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The meez Podcast
Josh Sharkey (Entrepreneur, professional chef, and founder/CEO of meez, the culinaryOS for food professionals) interviews world class entrepreneurs in the food space that are shifting the paradigm of how we innovate and operate in our industry.
The meez Podcast
Chef Opie Crooks on Building FARM Hospitality Group and Preparing for Fatherhood
#78. In this episode of The meez Podcast, host Josh Sharkey sits down with Chef Opie Crooks, a culinary talent and soon-to-be dad. Josh shares the story of how he first met Opie at an event in Washington, D.C., where Opie's graciousness and exceptional cooking left a lasting impression. Now based in Savannah, Georgia, Opie oversees culinary operations for FARM Hospitality Group, managing multiple concepts with his characteristic warmth and expertise.
Recorded from the quietest spot Opie could find—a car, away from the restaurant’s generators—this conversation offers an insightful look into the challenges and rewards of growing a hospitality group. Opie discusses his role as a culinary director, emphasizing the importance of supporting and nurturing the chefs he works with, ensuring their success and innovation.
Join Josh and Opie as they catch up on life, leadership, and the journey that has brought Opie to this exciting moment, just before he embarks on the new adventure of fatherhood. Congratulations, Opie!
Where to find Opie Crooks:
Where to find host Josh Sharkey:
In this episode, we cover:
(03:45): Opie's background
(05:19): Culinary community in Savannah
(12:56): All about FARM Hospitality Group
(19:38): How Opie and his team continue to learn
(25:11): The value of culinary consistency
(31:50): How Opie and his wife Annie are preparing for their first child