The fairgrounds in Perry named its official food and beverage partner, working with the same group UGA and Georgia Tech’s stadiums and The Carter Center work with.
PERRY, Ga. — Ahead of the Georgia National Fair, the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry is announcing their new food provider.
On Wednesday, they announced they are partnering with Proof of the Pudding, a large catering company that provides its services across Atlanta and even to colleges like UGA and Georgia Tech.
The fairgrounds said that, starting immediately, Proof of the Pudding will be the exclusive food and beverage operator for the fairgrounds. They said Proof of the Pudding will offer food options all year long, and unique and “elevated dining experiences” during the fairgrounds’ various events, including the Georgia National Fair.
“Food is an essential part of the fairgrounds experience, and we wanted a partner who shares our commitment to celebrating Georgia agriculture, maintaining family affordability and enhancing the guest experience,” said Stephen Shimp, Executive Director of the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in a statement. “Proof of the Pudding brings the operational expertise and culinary creativity needed to serve our community and visitors at the highest level.”
According to the fairgrounds, they signed a multiyear deal with Proof of the Pudding, which will handle all food-related responsibilities, including an on-site restaurant for the fairgrounds, permanent concession stands, mobile stands, along with what they refer to as hospitality spaces and catering.
They said while Proof of the Pudding is in charge of the food, they will be partnering with local groups, including during the fair. The fairgrounds said Proof of the Pudding will work alongside the fair’s third-party concessions and offer several permanent dining locations, meaning the various fair vendors aren’t going away.
Additionally, Proof of the Pudding will also partner with other groups. The release said they’ll work with both Georgia Grown and Buy Local programs to get fresh ingredients and unique concession stands. One of which is a Frozen Lemonade Stand, which will offer color-changing shaved ice and a Georgia peach creamsicle.
Proof of the Pudding’s partnership with the fairgrounds is their latest venture. The culinary company, established in 1979, has worked with some of the largest organizations in Atlanta. They are the exclusive caterer for the Carter Presidential Center, the Chastain Park Amphitheatre, the World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta and more.
While they primarily work out of Atlanta, they also do work outside the state, including providing catering for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Texas.
They also work with Georgia-based sports teams, providing food for the Georgia Institute of Technology and UGA, and catering for many of the suites at their athletic stadiums. They also work with teams outside the state, partnering with Wake Forest, Auburn, Alabama and more.
They’ve also partnered with a wide array of golf tournaments, including the Presidents Cup, The PLAYERS Championship, The Masters and more.
The Perry fairgrounds are only Proof of the Pudding’s latest in a bevy of partnerships, but it’s one they said they’re looking forward to.
“Partnering with the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter is an incredible honor that aligns perfectly with our Georgia roots,” said Adam Noyes, CEO of Proof of the Pudding, in a statement. “The fair is a tradition generations of families hold dear. Our role is to preserve that tradition while introducing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, chef-crafted menus and exceptional hospitality. We’re excited to serve Perry and welcome fairgoers from across the state.”
Dining and Cooking