Meet Chef Floyd Wilson: A Culinary Career of Passion and Culture
Foodbuy sat down with Floyd Wilson, Executive Chef at Maple Downs Golf & Country Club, to discuss his culinary career, his experience in the industry, and the passion that drives his craft. From his early influences in a Jamaican and Guyanese household to his experiences working in the Caribbean, Canada, and Italy, his story is one of dedication, creativity, and perseverance.
Chef Floyd’s love for cooking began at home, where his mother instilled in him the belief that “cooking is a skill everyone should have.” Before moving to Canada, he lived and worked in the Cayman Islands, where his passion for food deepened through exposure to fresh seafood and tropical flavours. His journey continued at George Brown College, where he refined his skills and gained invaluable experience, including the opportunity to work and study in Italy.
What continues to drive him is the joy he sees in the people he cooks for. Whether crafting a private dining experience or leading a busy kitchen, he is constantly inspired by seasonal ingredients and the ever-evolving possibilities they bring. While the culinary industry presents a lot of competition, customer expectations, and staff turnover, Chef Floyd has built a strong kitchen culture centered on teamwork and innovation.
Chef Floyd explains that partnering with Foodbuy has helped him navigate some of these challenges by streamlining vendor relationships and managing food costs more effectively. Access to high-quality ingredients at competitive prices allows him to focus on what he loves, creating memorable dishes. His advice to Foodbuy members and chefs is to always stay curious and open to learning. He notes “…trends and techniques change rapidly, and those who adapt will thrive.” For Foodbuy members looking to maximize their purchasing power or rebate programs,
“I recommend building strong relationships with suppliers. By communicating openly about your needs and exploring bulk purchasing options that secure better rates. Additionally, take advantage of rebate programs by staying organized; tracking your purchases can lead to significant savings over time.” Foodbuy’s detailed reporting provides operators with rebate visibility down to the SKU level.”
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Floyd is deeply committed to community impact at Maple Downs Golf and Country Club. They proudly host a luncheon for local retirement home residents, creating a day filled with laughter, great food, and meaningful connections. Beyond the club, they also support larger causes. Last year, with the generosity of their members, they raised $350,000 to fund an ambulance for the South of Israel, providing critical medical aid during challenging times.
For Chef Floyd, cooking is more than a profession, it’s a journey of patience, learning, and cultural expression. He sees food as a powerful way to celebrate culture and heritage, using dishes to tell stories of resilience and creativity. Carrying the essence of his upbringing and global experiences on every plate he serves, Chef Floyd continues to inspire those around him of what it means to be a chef both in and outside of the kitchen.