Chef Rick
Rick Townsend
Owner | Head Chef
Rick was exposed to authentic southern soul food since birth. Rick always knew the difference between a plate with love, care, and comfort taken into it and one that was not. He fell in love with the art of cookery and entrepreneurship at a young age. Whether bagging groceries, selling candy, cars, clothes, cutting grass, detailing cars, plates, taking out the trash, or whatever it takes to make a living. The hustle was instilled, and that's when Rick wanted to turn dreams into reality. Rick always envisioned having something of his own and making his Mama proud.
Shortly after high school, Rick enlisted in the United States Army as a Food Service Specialist, a military occupational specialty, 92G. It was not the desired profession, but a blessing from God. Rick quickly fell in love with the career and served in every role within the food service enterprise and various diversified positions throughout the Army. During deployments, he noticed that through food, it was often the only way people could experience a sense of home, relive memories, and interact with others. True bonds and business deals are frequently sealed with food.
Whether serving in austere environments, overseas, stateside locations, including the Pentagon, supporting the Secretary of the Army, the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Sergeant Major of the Army, or their guests, it ignited a passion for perfecting palates and making people feel a sense of comfort. No matter how down someone may feel, good food brings memories, positive vibes, and people being their authentic selves. Throughout his love for culinary cuisines, Rick has had the opportunity to be in the company of Presidents, Medal of Honor Recipients, Gold Star Families, Secretaries of Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Political Appointees, General Officers, Senior Enlisted Advisors, Defense Attaché representatives, Team USA members, Warfighters, and their Families from throughout the Nation.
With over 21 years of honorable military service, Rick has traveled the world and has a vast amount of knowledge of logistics and comfort dishes made from traditional recipes using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Operation Gina Belle’s Perfected Palate is bringing southern cuisine flavors directly to neighborhoods, events, and cities near you. The vision dreamed of is a cultural experience through a food truck that tells a story with a special dedication to Mrs. Gina V or Mama G — from music to menu design, every detail embodies southern roots, love, laughter, and hospitality.
You may also see Rick coaching in the local community or speaking at engagements to help Veterans and their Families on military opportunities and assisting disabled Veterans. Rick previously served as a Rating Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He completed his Master of Science with a concentration in Marketing from Columbia Southern University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Sports Management.
Finally, being able to provide experiences and make his Mama’s name, live on is the ultimate accomplishment. Authentic classics, straight from the south to share the southern hospitality experience with communities like no other.