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Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Sept. 12, 2005 — The Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theater is pleased to announce the opening of Chef’s Choice Catering in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The new company offers catering for lunch and dinner meetings, parties, weddings, banquets, reunions, receptions, picnics, bar mitzvahs or any other special occasion. Custom ice carvings are a specialty of the new company.
Chef’s Choice Catering also offers cooking classes and demonstrations at the Black Bear Jamboree for groups of 20 or more. The company is now taking reservations for Christmas parties.
J. Michael Miller is the certified executive chef for the company. He is a member of The American Culinary Association and has diverse experience in food management and operations including extensive experience as an executive chef for Holland American Cruise Lines. He has been executive chef at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theater at 119 Music Road in Pigeon Forge since January of 2004 and will remain in this position in addition to his new catering duties.
“Chef’s Choice Catering can customize any menu to fit our client’s needs and we have tableware and linens available.” Michael Miller said. “We can cater to any atmosphere from casual to elegant. My staff and I prepare everything from scratch. All of our vegetables are fresh and not frozen. I like to create unique dishes that will enhance the flavor and atmosphere of the event. My staff of professionals will make your event one to remember.”
Miller has vast experience as a chef in cruise ships, country clubs and four-star hotels, including the Hilton Garden District Downtown, New Orleans, La., and as executive chef at Anthony’s in the Catalina’s Restaurant in Tucson, Ariz. In addition he has experience in purchasing food and other related products for a variety of hospitality services.
Miller began his career loading trucks for Sysco Food Systems, Dallas, Texas and worked his way up to night supervisor. He then worked for 14 years as a District Sales Representative for the company. He left Sysco and went on to become a District Sales Representative for White Swan Food Service in Dallas and worked as an executive chef for Harvest House Bed and Breakfast in Arkansas.
During his career Miller has cooked for government officials, television personalities and corporate executives. He has experience in maintaining inventory control, ordering food and supplies, negotiating food prices, and in training cooks.
Miller holds a culinary arts degree from the Culinary School of Arts, Bossier City, La., and an associate’s degree from Tyler Junior Community College. He is a certified executive chef including certification in hazard analysis and critical control point (HAACP). In addition, he has won many awards in cooking competitions including awards for gumbo and butter carvings.
David Fee and Jim Hedrick are co-owners and operators of Chef’s Choice Catering. Fee is president of the new catering company and corporate sales representatives for the company include Debbie Fee Newsom, Chris Rice and Chris Paul. Chef’s Choice Catering will deliver meals to several counties, but most of the business will remain in Sevier County. For more information or to book an event call (865) 429-7183.
David Fee, president and chief executive officer of Chef’s Choice Catering said, “We can assure you that your event will be exactly what you envisioned and more. You will have an event to remember. We looked and looked to find the best chef and we found Michael Miller who was an executive chef with Holland America. Mike is extremely creative, energetic, enthusiastic and a talented cook. He is a great asset to our team and he has brought us both the quality and exemplary service that you would find on a cruise ship. We are so happy to have him at Black Bear Jamboree and in his new venture of Chef’s Choice Catering. He will ensure that we keep meeting our high standards of food, as we continue to improve our menu at Black Bear Jamboree and in our new catering business.
“At Black Bear Jamboree Chef’s Choice Catering we are dedicated to quality and we make the freshest food with the best ingredients,” Fee said. “So if you are hungry as a bear and need an event catered we urge you to call us. We know that the artistry and experience of Chef Michael Miller will provide you with the best Smoky Mountain Catering experience possible.”
Fee and Hedrick also own the Comedy Barn Theater, Discount Show Tickets, The Black Bear Jamboree Theater, and Happy Days Diner. In addition, Fee and Hedrick will be opening The Miracle Theater on March 10 of 2006 in the location that is currently The Louise Mandrell Theater.
Originally from Dallas, Chef Miller grew up in Irving, Texas. He and his wife, Ginger and their dog, Heidi, live in Sevierville. In his free time Miller enjoys water skiing, music and family time with his wife and dog. His favorite dish to prepare is stuffed crawfish tenderloin with mushroom cream sauce. Other favorite dishes are pistachio crusted pork chops and veal chops with Virginia ham and cheese. Miller said his specialty dishes usually have a southwest flair with a Cajun cuisine.