Kentucky Derby head chef reveals the one thing on the menu that will never change at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs head chef Robert Lopez emphasizes the importance of maintaining tradition while introducing new dishes for Kentucky Derby guests. The mint julep remains an unchanging staple on the menu, symbolizing the event's deep-rooted customs. Lopez, who previously worked in Formula One hospitality, now oversees a massive culinary operation serving up to 200,000 guests over the Derby weekend.
- ▪Robert Lopez is the head chef at Churchill Downs and oversees 17 kitchens and up to 4,000 staff during the Kentucky Derby.
- ▪The mint julep is the one menu item Lopez says will never change at the Kentucky Derby.
- ▪Lopez previously worked in Formula One hospitality before joining Churchill Downs.
- ▪Churchill Downs serves between 170,000 and 200,000 guests during the Kentucky Oaks and Derby weekend.
- ▪The Kentucky Derby culinary team includes about 130 senior- and executive-level chefs brought in from across the country.
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Food-Drink Kentucky Derby head chef reveals the one thing on the menu that will never change at Churchill Downs Robert Lopez, who came from Formula One, now oversees 17 kitchens and up to 4,000 staff for the event By Peter Burke Fox News Published May 2, 2026 8:11am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Kentucky Derby chef spotlights easy shrimp dish packed with fresh seafood flavor Kentucky Derby head chef Robert Lopez discusses a simple shrimp dish featured on this year's menu, emphasizing the importance of fresh seafood and how home cooks can easily recreate the flavorful recipe.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Latest & Breaking News on Fox News.
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