Valleyfair’s executive chef Josh Slaughter joined the park in the winter of 2024 and brings a rich background of culinary excellence and a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable food sources. He will oversee all 25 of the park’s food and beverage experiences, including introducing four new culinary concepts for the 2024 season.

Prior to Valleyfair, Chef Slaughter managed a remote ghost town in very remote Alaska while also serving as chef of the award-winning Salmon and Bear Restaurant. His culinary program relied on foraging, growing, and local farms. The menu reflected this by showcasing whole animal butchery and preserved produce.

A native of Alabama, Chef Slaughter has had the opportunity to live and work throughout the United States. He has had the opportunity to work at Michelin Star restaurants in California and New York. He has also worked for a multitude of specialty fields from cheese mongering, rolling sushi with two master sushi Chefs, and butchery with master butchers. He identifies with Fernand Point’s style of cooking, finding inspiration not in a list of ingredients, but in techniques and preparation.

 "Hippocrates said it best, 'let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.'"-Chef Josh Slaughter

This year, Valleyfair is pleased to announce four new culinary journeys to take when you visit the park this season. Check it out below! 

Lucky Loon Kitchen: Larry the Loon welcomes guests to this “up north” style restaurant serving a rotation of scratch-made, scrumptious meals crew-serve style, such as roasts, hand-breaded chicken, pasta, seasonal vegetables, salads, and fresh desserts. Lucky Loon Kitchen is located to the right of the park entrance across from The Wave and includes patio deck seating.

Superior Funnel Cake Co.: Does anyone create funnel cakes better than Valleyfair? (Nope!) Indulge your taste buds at our sensational new dessert haven, where every bite is a celebration of sweetness. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavors as our expert chef crafts mouthwateringly unique funnel cake concoctions to dazzle your tastebuds. Find it right across from the Ferris Wheel!

Renegade Smokehouse: Where bold flavors and smoky aromas collide to redefine your barbeque experience. Our true rebels of flavor pitmasters expertly craft each dish to perfection, leaving you craving more. From tender, slow-smoked meats to savory sides that dance on your untamed palate, Renegade Smokehouse will make you say, YEE-HAW!

Northwoods Pizzeria: Ope, just gonna sneak past ya and grab a slice of signature hand-tossed pizza! Northwoods Pizzeria offers fresh pizza straight from the oven, crispy chicken tenders, and soft warm breadsticks, perfect for refueling after hours of non-stop fun. Fill up and head right into Soak City or take a ride on Renegade!

Are you starving yet? Be sure to grab one of our convenient dining plans to make your 2024 season a tasty one!