Extraordinary Culinary
experiences
Columbus is a city that is on the leading edge of food tech. The Greater Columbus Convention Center is the perfect location to showcase this hyper-local and innovative approach.
OUR FOOD STORY
We are a family of passionate restaurateurs.
We thrive when given the opportunity to collaborate and partner with our clients.
"Standard" is not our standard when it comes to designing distinctive,
one-of-a-kind guest experiences.
Tag Us:
Click HERE to find out more about our philanthropic efforts and how we partner with our community!
CravingsAndInnovation
@GCCC_Chef
Helpful Resources
Lauren Laurent
Director of Sales & Marketing
Shelby Revalee
Assistant Director of Catering Sales
Cassie Daniels
Catering Sales Manager
Katie Bower
Senior Sales
Coordinator
Ginny Pajor
Sales
Coordinator
Matt Smith, CEC, CCA
Executive Chef
Chef Smith has been leading the culinary team at the GCCC since 2018, creating an abundance of ingenious food and beverage experiences. Formally trained at Hocking College in Southern Ohio, he credits his successful culinary journey to his very talented culinary mentors. With a passion for service, a desire to learn, and many long hours in the kitchen, he is no stranger to what it takes to deliver more than what the guest expects.
Chef Smith is supported by a team of extremely talented culinarians, which round out centuries of experience within the food and hospitality industry.
"Our team knows firsthand, the kind of passion and dedication that is needed to delight each and every guest with unexpected flavor combinations & high quality, seasonal & local ingredients."
- Chef Smith
Meet the team
Molly Dale
General
Manager
Kate Yarano
Catering Sales Manager
Smartfarm
Est. 2017
Located across from Discovery Café.
The first indoor, vertical and LED-lit hydroponic garden in a convention center.
Generates up to 2.5 tons of herbs and vegetables each year.
This produce is used throughout the convention center on custom event menus and donated to local organizations.
Grown 75 feet from our kitchen.
Local enough?
Our signature market offers freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, and soups with a variety of grab-and-go snacks and drinks, featuring items from some of our local small business partners.
With options like chicken tenders and fries or our specialty burger, the Eisenman - named after the facility's architect - the Columbus Grille has something for everyone.
Offering a full bar, the CBUS Tap Room includes a rotating selection of local craft brews.
Serving fine coffee and tea, our local partner has been roasting coffee since 1991 and focuses on sustainable operations, fair trade, and offers only organic coffee bought directly from farmers.
Discovery Café
All food and beverage services
are now a cashless experience!
Examples of Our Efforts:
Our SmartFarm:
Hydroponic Indoor Garden
Biodegradable Disposable Serviceware
Kegged Coffee Vs.
Brewed to Order Coffee
Boxed, Canned & Reusable
Water Bottle Offerings
Considerate menu planning that
takes environmental responsibility
into account when selecting specific
ingredients and preparing appropriate
quantities for groups
Sourcing locally to reduce impacts of transportation and fuel emission while also supporting small businesses and the
local economy
Sustainability
Our Sustainability Logo
This brandmark is worked into our food and beverage outlets, catering displays, and
various pieces of collateral.
This logo is a subtle way of reminding
our guests that the catering experience
that they receive within the
Greater Columbus Convention Center,
is at the forefront of sustainable action.
Testimonials
Click HERE to leave us feedback on your food and beverage experience!
August 2022
"We had some extreme last-minute changes and everyone was so gracious to accommodate the needs. I was impressed with the courteousness and responsiveness of the staff. The food was delicious too! Thank you again for the wonderful hospitality."
Jodi Slattery
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
December 2022
"I heard nothing but great things about the food and service. Your staff did a great job!"
ShaLise Simmons
OSU Extension
January 2023
Thank you again for a great show. Columbus was such a fun city for PCMA! The opening reception was beautiful! You and your team should be proud. "
Christine Glover
PCMA
February 2023
"Yes, I was on the Founders Day committee and it was amazing. I want to give a shout out to the wait staff on Saturday… they took extra time to help us gather all of our centerpieces and they were extremely great in their service."
Judy Wright
Delta Founder's Day
April 2023
"Everything provided was top notch! The food was absolutely amazing and everyone was talking about it. I honestly did not hear a single negative thing about the food. If I could have found those preparing the food, I would have tracked them down to say "job well done"! You guys knocked it out of the park this year. Thank you!!!!"
J. Scott Gooding II
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools
May 2023
“I just wanted you and the others to know how much we enjoyed working with your team at Two Days in May. You all were so kind and efficient for whatever we needed – even when it was safety pins to fix my wardrobe malfunction!! ”
Dave Yost
Ohio Attorney General
Two Days in May
July 2023
"I have to mention that the food at that lunch was some of THE best food I had while in Columbus - thoughtfully planned and prepared - especially for someone with specific dietary needs."
Wendy K. Probst
AmericanHort
October 2023
“On behalf of all of us, I would like to express our sincerest thanks for looking after our guests and event with great care and enthusiasm. We truly appreciated your exceptional service and attention to detail in delivering our successful event last weekend. Your professionalism and hospitality was noticed and appreciated by all.”
Daniel Danna
Herbalife