Trio Community Meals

Chef Rodrick DeBardelaben has spent more than 25 years doing what he loves most: cooking and bringing people together through food. Over the years, he has built a reputation not only for creating flavorful dishes but also for making every event feel personal and memorable. Whether he’s preparing an elegant wedding reception, catering a lively family reunion, hosting a birthday celebration, or creating an intimate private dinner in someone’s home, Chef Rod approaches every occasion with passion, creativity and care.

Chef Rod has turned his lifelong love for cooking into a business centered around quality, hospitality and unforgettable flavor. His goal has always been simple: serve food that people remember long after the event is over. He understands that meals are often the heart of special moments and he takes pride in helping families, friends and couples celebrate life’s biggest occasions around the table.

What sets Chef Rod apart is his dedication to flavor and originality. He doesn’t rely on store-bought shortcuts. Instead, he created his own signature seasoning from scratch, carefully blending spices to develop a taste that reflects his personal style and years of culinary experience. That signature seasoning became the inspiration behind his slogan, “I’m a Shake Above the Rest.” It’s more than just a catchy phrase; it represents his commitment to standing out, paying attention to detail and giving every dish a flavor people can recognize and appreciate.

Meals are often the heart of special moments and I take pride in helping people celebrate life’s biggest occasions around the table.

Cooking has never been just a job for Chef Rod. It’s his passion. From the kitchen to the dining table, he enjoys seeing people smile, connect and enjoy themselves through a great meal. Over the years, he has continued to grow his business by staying true to the values that matter most to him: consistency, professionalism and treating every client like family. His experience allows him to adapt to different events and tastes while still maintaining the high standards he’s known for.

Clients appreciate not only the food but also the experience Chef Rod provides. He understands that every event is unique, which is why he works closely with each client to create meals that fit the occasion and leave a lasting impression. From comforting Southern favorites to elevated dishes prepared for private dinners, Chef Rod brings the same level of dedication and heart into everything he serves.

After more than two decades in the culinary world, Chef Rodrick DeBardelaben continues to do what he loves with the same passion that started it all. He has created more than meals; he has created experiences, memories and moments that bring people together. And with every shake of his signature seasoning, he continues to prove why he is truly “a Shake Above the Rest.”

Chef Rod is currently the FSD for Trio Community Meals Guntersville. Leading a staff of 35 people. TRIO Guntersville is the reigning 2025 unit of the year and Chef Rod was named food service director of the year. TRIO Guntersville provides hot meals to 2,500 seniors Monday through Friday, in addition to delivering 2,000 meals directly to homes. Feeding seniors is like having a bunch of grandmas and grandpas to take care of. Chef Rod and Trio Guntersville help in the community. Participants in city parades attend school sports and counsel meetings. TRIO Guntersville strives to maintain the highest standards of service and community support.