Born and raised on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where fresh seafood and time-honored culinary traditions are legendary, Jeffrey began working in the hospitality industry at an early age. As a teenager he began his culinary career as a bus boy at Chappy’s, one of the most popular seafood restaurants on the coast. After time spent at the University of Mississippi majoring in pre-pharmacy and a brief stint on active duty in the Army, Jeffrey returned to the Gulf Coast homesick and hungry. He began working at Trapani’s Eatery in Bay St. Louis, and when he wasn’t waiting tables he began dabbling in the kitchen and slowly learned to cook everything on the menu. When he wasn’t working, Jeffrey was fishing…usually with Trapani’s colorful owner, Tony, who caught much of what they cooked in the restaurant. Jeffrey had finally found his passion, and knew it was time to return to school. This time Jeffrey graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management. Upon graduation he was hired in the food and beverage department of MGM’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in nearby Biloxi. His drive and kitchen prowess earned him his next position as Executive Chef at a regional hospital where he directed 68 employees and managed large catering events. Then Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi coast. Gulfport Memorial Hospital sustained 12 million dollars worth of damage and Jeffrey’s beloved Gulf Coast was in ruins. Beaten but not broken Chef Bates led his staff to feed thousands of people throughout the storm and for months after. Jeffrey calls it, “an incredibly challenging and life-changing experience.” In the wake of Katrina Jeffrey began a quest to broaden his culinary horizons. His search led him away from the sea to the Mississippi Delta town of Greenwood, home of Viking Range Corporation and the award winning Alluvian Hotel. Jeffrey currently serves as Executive Chef at the historic Giardina’s restaurant and as chef instructor at the nationally known Viking Cooking School. Chef Bates’ ebullient personality and emerging reputation for cooking with bold flavors have made him a popular teacher at the Viking Cooking School and a sought after guest chef at various culinary events. His work with Viking has afforded him enviable opportunities such as television appearances, stints as a guest chef at numerous epicurean events and a culinary tour through Vietnam. Jeffrey, his wife Shirley, and their new baby Isabelle Ann now call Greenwood, Mississippi home.