Nick Anderson, chef de cuisine of the much acclaimed Rathbun’s Restaurant in Atlanta, has received the highest honor bestowed by Georgia-based poultry producer Springer Mountain Farms; its Celebrate the Chef Award. This award has been presented to a select handful of chefs that demonstrate culinary excellence, consistency in the dining experience and a commitment to the local community.

“Chef Anderson’s combination of community involvement, support for our company’s high school culinary internship program and his passion for cooking elevated him from the competition,” says Dale Faunce, marketing director at Springer Mountain Farms. “He loves what he does and it truly shows in his dishes.”

At the age of 19, Chef Anderson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Johnson & Wales with a degree in Culinary Arts and a James Beard Scholarship. By 21, he was sous-chef at one of Atlanta’s longtime favorite restaurants, Canoe. A few short years later, he earned the title chef de cuisine at the esteemed Rathbun’s, where he continues to make his mark by adding new dishes such as ahi tuna and carpaccio, while also updating some of Chef Kevin Rathbun’s signature dishes, like the duck breast and the Springer Mountain Roast Chicken.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the folks at Springer Mountain Farms with this award,” Anderson says. “We started using their chicken because we know where it comes from and it tastes great, and the relationship has turned into a wonderful partnership where I’m able to get out of the kitchen and support the local community.”

Celebrate the Chef Award winners are provided valuable media opportunities from magazines to food festival appearances, and a customized television commercial that runs on local network stations. With program support, Anderson will soon realize a long-held dream of giving back when he hosts his own Friends of James Beard Dinner. This event will raise money to fund culinary scholarships, a perfect circle, as it was a Beard Scholarship that made it possible for Chef Anderson to attend his alma mater: Johnson & Wales.