyard party at dusk in Dallas by Chef Kent Rathbun

For Your Event

Catering and Special Events

Catering in Dallas since 1990. Our rolling kitchens cook on site, right in front of your guests.

PLAN YOUR EVENT
50+Years in restaurants
30+Restaurant concepts
4xJames Beard nominee
IRON CHEFAmerica champion

Chef Kent Rathbun

Dallas hospitality consulting, catering and special events

My first restaurant job was at 14, at a Sambo's in Kansas City. At 17 I apprenticed at La Bonne Auberge. More than 50 years later, that passion has grown into a career built on culinary excellence, restaurant leadership, hospitality consulting, and award-winning dining concepts.

READ MY STORY

Chef Kent Rathbun's team grilling for guests at a catered outdoor event

More from the Test Kitchen

The Transformer rolling kitchen with smokersROLLING KITCHENSHQ, The Transformer and Big Red, on site at your event. The Sushi Forest displayTHE SUSHI FORESTSushi and sashimi among bonsai, stone and driftwood. Chef Kent Rathbun speaking engagementsKEYNOTE SPEAKINGHospitality, restaurant economics, and a story of tragedy and triumph.

Who Is Chef Kent Rathbun?

Chef Kent Rathbun is a Dallas chef and restaurateur with more than 50 years in the restaurant business. He has been a leader in the Dallas restaurant scene since 1990.

He created Abacus, which opened in 1999 and earned Forbes Four Stars and AAA Four Diamonds. He went on to build Jasper’s and Rathbun’s Blue Plate Kitchen. In all, he has led more than 30 restaurant concepts.

He is a four-time James Beard Foundation nominee for Best Chef: Southwest. He defeated Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America, and he was the featured chef for the George W. Bush 2001 Inaugural Ball.

What Chef Kent Rathbun Does Today

Hospitality consulting. Kent helps owners, investors and operators with concept development, menus, staff training and opening plans. See consulting services.

Catering and special events. Kent has been catering in Dallas since 1990. His three rolling kitchens, HQ, The Transformer and Big Red, cook on site at your event. Plan your event.

Speaking. Kent speaks on hospitality, restaurant economics and his comeback from a near-fatal ATV accident. Book Kent to speak.

Awards and Recognition

Abacus was inducted into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame and was named Best of the Year by Bon Appétit in 2001. Esquire named Jasper’s one of the Top 20 Best New Restaurants in America.

Chef Kent Rathbun represented the Dallas Cowboys as head chef at the Pre-Super Bowl Taste of the NFL for 25 years. He was part of the team that cooked for Queen Elizabeth II, and he has cooked at the James Beard House in New York many times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Chef Kent Rathbun based?

Chef Kent Rathbun is based in Dallas, Texas.

Is Chef Kent Rathbun a James Beard nominee?

Yes. He is a four-time James Beard Foundation nominee for Best Chef: Southwest.

Did Chef Kent Rathbun beat Bobby Flay?

Yes. Chef Kent Rathbun defeated Bobby Flay on Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

How do I book Chef Kent Rathbun for catering or consulting?

For catering and events, call 469-576-6407. For consulting, use the form on the hospitality consulting page.

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Planning an event or opening a restaurant? Reach out and we'll get back to you.