At 4Roots, we believe food has the power to heal communities, connect people, and transform lives. As the Farm Campus continues to grow, so does our vision for the role culinary experiences, hospitality, and gathering can play in bringing that mission to life.
That is why we are thrilled to announce the expansion of Hari Pulapaka’s role within the 4Roots team as Senior Culinary Director.
In this expanded leadership role, Chef Hari will help shape and oversee a growing portfolio of culinary programming and hospitality experiences across the Farm Campus, including immersive farm-to-table dinners, chef-hosted experiences, strategic culinary partnerships, workshops, educational programming, and community-centered food initiatives designed to connect people more deeply to food, wellness, and each other.
A classically trained chef and internationally recognized culinary leader, Chef Hari brings a rare combination of culinary artistry, academic scholarship, and visionary leadership to 4Roots. He is the Founder & CEO of The Global Cooking School, where his mission is to inspire a more delicious, thoughtful, sustainable, nutritious, and inclusive food system.
Chef Hari’s professional journey uniquely bridges the worlds of science and cuisine. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics and earned distinction as a tenured Associate Professor of Mathematics at Stetson University before stepping away from academia in 2026 to focus fully on his culinary work and growing impact within the food system.
A four-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef semifinalist, Chef Hari is widely recognized for his globally inspired, plant-forward cuisine and deep commitment to sustainability and local sourcing. As co-founder and executive chef of Cress Restaurant, he helped shape Central Florida’s culinary landscape through menus rooted in seasonality, creativity, and relationships with local farmers and producers.
Chef Hari is also among a select few individuals globally to hold both a Ph.D. in Mathematics and the prestigious Worldchefs Certified Master Chef designation. He is additionally a Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation and a member of the American Academy of Chefs. His work and advocacy have earned national recognition for advancing equity, sustainability, health, and innovation within the food system, including being named a Grist 50 Fixer for innovation in food systems and waste reduction. He has also appeared on popular Food Network programs including Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay.
An accomplished author, Chef Hari continues to inspire audiences through food, storytelling, and education. His latest cookbook, The Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based Cookbook, co-authored with Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka, blends flavor-forward recipes with evidence-based health insights to help people embrace food as a foundation for lifelong wellbeing. His forthcoming cookbook, set for release in Fall 2026, continues this exploration of flavor, culture, and intentional living through food. He is also the author of Dreaming in Spice: A Sinfully Vegetarian Odyssey.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to channel 100% of my energy into my greatest passion: food, education, and our local community,” said Chef Hari. “Stepping fully into this role at 4Roots allows me to take the educational spirit out of the classroom and bring it directly to the farm and the dining table. The scale of what we can create together here is genuinely thrilling.”
Chef Hari’s philosophy is rooted in intentionality: creating food that is not only deeply flavorful, but reflective of a respect for the environment, local farmers, and the people gathered around the table. Guests can look forward to experiences that celebrate the seasonality of Central Florida while weaving together global flavors, thoughtful sourcing, creativity, and genuine hospitality.
Looking ahead, Chef Hari will also help cultivate strategic partnerships with chefs, restaurants, farmers, and community organizations, supporting mission-driven programming that strengthens the long-term sustainability and impact of 4Roots. Through immersive culinary experiences, educational programming, and collaborative events, the Farm Campus will continue evolving as a place where food, health, agriculture, and community converge in meaningful ways.
“I envision the Farm Campus as a hub where culinary professionals and agricultural advocates can come together, share ideas, and elevate the entire Central Florida food scene as a united community,” Chef Hari shared. “I’m not just here to cook. I’m here to help build a larger, more collaborative table.”
Through every meal, partnership, and experience, Chef Hari’s work reflects the heart of the 4Roots mission: reconnecting people to the source and power of their food while cultivating healthier communities for generations to come. We are honored to continue growing this vision alongside Chef Hari and cannot wait to share what’s ahead at the Farm Campus.