Mid City Times

The Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) in Fort Worth has appointed Waylon Cornelius as the executive chef for its catering and concessions, under the management of Craft Culinary Concepts. Cornelius, a Mansfield native and 2003 graduate of AIMS Academy of Culinary Arts in Dallas, aims to transform the culinary offerings at WRMC from traditional "BBQ and beans" to more sophisticated fare.

Cornelius expressed his vision for elevated cuisine by stating, “We always have fajitas ready to go, but we also make a beautiful beef Wellington or baked salmon with a pink salt crust” for social events. This approach caters not only to equestrian guests who stay for several days but also to attendees of consumer trade shows and horse shows. He added that their concessions provide options like biscuits and gravy, burritos made in-house, strawberry salad, fruit, and yogurt cups.

Cornelius's journey into the culinary world began in a farm-to-table kitchen on his family's farm. Despite initially studying computer science and earning an associate's degree in cultural resource management from Tarrant County College, he returned to cooking. His career includes training at Grand Hyatt DFW under Executive Chef Sutti Sripolpa and working with notable chefs such as Eric Dryer and Jean-Claude Plihon.

His experience expanded while serving as executive sous chef during the opening of Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille in Southlake. Later, at H&G Supply, he learned about gluten-free items and food allergies alongside Chef James R. Schell III. Schell later recruited him to WRMC this summer.

Cornelius said about his role: “James said he needed someone who can hit moving targets, push the culinary team to be more avant-garde and use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. So here I am.” Schell emphasized ensuring WRMC guests receive superior experiences regarding food quality and variety.

Schell shared his aspirations: “I want people to say, ‘When we were in Fort Worth, you won’t believe what we got at Will Rogers!’ Even celebrities performing [in the auditorium] are surprised.”

The Will Rogers Memorial Center is a historic complex located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Owned by the City of Fort Worth since its dedication in 1936 for the Texas Centennial celebration, it attracts two million visitors annually with its various facilities.

Craft Culinary Concepts manages food programs across entertainment venues nationwide from its headquarters in Glendale, Arizona.