Murray State University to host Chef Sara Bradley for interactive discussion

MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University and the University Libraries are excited to announce a special evening with Chef Sara Bradley, a western Kentucky native and renowned chef, on Monday, August 26, at 7 p.m. The interactive lecture is one of a series of community events coming to Wrather Hall this fall, surrounding the current traveling Smithsonian Exhibit, FOOD: Transforming the American Table, and will provide a unique opportunity to explore Bradley’s quest through her culinary career. This event will be hosted Q&A style, moderated by Daniel Hurt with WKMS, taking questions from the audience. This interactive discussion is free to the public and will take place in Wrather Hall’s auditorium on Murray State’s campus.

Sara Bradley, a native of Paducah, Kentucky, has made a name for herself not only as the proprietor of the popular restaurant Freight House in Paducah, Kentucky, but also as a finalist in two seasons of Bravo’s Top Chef. Most recently, she was crowned the winner of the Food Network’s 2023 Chopped: All-American Showdown. With over 20 years of professional cooking experience, Bradley is known for her innovative Southern dishes that embrace local ingredients, international inspiration and the stories behind food.

During the moderated discussion, Bradley will discuss her experiences on Top Chef and Chopped, the founding of Freight House, and her culinary philosophy, deeply rooted in Southern tradition and sustainability. Her dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment for restaurant staff—especially for parents—has earned her widespread admiration.

As the owner of Freight House, Bradley has built a restaurant that embodies her belief in farm-to-table dining and sustainability. Her dishes combine traditional Southern flavors with international techniques, making Freight House a standout in western Kentucky’s food scene. Beyond her culinary career, Bradley is also deeply involved in community and charitable efforts. This event promises to be an exciting and insightful evening for food lovers, aspiring chefs, and anyone interested in the intersection of food, culture, and community.

Wrather Hall opened in 1924 as the first permanent building on Murray State’s campus and served as a central hub for campus life. In 1982, it was rededicated as the Wrather West Kentucky Museum, which today continues to preserve the history and culture of west Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase. Following a major renovation in 2022, Wrather remains a vital part of Murray State University’s heritage, hosting both permanent and rotating exhibits, free of charge, to the public. The museum is open Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m., with additional hours on select evenings and weekends. Class visits can be scheduled by appointment via Meg Smith (msmith223@murraystate.edu).

This event and future programming are made possible through the generous support of local sponsors. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to support the Wrather West Kentucky Museum, contact Brandon Anderson, director of development for Murray State University Libraries, at banderson26@murraystate.edu or 270-809-3001.