Cass County Community Foundation announces hiring of executive director for new Farmers Market pavilion and incubator kitchen

The Cass County Community Foundation is delighted to share that Executive Chef Ryan Bolhuis, Grand Rapids, Michigan, has accepted the position of Executive Director of Culinary Education and Entrepreneurship at the new incubator kitchen set to open in January 2026. Bolhuis will be moving to the area soon to begin preliminary programming work and recruiting for the kitchen as well as special and food event planning. He has an extensive background across many facets of the food industry.Bolhuis is an award-winning chef and an alumnus of the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, NY. He has worked in some of the most distinguished restaurants in the culinary world, New York and abroad, gaining experience in various cuisines from classic French to Molecular Gastronomy.

Since leaving the restaurant world, Ryan now utilizes his 20+ year culinary experience to mentor food and beverage entrepreneurs. Most recently, Ryan brought new programming and insight to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen. During his time at the Downtown Market, Ryan helped over 200 food and beverage businesses launch, creating over 500 jobs, and guided the growth of food and beverage programs across the state of Michigan. Ryan has also helped educate the next wave of entrepreneurs as a guest presenter at high schools, colleges, and universities around Michigan.

Beyond the work with entrepreneurs, Ryan is an avid believer in “community and culture through food” and has displayed this by serving on multiple boards to promote and support local farming, sustainable public art, food system stability, and workforce development for immigrant/migrant peoples.

“During my short visit to Logansport, the sense of community and the entrepreneurial spirit was immediately apparent. I’m excited to join this amazing community and honored to be a small part in the next big wave that is Logansport’s future” stated Bolhuis.

Deanna Crispen, President & CEO shared, “ our ability to bring Ryan to Logansport to lead our new programs at the Incubator and demonstration kitchen will enable our community to have access to a world class chef and his amazing experience in food entrepreneurship and sustainability. He is just an unbelievable addition to our community, and I look forward to witnessing his impact here in Cass County.”

For more information, please call the Cass County Community Foundation at 574-722-2200.

SOURCE: News release from Cass County Community Foundation