GRIMES, IA, October 23, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- James Richards has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Richards has established himself as a distinguished executive chef at Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, where he has led the culinary team since 2022. In his role, he oversees all culinary operations, ensuring that the hotel maintains its high standards of excellence. His responsibilities include ordering and receiving food supplies, designing menus for outlets and catering services, hiring new staff and ensuring compliance with health department policies. Under his leadership, the hotel received the prestigious DiRoNA Award in 2024 and 2025, recognizing it as an outstanding restaurant in North America. Additionally, it was honored as the Best Restaurant of 2024 by Catch Des Moines (DSM) magazine, showcasing its popularity with local citizens and visitors alike.

Prior to reaching his position at Hotel Fort Des Moines, Mr. Richards served as the executive chef and food and beverage director at Wakonda Club. During his tenure, he honed his skills in fine dining and Midwest Proper Cuisine, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in these areas. His dedication to culinary excellence is evident in his ability to create innovative dishes that delight patrons and elevate their dining experiences.

Before joining Wakonda Club, Mr. Richards was the chef de cuisine at Table 10, having been appointed to the position by the world-renowned chef Emeril Lagasse. This role allowed him to refine his culinary techniques and develop a comprehensive understanding of menu design and kitchen management. His time at Table 10 laid a strong foundation for his future successes and provided him with invaluable experience in the culinary industry.

Mr. Richards' educational background includes an Associate of Arts in culinary arts from the Iowa Culinary Institute at Des Moines Area Community College, where he graduated in 2010. His academic achievements were recognized when he graduated at the top of his class, earning him the prestigious French Chef Exchange Scholarship. This opportunity allowed him to travel to France and work alongside a renowned French chef for three months, significantly influencing his culinary style and approach.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Richards is actively involved in the culinary community as a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, which brings chefs together to share insights and learn new gastronomic cooking techniques. He also volunteers as a competition judge at the Iowa Culinary Institute at Des Moines Area Community College, sharing his expertise with aspiring chefs and making an impact throughout his community. His accolades include finishing as a runner-up on Chopped — a televised cooking competition on Food Network in which contestants incorporate unusually paired ingredients to create innovative dishes — in 2018 and winning four consecutive awards from Wine Spectator.

Happily married and a proud father of one son, Mr. Richards cherishes spending quality time with his family and maintains an active lifestyle by practicing CrossFit techniques. Looking toward the future, he aspires to open his own restaurant and aims to achieve recognition through prestigious accolades such as the James Beard Award and Michelin Stars, both among the highest honors for culinary and restaurant excellence.

Looking back on his success thus far, Mr. Richards is immensely grateful for the guidance of his culinary mentors and the unwavering support of his wife — also a talented pastry chef — whose encouragement has been vital in helping him achieve distinction in his field and continues to drive his ambitious goals for the future.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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