The Food Channel targeting chef programming waters

Though talks with celebrity chef Paula Deen could be on permanent hiatus, The Food Channel Editor Kay Logsdon is spearheading the Springfield online food-content provider's move toward programming traditionally aired on television.

Already, Logsdon said its short-form show "90 Seconds In the Kitchen," featuring local chef Cari Martens, airs three times a day, five days a week on KOLR 10 (see below). Logsdon said more is on the way.

Logsdon - who was interviewed by Springfield Business Journal Editor Eric Olson live this morning as part of SBJ's monthly 12 People You Need to Know series at Hilton Garden Inn - said Springfield's Food Channel picked up valuable knowledge during discussions with former Food Network host Deen.

When Deen was dropped from the Food Network after allegedly making racially insensitive comments, The Food Channel made a play for her, and while negotiations didn't bear fruit, the Springfield company gained a massive fan boost - some consumers confusing the two food businesses based on their similar names and others cheering on The Food Channel's efforts.

"We immediately gained 10,000 Facebook fans overnight that wanted us to take her on," Logsdon said, noting The Food Channel had nothing to lose by courting the food star. "What it taught us is how loyal that audience is, how much they're interested in developing, not just current celebrity chefs, but they're willing to take a chance on a new celebrity chef.

"We're moving forward with that strategy. It may be a little while, but it's a solid strategy and we know the need is there."

Logsdon said The Food Channel nearing a deal with Springfield chef James Clary about a regular show and a pilot has been filmed. The Food Channel also filmed a brief segment on Clary in May at the National Restaurant Association show in Chicago, where he debuted his instant souffle product.

The Food Channel also has worked with such companies as Springfield-based Opfer Communications Inc. to handle production work, and it has filmed digital content for AOL Inc., Logsdon said.

Logsdon, who serves as vice president and editor-in-chief for the Noble-owned Food Channel, said FoodChannel.com is nearing the release of its 2014 list of top food trends. Among trending topics predicted by the company are artisan breads; Indian cuisine; and "distracted dining," or how restaurants are handling patrons who use their smartphones while eating.

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