The Owensboro Convention Center has named Michael Thorp executive chef, putting the classically trained chef in charge of the Kentucky venue’s culinary program for meetings, conventions, weddings, and community events.
Oak View Group, which manages the convention center, announced the appointment Sept. 10. Thorp will lead the culinary team and help develop menus for events throughout the facility.
“We want the food we serve to match the quality of the events held here,” said Jeff Esposito, general manager of the Owensboro Convention Center. “Our goal is to raise the standard of our culinary program. Chef Michael brings the experience and creativity to help us do that. This is about giving our clients more options and giving guests another reason to enjoy coming here.”
From Southern Illinois to France
Thorp’s interest in food began on his grandparents’ dairy farm in Southern Illinois. He later received classical French culinary training and worked at Domaine de Valmouriane, a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant in Provence, France.
His career also includes work at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis. In addition, Thorp has experience with private dining and black-tie galas serving hundreds of guests.
Thorp received the 2026 Best Chef Award from the Southern Kentucky Hospitality Association (SKYHA).
At Owensboro, Thorp will focus on quality, creativity, and menus tailored to the needs of individual events. His culinary approach combines classical European techniques with modern American cuisine and an emphasis on regional ingredients.
Culinary Program Serves Convention Business
The Owensboro Convention Center offers just under 102,000 square feet of event space overlooking the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro. The facility includes a 44,000-plus-square-foot exhibition hall and the 8,900-plus-square-foot Kentucky Legend Pier. It also offers ballroom, meeting, and pre-function space.
The convention center provides in-house food and beverage service for events. Thorp’s appointment is part of the venue’s effort to expand menu options and provide greater flexibility for event clients.
The Owensboro Convention Center is a full-service meeting and event facility overlooking the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro, Kentucky. The venue offers just under 102,000 square feet of event space, including a 44,000-plus-square-foot exhibition hall, ballroom and meeting space, and the 8,900-plus-square-foot Kentucky Legend Pier. For more information, visit OwensboroCenter.com.
Press release submitted by the Owensboro Convention Center. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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