Speaking Engagements With Chef Kent Rathbun, Keynote Speaker
I’ve spent more than 50 years in restaurants. I’ve opened more than 30 concepts, beaten Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America, and been the featured chef at the George W. Bush 2001 Inaugural Ball. I’ve also come back from a near-fatal ATV accident, and fought to protect my own name and likeness.
I speak to audiences both intimate and corporate. I tell it straight, from real experience.
Speaking Topics
Hospitality and Team Building
What it takes to build a team that takes care of guests, and of each other. Lessons from more than 50 years of running kitchens and dining rooms.
The Inner Workings of Restaurants
What really goes on inside a restaurant kitchen. How restaurants make money, where they lose it, and the economics most people never see.
Personal Tragedy
I was nearly killed in a split second in an ATV accident. I talk about what I learned, how I try to conduct my life now, and how some of the things I believe in changed because of it.
Personal Triumph
I also talk about the fight over my name and likeness. Everyone should protect their personal property, their intellectual property, and for sure their name and their likeness. Unfortunately there are bad actors in the world, and sometimes people take advantage of you.
I prevailed in the end, but I would never call it a win. It was the biggest waste of time, emotion, effort and money I’ve ever seen in my life.
Food, Community and the Next Generation
Urban gardens, and teaching young people how to cook and shop for themselves.
Where I’ve Spoken
- YPO, at numerous events
- The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, on urban gardens and teaching young people how to cook and shop for themselves
- Deloitte University in Westlake, Texas
- Commencement speeches at culinary school graduations in Texas
I also host private dinners and events where I welcome guests, lead a cooking demonstration, and talk about what really goes on inside a restaurant kitchen.
About Chef Kent
- More than 50 years in the restaurant business
- More than 30 restaurant concepts opened
- Four-time James Beard Foundation nominee, Best Chef: Southwest
- Defeated Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America
- Featured chef, George W. Bush 2001 Inaugural Ball
Book Chef Kent for Speaking Engagements
Chef Kent Rathbun takes speaking engagements for corporate audiences, associations and private groups. Read his full story.
Speaking Engagements Built Around Real Stories
Each of these speaking engagements comes from something Kent has lived. He has opened restaurants, closed restaurants, trained teams and cooked for presidents. Audiences hear what went right, what went wrong and what he would do differently.
Kent can shape a talk for a leadership retreat, an industry conference, a company dinner or a community group. Tell us about your audience and we will match the topic to it.
Book Chef Kent to Speak
Reach Geri directly or send us the details and we’ll get right back to you.
Chef/Restaurateur
Event Coordinator
Speaking inquiry form
