NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Music City Center Executive Chef Max Knoepfel is the recipient of the 2023 American Culinary Foundation Middle Tennessee Chapter Chef of the Year award. The annual award recognizes the candidate who has not only influenced the local chapter but the local community as well.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers,” Knoepfel said. “My success is a collaboration with the teams I work with and the amazing food staples that Middle Tennessee has to offer. I dedicate this award to young aspiring culinarians and my amazing team at MCC,“ he added.
Affectionately known as “Chef Max,” Knoepfel has been with the facility since the doors opened in May 2013. His culinary expertise embodies innovation and sustainability, much to the delight of hundreds of thousands of convention center guests every year. Under his leadership, MCC has also developed partnerships with local farms to supply fresh produce and with local schools to train new talent.
“Chef Max is truly a credit to the industry. He cares about the work, his customers, the environment, and the community,” said MCC President and Chief Executive Officer Charles Starks. “This is well-deserved, and we’re excited to see him recognized in this way.”
The ACF Middle Tennessee Chapter is undergoing a revival. The group hosted a holiday party on Monday, December 11, at the convention center to kick off its renewed efforts to bolster local chefs. Knoepfel was presented the Chapter Chef of the Year award at the gathering.
“Chef Max has always said “yes” to the chapter. He supports apprenticeship and education to the highest level,” said ACF Middle Tennessee Chapter President Thomas Neville. “The vote was unanimous!”
This is the second honor bestowed on Knoepfel this year. In May, he received the 2023 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Silver Plate Award in the Travel & Leisure category.
About Music City Center
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Music City Center (MCC) is a 2.1 million square foot convention center with more than 353,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, 55 meeting rooms, and a covered parking garage with 1,800 spaces. The mission of MCC is to create significant economic benefit for the greater Nashville area while focusing on community inclusion, sustainability, and exceptional customer service through conventions, trade shows, and community events.
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