Ovations hires executive chef

John Schmitz, a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, is the new executive chef for Ovations, the exclusive caterer for the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.

Schmitz has an associate degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America and a bachelor’s degree in political science and business from the University at Albany. He previously worked as executive chef for the Centerplate at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville and Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

He also was a member of several gold medal American Culinary Federation competition teams.

In his new position, Schmitz oversees Ovations’ kitchen staff and assists in catering and concessions concepts. His job also entails culinary and menu development, production, food safety, and assisting the sales staff in courting future business.

For information about catering and booking a special event or business meeting at the Ocean Center, call Sales Manager Matt Dye at 386-254-4550.