Foundation

Chef Max Hardy

Private Chef, Entrepreneur – Chef Max Miami Catering Company; Chef Max Designs - Chef Coats), Philanthropist - Founder One Chef Can 86 Hunger, Author

Chef Max began his culinary experience in the Culinary Arts Program at Wharton High School in Tampa, FL. Working under the program’s Executive Chef, Edward Bujarski, Chef Max, began catering events in the Tampa community. Recognized for his exceptional culinary skills and talent on and off the basketball court, Chef Max was awarded a scholarship to attend Johnson & Wales University in Miami, FL.

Chef Max Miami, Chef Max’s catering company, specializing in a range of American, Asian, Caribbean, French, and Kosher cuisine. Proving to be a success, Chef Max has been able to train and employ several chefs between Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Chef Max’s clientele includes award-winning Hip Hop and R & B artists, actors, professional athletes, and dignitaries like the Prince of Dubai and the prime minister of Turks and Caicos.

From 2009 - 2014, Chef Max was the full-time personal chef for New York Knick Amar’e Stoudemire. During Chef Max Hardy’s tenure with New York Knick Amar'e Stoudmire, he co-authored a cookbook with Stoudemire released in June 2014 called Cooking with Amar’e – 100 Easy Recipes for Pros and Rookies in the Kitchen.

Outside the kitchen, Chef Max created Chef Max Designs, a chef apparel line that gives a modern style to classic chef look. For more information on Chef Max Designs, please visit www.chefmaxdesigns.com.

Chef Max is also a philanthropist and founder of the One Chef Can 86 Hunger foundation. One Chef Can 86 Hunger is a not-for-profit organization that works toward raising awareness and fighting the hunger epidemic in America. With the help of its board and supporters, One Chef Can 86 Hunger has been working to raise funds to support their commitment to educating people about the hunger crisis in America and offering not only healthier but cost-effective alternatives. The Foundation has also been able to introduce culinary arts to communities through its programming with schools and community centers, including its culinary program with Opportunity Charter School in Harlem, in addition to lectures and panel discussions, giving students practical and fundamental knowledge of the beautiful world of culinary arts.

With the program's success, in 2014, Chef Max was invited to join the board of directors for Opportunity Charter School. Winter of 2014, Chef Max officially joined the Culinary Council for the Food Bank for New York City to advocate carry-out its mission and fight against hunger.

January 2014, Chef Max completed and finished as a runner-up for The Food Network’s Chopped and has been featured in Arise TV, Bon Appétit, Essence Magazine, Fox 5 Good Day New York, NBC’s thegrio.com, New York Post, MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry Show and, WABC News.

Chef Max has also partnered with Rohan Marley to create a cookbook “Stir It Up,” a coffee cook fusing unique coffee flavors & 5-star culinary delights. Chef Hardy is currently the head chef and owner of COOP Detroit, a part of Detroit Shipping Co, a Caribbean & Asian Fusion grilled chicken concept. His hard work and persistence have been the key to him reaching his success. Chef Max continues to excel in culinary arts and has no desire to stop--hoping with each dish he creates, people will be able to "taste his dedication to excellence in every bite.”

For additional information on Chef Max Hardy please visit www.chefmaxcelhardy.com