Alumni Stories
Devin Davis
Culinary Management
Owner and Head Chef, The Kitchen
The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
I’ve experienced such diverse types of food. I want to change the food truck scene by making fresh food the right way. Devin Davis , Owner and Head Chef, The Kitchen Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management, 2016 , The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design
Runs Food Truck Focused on Southern Food
Devin Davis is the owner and head chef at The Kitchen, a food truck based in Plant City, Florida that travels throughout the Tampa Bay area for rallies, events, parties, and private events. He says that his slogan is "Good Food...Southern Roots," based on his childhood enjoyment of traditional country cooking. “I enjoy good food because I have been able to experience such diverse types of food. My goal was to incorporate my southern roots into everything we cook.” Devin updates traditional southern classics with new flavors to mix up the culinary experience of his clients.
In 2016, Devin earned a Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Management from The Art Institute of Tampa. He’s currently working toward an MBA from Florida Southern College—making for a very busy schedule. “I was trying to decide the best way to continue pursuing my career. I was doing job searching and never really found what I was looking for. My family and I came up with the idea of a food truck.” He felt that a food truck was a good fit into his lifestyle—allowing him to work on his own schedule making fresh food.
Today, he continues to balance school, family, and the food truck—and plans each week by prepping menus, keeping the truck in order, and shopping. The endeavor has become a family effort, with his parents and grandparents working alongside him. “They have been my biggest supporters, and I would not be where I am if it was not for them.”
Devin is excited to showcase his passion while growing as a culinary artist. “I am taking a concept defined by speed and a concept that is often associated with fast food. I’m trying to introduce the idea that it’s possible to serve freshly prepared, delicious food in a food truck that doesn't have to come out of a bag or be served out of a warmer.” He adds that it’s bit of a struggle, but his customers’ positive reactions and reviews make it worth it.
In addition to his schoolwork and food truck, Devin helps within his community—especially at fundraisers where he can cook for guests. “Charity is something that I admire and strive to achieve, and I hope to be able to reach a point where I can give back to my community because of the ways in which I have been tremendously blessed.”
Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 3110.