Don’t let the piercings and tattoos fool you, this man can cook. Larry Hamp of Alma, MI is the Head Chef at the Real Food on Campus Cafeteria (RFoC) located in the Towers on Central Michigan University’s Campus (CMU). In Larry’s spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his seven nieces and nephews.
Larry started working in the cooking business 15 years ago when he started out at Burger King. He then started working in Robinson’s cafeteria as a chef on CMU’s campus. Larry worked there for two and a half years then he transferred to catering then the RfoC. “I started in catering for 2 months then was offered full time at Robinson and after went to RFoC.”
During the summer Larry works at Fresh Food Cafeteria located in Fabiano Hall because RFoC is closed during the summers. “We are open this summer though,” Hamp said.
What sets Larry a part from the other cooks is his dedication to food quality and making the work place a fun environment. “I wanted to be head cook for the experience and to work my way up on the corporate ladder,” Hamp said.
It took Larry one and a half-year’s to make it to the head chef’s position at the RFoC. He said the biggest struggle being head chef was getting respect from the other cooks in the cafeteria.
His least favorite meal to cook is anything with pork or fish and his favorite meal to make is buttermilk chicken because he is constantly moving. This is one of the biggest meals at the cafeteria. “My favorite food is lasagna,” Hamp said.
“The reason I wanted to be a chef was your always doing something different and its hands on,” he said.
If you are ever in the RfoC and you go to the southern kitchen station, you are eating one of Larry Hamp’s meals.