Why We Cook: Chefs Zack Trabbold & Mike Everd

Spend an intimate evening with award-winning Chefs Zack Trabbold and Mike Everd of Evolved Hospitality Group as they come together for a special night of food, conversation, and purpose.

Together, Chefs Zack and Mike bring impressive culinary credentials to the table. Zack, owner and executive chef of Evolved Hospitality Group, was named Baltimore Magazine’s Best Chef three years running and the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s 2023 Best Chef of Maryland and has earned multiple top three finishes at the World Food Championships. Mike, Evolved’s corporate executive chef, earned his own national recognition with a first-place finish in the Seafood category at the 2025 World Food Championships.

For one special evening, they’re bringing that talent to the Franciscan Center.

At Why We Cook, the story behind the food is as important as what’s on the plate. Zack and Mike will share their culinary journeys, the experiences and influences that have shaped them, and, most importantly, why they cook.

Then you’ll get to experience their answer.

The chefs will create a special dinner for the evening, working alongside students from the Franciscan Center’s Dignity Plates Culinary Training Academy. For our students, it’s an opportunity to learn and cook alongside two accomplished chefs while putting their developing skills into practice. For our guests, it’s a chance to enjoy an exceptional meal, get to know the chefs behind it, and see the next generation of culinary talent at work.

Great food. Great stories. A table with a purpose.

Proceeds from Why We Cook support the Dignity Plates Culinary Training Academy and its work preparing individuals for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.

Why We Cook with Chef Zack Trabbold and Chef Mike Everd -- Evolved Hospitality

Why We Cook: The Story Behind the Chef. The Purpose Beyond the Plate.

Team Members