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Pittsburgh Chef Cooks for NFL's Biggest Names During Draft
Michael Pattillo's catering company, Michael's Manna, will provide meals for the NFL Commissioner and other VIPs at the upcoming NFL Draft.
Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:51pm
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A Pittsburgh chef's culinary skills take center stage at the NFL draft.Today in PittsburghMichael Pattillo, the owner of Pittsburgh-based catering company Michael's Manna, has been selected to cook for some of the NFL's biggest names during the upcoming NFL Draft. Pattillo will be serving as the private chef for the NFL Commissioner, Nike, and ESPN, marking a major milestone in his 20-year culinary career.
Why it matters
This is a significant opportunity for Pattillo and his small catering business to showcase his skills on a national stage. Catering high-profile events like the NFL Draft can lead to more lucrative catering contracts and help grow Pattillo's spice line business.
The details
Pattillo has spent the past week preparing his kitchen and menu to ensure everything runs smoothly during the draft. He's not nervous about the cooking itself, as he's spent over 20 years honing his craft, but he's focused on the logistics of executing the catering event flawlessly. Pattillo hopes that by impressing the NFL Commissioner and other VIPs, it could lead to more high-profile catering opportunities in the future.
- The NFL Draft is taking place in just over a week.
- Pattillo has been working in his kitchen all week to get ready for the big event.
The players
Michael Pattillo
The owner of Pittsburgh-based catering company Michael's Manna, who has been selected to cook for the NFL Commissioner, Nike, and ESPN during the upcoming NFL Draft.
NFL Commissioner
The head of the National Football League, who will be one of the VIPs Pattillo is cooking for during the draft.
What they’re saying
“Maybe in the past, he's never ever wanted to meet the chef before, but this time he comes out and says, 'who's the guy that was cooking for me?' That would be exciting. I would love that. That would make this whole experience worth it.”
— Michael Pattillo, Owner, Michael's Manna
“I think ultimately, I just love what I do.”
— Michael Pattillo, Owner, Michael's Manna
What’s next
Pattillo hopes that his successful catering of the NFL Draft will lead to more high-profile catering opportunities in the future and help grow his spice line business.
The takeaway
This opportunity for a small Pittsburgh catering company to cook for the NFL's biggest names during the draft showcases the power of hard work, dedication, and a passion for one's craft. Pattillo's success could inspire other local businesses to pursue their dreams of working on a national stage.
