KSU Culinary Apprenticeship Graduate Launches Catering Business

Chris Dargin strives to bring families together using his skills in the kitchen. Since graduating from the Culinary Apprenticeship program at Kennesaw State University’s College of Continuing and Professional Education, Dargin has opened Dargin's Creole Kitchen, a family owned and operated catering service specializing in authentic Louisiana Creole cuisine.

Born and raised in southwest Louisiana, Dargin drew inspiration for his business from his childhood memories.

“My mom was the oldest of 10 and she cooked a lot,” Dargin said. “I grew up watching her and my aunts cook large family meals for any gathering. Everyone was happy after eating her meals and I wanted to do that for others.”

Dargin recognized that in day-to-day life, people are busy and sometimes, cooking a meal for a special occasion isn’t possible. “On any day of the week, we see people eating out or picking up take-out,” Dargin said. “We all live busy lives and I thought, I can prepare those meals for families and their special events.”

Dargin credits KSU’s Culinary Apprenticeship program as his stepping stone toward a successful career. In the program, Dargin polished his cooking technique and improved his knife skills. He learned how to appreciate the importance of spices to enhance flavor.

“The program helped polish my cooking skills as a whole,” Dargin said. “It also built long-term professional relationships with staff and other classmates.”

Dargin's Creole Kitchen provides catering services for private, corporate and special events. “Our mission is to bring quality, authentic Creole cuisine to our customers at an affordable price,” Dargin said. Private event menus range from braised short ribs to chicken and beignets. Corporate menus include boxed breakfast and lunch as well as specialty selections for lunch and dinner. There are five package options for special events, including weddings.

For Dargin, his family owned and operated catering service is a “dream,” but it is only the beginning. His next goal is to open a small dine-in restaurant.

For more information on the Culinary Apprenticeship program at KSU’s Continuing Education, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765. For information on Dargin's Creole Kitchen, visit darginscreolekitchen.com or call 678-412-0391.