Chef Jim Watkins

Chefs like Jim Watkins enjoyed long careers with the B&O, spending 33 years on the road and 2 years at the B&O's central office building.He earned celebrity status as they became the face of the B&O’s food service. Watkins made many appearances both locally and nationally promoting the B&O as he showed off his culinary skills, including appearing opposite Arlene Francis on NBC’s “Home Show” in 1954. Watkins was highly skilled and the B&O assigned him to cook for Presidents, movie stars, and even the Arch Bishop of Canterbury. His skill was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the B&O’s African-American employees.