CRAIG JENKINS, OWNER & FOUNDER
Working with fresh produce to create unique dining experiences is my passion and has been since I started as an apprentice chef in Noosa at the age of 15. I credit my mother Joan for sparking my interest in cooking, and the opportunity to work with many Noosa-based legendary chefs with encouraging me to pursue my culinary journey. Living in North Queensland provide the opportunity to cook with fresh seafood and other produce that is the envy of the rest of the world.
Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to work up and down the Queensland coastline alongside numerous chefs, learning something new at every opportunity. Most notably I was appointed Executive Chef of the Laguna Quays 5-Star Resort at the age of 26.
Continually seeking to evolve my skills I’ve explored Japanese cooking and created a menu incorporating authentic Australia bush tucker. I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for countless celebrities including Elton John, Greg Norman, Julian Clary, Deep Purple and Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
Following my time at Laguna Quays I was engaged by the North Queensland Cowboys Football organisation in the role of Executive Chef to establish corporate catering. This challenging role introduced me to the world of large-scale catering and enabled me to gain valuable experience.
I have been fortunate enough to follow my passion for the best part of 40 years. Throughout my journey I’ve done everything from exclusive catering to 20 guests at $750 per head, catering for 1,000 guests at gala balls and intimate catering for a couple on a floating pontoon over a reef at Orpheus Island. Most recently decided to focus my experience and passion on my own business, Woodfire Pizza Townsville.
Whether I’m cooking for an A-list celebrity or catering for a local function I work hard to deliver quality food and memorable culinary experiences."