News Summary
Chef Jon “JD” Davis has been awarded the title of King of Mississippi Seafood 2025 at the state cook-off in Oxford. This achievement sets him up to represent Mississippi at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans. Davis, chef de cuisine at City Grocery, brings a rich culinary journey from pantry cook to renowned seafood chef. This event not only showcases his talent but also highlights Mississippi’s vibrant seafood culture.
Oxford, Mississippi – Chef Jon “JD” Davis has been named the 2025 King of Mississippi Seafood during the state cook-off held on Thursday. This title not only honors his culinary skills but also prepares him to represent Mississippi in the prestigious Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans this coming summer. The competition will bring together the best seafood chefs from across the nation, competing for the national seafood title.
Davis works as the chef de cuisine at City Grocery, a popular restaurant located in Oxford. His victory follows last year’s success when Chef Erika Lipe, the owner of Sola Oxford, made history by becoming the first female winner of the Mississippi Seafood Cook-Off as its Queen.
Born and raised in Memphis, Davis moved to Oxford in 2007 to pursue a degree at the University of Mississippi. His journey into the culinary field began after a friend’s suggestion to apply for a job at Boure’, where he began as a pantry cook. Over three and a half years, Davis progressed through the ranks, laying a strong foundation for his culinary career.
To enhance his skills further, Davis took a seasonal position in Cape Cod, which expanded his cooking knowledge and experience. Upon returning to Oxford, he worked at The Blind Pig, where he wore multiple hats, gaining invaluable experience as a bartender and general manager.
Davis’s career progressed when he took a job at The Graduate, but he soon returned to The Blind Pig briefly before taking on a role at Saint Leo, a restaurant known for its unique approach to food. His significant career breakthrough came when he became a sous chef at the Jackson Convention Center, a position that allowed him to refine his skills and expand his culinary repertoire.
After approximately a year in Jackson, Davis returned to Oxford, where he initially served as the head chef at Saint Leo. His dedication and passion for seafood eventually led him to his current position at City Grocery, where he has worked to further innovate and elevate the restaurant’s offerings.
The Mississippi Seafood Cook-Off provides local chefs like Davis an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent, creativity, and passion for seafood. The event also highlights the rich seafood culture in Mississippi, fostering a sense of pride in the state’s culinary achievements.
Attendees of the cook-off witnessed an impressive array of seafood dishes, all vying for the title of the King or Queen of Mississippi Seafood. Each competing chef brought their unique flair and methodology to the competition, underlining the diversity of seafood cuisine. Winning this title is not just a personal achievement for the chef but also a moment of recognition for Mississippi’s vibrant food scene.
As Davis prepares for the Great American Seafood Cook-Off, he carries the hopes of his community and the reputation of Mississippi’s culinary excellence with him. The competition not only celebrates seafood but also highlights the relationships between chefs and the ocean’s bounty, which is integral to Mississippi’s economy and culture.
With his comprehensive experience and dedication to culinary excellence, Jon “JD” Davis looks forward to representing his state on a national platform, aiming to bring home the title and highlight the unique flavors and culinary heritage of Mississippi.
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Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: Chef Davis Crowned King of Mississippi Seafood
- Wikipedia: Oxford, Mississippi
- Atlanta Magazine: One City, Three Ways – Oxford, Mississippi
- Google Search: Oxford Mississippi Seafood Competition
- Oxford Magazine: Landshark Seafood Bringing the Bayou to North Mississippi
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi
- Red Cup Rebellion: Oxford Mississippi Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE OXFORD WRITER
The OXFORD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOxford.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Oxford, Lafayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Arts Festival, and University of Mississippi football games. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and the University of Mississippi, plus leading businesses in education and retail that power the local economy such as Ole Miss Athletics and Square Books. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
