Seasoned Chef Mikery Hatfield Brings His A-Game to Pasadena Convention Center

Pasadena Center Operating Company and Sodexo Live!, the company’s exclusive food and beverage provider, have announced the appointment of Chef Mikery Hatfield as Executive Chef. With more than 30 years of experience in the kitchens of top-rated attractions and hotels across Southern California, Chef Hatfield is bringing his A-game to the state-of-the-art Pasadena Convention Center and historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Chef Hatfield will lead the Sodexo Live! culinary staff and sous chefs in all the Center’s culinary activities to deliver exemplary culinary experiences for the organization’s conventions, meetings, and live events. He is a passionate advocate for using fresh, local ingredients in his cooking. He is also committed to sustainability and reducing food waste. He is a member of the American Culinary Federation and the Southern California Chapter of the American Culinary Federation.

Chef Hatfield is looking forward to using his culinary skills and experience to create memorable dining experiences for the guests of the Pasadena Convention Center and Historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium. He is confident that he can help the organization continue to be a leader in the hospitality industry.

“As soon as Mike joined our team, it was clear that his impressive culinary experience aligns with the direction we are looking to take our culinary program,” said Doug Finney, General Manager of Sodexo Live! at the Pasadena Convention Center.

“He has already demonstrated his magnetic energy in motivating our team members when preparing over 100 meals for local nonprofits in our annual GOALympics. We are proud to have him on our team in Pasadena.”

In his new role as Executive Chef, Hatfield is responsible for food inventory, purchasing, forecasting, compliance and food quality, while bringing culinary innovation and leadership to the Sodexo Live! culinary team. With the wide range of meetings and events held at the Pasadena Convention Center and Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Hatfield will be preparing food and beverage experiences that range from casual grab-and-go and quick service, to fine dining, luxury suites and large events. In recent years, the 130,000 sq. ft. Pasadena Convention Center has averaged over 300 events and attracted over 350,000 attendees.

Born and raised in Los Angeles County’s South Central area, Chef Hatfield began his culinary journey in a Marriott kitchen, propelling him to earn a culinary degree from the Los Angeles Trade Technical College in 1998. From there, he has worked alongside culinary teams at the Century Plaza Hotel, Sony Pictures, and Warner Bros. Studios before taking his first Executive Sous Chef position at Petco Stadium in San Diego. During his time as an Executive Chef for the University of Southern California, Hatfield made his national television debut on the Food Network reality show Cutthroat Kitchen. Chef Mikery Hatfield opened his own catering business, Next Level Events, in 2019 to provide elevated private chef meals for private functions and celebrations. Most recently, Hatfield came to Pasadena Convention Center from his post as Executive Chef of Marriott Hotels and Luxe City Center Hotel.