Executive Chef Jerry Bolton

Meet Chef Jerry

Chef Gerald “Jerry” Bolton is an award-winning chef born and raised in Syracuse, NY. He began cultivating his passion for cooking at the age of 15 under the direction of local chefs and culinary educators. Jerry joined The Oncenter team in 1995 and has served as the Executive Chef since 1997.

Chef Jerry was accredited as a Certified Working Chef by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) in 1988.He studied the restaurant industry while as Onondaga Community College and completed courses with the Culinary Institute of America.

When not whipping up culinary masterpieces for thousands of guests at The Oncenter, Chef Jerry enjoys gardening, working on the house and time with family.

Community Service

Chef Jerry is a founding member of the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) Syracuse Chapter and serves on the Board of Directors.

Chef Jerry’s community service and memberships include the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council for OCM BOCES and the Onondaga Community College Hospitality Management Committee. He has a passion for the hospitality industry and works closely with Partners for Education providing leadership for student Career Days at local schools and job shadowing for students interested in a career in the hospitality field.

Awards & Accolades

ACF’s prestigious Chef of the Year award, in both 1990 and again in 2011
Pioneered sustainability efforts, becoming the first area chef to implement composting measures to reduce the venue's carbon footprint
Chef Professionalism Award in 2008 and again in 2016
Created urban garden to produce fresh herbs and spices needed for his specialty dishes
ACF’s Presidential Medallion recipient in 2013

Responsibilities

Chef Jerry is responsible for menu development and the introduction of new culinary concepts at The Oncenter through both catering and concession outlets. He oversees the venue’s high-profile banquets and catering events ranging in size from small meetings to large galas with pristine detail. Chef Jerry also enriches catering and concession offerings for sporting functions, backstage catering, luxury suites and everything in between.

Explore

Amazing food is only the beginning. Let the dynamic, innovative energy of Chef Jerry and The Oncenter’s entire team of experts work together to elevate your next experience.

Explore all we have to offer.