Jim Shirley

Jim Shirley, nationally recognized and awarded restauranteur and chef, is known for using Southern accents with great skill and spirit, traveling far afield to graze and glean, absorb culinary ideas, select fine wines, and look for pockets of sustainable farming practices. As a Pensacola, Florida native, Chef Jim uses his knowledge of local waters and his families’ farming histories to promote “New Ruralism,” a movement to champion sustainable agriculture at the urban edge. Jim is frequently called to represent the “Deep South” outside of the region; such as the six times he was invited to cook at the James Beard House, represented the state of Florida at the Great American Seafood Cook Off, and sporadic appearances on the Food Network highlighting the unique foods and styles of the northwest Florida region. Over the past two decades, he has been the recipient of many culinary and hospitality awards including 2018’s “Best Chef on the Emerald Coast” and 2019’s “Best Epicurean Partner” presented by the Southeast Tourism Society. Jim continues to be an instrumental advocate for several non-profit organizations, associations and foundations dedicated to the education and protection of not only industry members, but also of service to children and families in our communities.