Chef Larry Hardesty

Executive Chef Larry Hardesty joined the Wicomico Civic Center in 2002, bringing years of culinary experience to the Encore Catering team. Hardesty’s career began at the impressionable age of sixteen, when he accepted his first kitchen job. Interested in taking his passion for cooking to the next level, Hardesty attended the Baltimore International Culinary College where he graduated from the advanced program of professional cooking. Hardesty returned to the Eastern Shore following graduation and immediately entered the restaurant catering business gaining invaluable experience. Today, Hardesty is responsible for earning Encore’s esteemed reputation. Hardesty prides himself on providing superior service to all of his guests. His attention to detail has made it possible to serve groups as large as 2,000. Describing his food as “upscale comfort food,” Hardesty says he likes to create meals that people can relate to and understand.

Sous Chef Kim Robinson

Kim Robinson joined the Encore Catering team in 2004 and has made an immediate impact. His presence has allowed the Civic Center to accommodate more people than ever before. With nearly 20 years of restaurant experience, including time spent at Nick Idoni’s House of Ribs in Ocean City, Robinson creates tasty dishes that are sure to please – his specialty being prime rib. Robinson says his favorite part of working at the Civic Center is seeing the look on people’s faces when they are finished eating. “Seeing people happy after their meal is all I can ask for,” he said.