Marvin Woods
Chef, Author and Television Host - ATLANTA

Marvin Woods is a beloved television host, lauded cookbook author and celebrated chef. He is recognized by fans and peers alike by his infectious personality, signature bandanas and his wildly inventive take on food rooted in northern Africa, South America, the Caribbean and the Low Country.

Marvin is a 23-year veteran in the hospitality and restaurant industry. His first big break came when he helped Donald Trump open Harrah’s at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City. He then went on to New York City to build an impressive culinary pedigree, starting with The Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center, and then on to the Windows on the World, Helmsley Palace, Quatorze and Arizona 206. He further cultivated his talent in London.

When Marvin took over as Executive Chef at New York’s Café Beulah’s, he won wide industry acclaim and caught the attention of publishers and television executives. Along with the restaurant accolades, came a book deal with William Morrow. His first effort, “The New Low Country,” garnered national media attention, including appearances on CBS This Morning, Discovery Network and Lifetime. Publisher’s Weekly proclaimed, “Woods’ inventiveness makes him a chef to watch!”

With the entire industry a buzz, Marvin was tapped to lead the kitchens of Savannah Restaurant, The National Hotel, Hollywood Prime at the Westin Diplomat and M. Woods – all in Miami. His food was regularly featured in O magazine, Food & Wine, Southern Living and many more national publications. Oprah declared, Chef Marvin Woods’ dishes are light, sophisticated, exotic”

In 2000, Marvin caught the attention of executives at Turner South who were looking for new talent for the newly created regional cable network. Marvin was selected to host, Home Plate. The show was the perfect vehicle to showcase his charismatic personality and lighter twist on traditional Southern cooking. It was a big hit, regularly attracting more than 7.2 million viewers. Home Plate successfully ran for four seasons until the network was acquired by Fox Sports in 2006. The show spawned a second cookbook, Home Plate Cooking (Rutledge Hill Press 2004), which was a big success. The book continues to sell on Amazon.com.

Marvin travels internationally for appearances and cooking demonstrations, and consistently draws audiences of 200+. He has made several appearances as a guest chef at the James Beard House, and has served as a featured chef at The Pillsbury Bake Off, the Miami Food & Wine Festival and Charlotte Shout, as well as a judge for The Southern Living Cook Off. Marvin has participated in special promotions for Food Lion Supermarkets and Publix; he currently serves as spokesperson for Char-Broil.

Marvin lives in Atlanta. He has been shooting interstitials for TBS and WPBA and has three new restaurant projects in development. The first in which to open will be early fall in Charlotte, North Carolina. The second in late fall will be a historical hotel in Selma, Alabama and the third will be in Atlanta, Georgia. For the past year, Marvin has been on a personal crusade to help kids and their families live better – through food. Since November 2006, Marvin has been developing a kid’s wellness program in the Atlanta Public School System, called Droppin’ Knowledge with Chef Marvin Woods, focusing on a positive way to combat childhood obesity and directly related teenage diabetes.