See What's Cooking

New things are cooking at Kings Island this season, including a new restaurant and a new chef! We grilled Executive Chef Joseph Perez on his plans for the park and more. Check out our Q & A!

Q: What are you most looking forward to in this job?

A: I was mostly attracted by the opportunity to join a strong team of chefs and lead a group of associates as we grow the park with great culinary options. 

The team I lead is young, highly skilled and eager to improve the offerings here at Kings Island. I look forward most to meeting Kings Island’s guests, share my food knowledge and improve the park in any way I can. It is a big family here and I am just excited to be part of it.

Q: Where are you from and how do you like Cincinnati so far?

A: I have an extensive amount of experience working in multiple casinos throughout the Midwest, over 15 years. I began my casino career outside of where I was raised in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago. It is a very urban and industrialized part of the region, which has contributed to my ability, ambition to succeed and my work ethic.

Most of my family worked in the steel mills of the region and I learned a lot from watching them grind each day.

I actually lived in the region a while back as I was part of the opening team for Belterra Park in 2004. That was a big part of why I wanted to return to the area. People in this area are passionate about food, and now I have recently discovered are in love with Kings Island as well.

Q: What can you tell us about Grain & Grill, the park’s new fast-casual dining spot?

A: Grain and Grill is unique culinary concept here at the park. We are sourcing local products, offering fresh, health-conscious options with a new flavor that is only available at that location.

Spanish shrimp, Moroccan chicken, and rosemary beef are some of the items that I feel will be popular.  They can be paired with different sauces and salads giving the guest the opportunity to really create their own plate.  Our menu is set right now for the opening season, but we will feature various specials throughout the year to better cater to our guests’ preferences as well as seasonality.

Q: What's your favorite thing to eat at the park?

A: Great, put me on the spot! 

I do love our BBQ here as we do it right!  At the end of the day, the Blue Ice Cream is king in these parts.