The former executive chef partner at Tampa's popular A La Carte Event Pavilion is bringing his more than 15 years of experience to Trinity Cafe.
As the nonprofit Tampa restaurant's new executive chef, Jim Rice, who has managed the culinary program at the multimillion-dollar A La Carte venue for the past eight years, will also help support the launch of Trinity's upcoming second location.
Rice has planned and prepped for events with up to 2,000 guests as well as off-site catering for 500. This year, Trinity is set to double the meals it serves to the hungry and homeless, and the chef will cook up nutritious three-course meals for 600 patrons daily at $2.50 per plate.
In a news release, Trinity Cafe Executive Director Mandy Cloninger said she can't wait to see Rice's creativity with the menu.
"In addition, Jim is well known for helping his team at A La Carte advance professionally," Cloninger said. "Our kitchen staff, many of whom are former guests of Trinity Cafe, as well as our guests, will benefit from his mentoring and coaching."