United Fresh calls for foodservice awards nominations
Winners of the 2017 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program participated in a panel session at United Fresh 2017 in Chicago. Panelists were Ralph Chavez (from left), system executive chef, Touchpoint Healthcare Services; Varin Keokitvon, chef, Heartwood Provisions; Eric Lindstrom, deputy director of retail dining/executive chef, United States Naval Academy; Ted Mathesius, executive chef, Adobe Café Lehi/Bon Appetit Management Co.; Lacey Hudgins, head of product development, Wildflower Bread Co.; Robert Cuellar Jr., child nutrition program director, Laredo Independent School District; Shane Schaibly, corporate chef and vice president of culinary strategy, First Watch Restaurants Inc.; and Matt Smith, executive chef, Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square. (Photo by Tom Karst)
From now through Jan. 19, the United Fresh Produce Association is accepting nominations for its 2018 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program.
Sponsored by Pro*Act, the foodservice awards have honored more than 50 chefs and foodservice professionals since the first round of awards was given in 2008.
The awards honor exceptional and innovative use of produce in foodservice, taking into consideration menu development, food safety practices, community outreach and creating an overall positive dining experience with fresh produce, according to a news release.
United Fresh awards chefs and foodservice operators in eight categories: Business in Industry, Casual and Family Dining Restaurants, Colleges and Universities, Fine Dining Restaurants, Hospitals and Healthcare, Hotels and Resorts, K-12 School Foodservice and Quick Service Restaurants.
“Fresh produce continues to drive success for the foodservice and culinary sectors, and chefs play a critical role in encouraging consumers to explore produce items,” Max Yeater, president of Pro*Act, said in the release. “We are proud of our ongoing commitment to this exceptional program that honors culinary professionals who are making fresh produce the highlight of their menus.”
A panel of United Fresh member representatives will choose the eight winners, who, along with their corporate executives, receive complimentary airfare, hotel accomodations and registrations to United Fresh 2018, June 25-27 in Chicago, according to the release. The winners will be honored at the event’s Retail-Foodservice Celebration.
The 2017 award winners, listed below, also participated in a panel workshop at United Fresh 2017:
- Business in Industry: Ted Mathesius, executive chef, Adobe Café Lehi/Bon Appetit Management Co., Lehi, Utah;
- Casual and Family Dining Restaurants: Shane Schaibly, corporate chef and vice president of culinary strategy, First Watch Restaurants Inc., Brandenton, Fla.;
- Colleges and Universities: Eric Lindstrom, deputy director of retail dining/executive chef, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.;
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Varin Keokitvon, chef, Heartwood Provisions, Seattle;
- Hospitals and Healthcare: Ralph Chavez, system executive chef, Touchpoint Healthcare Services, Austin, Texas;
- Hotels and Resorts: Matt Smith, executive chef, Sheraton Columbus Hotel at Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio;
- K-12 School Foodservice: Robert Cuellar Jr., child nutrition program director, Laredo Independent School District, Laredo, Texas; and
- Quick Service Restaurants: Lacey Hudgins, dead of product development, Wildflower Bread Co., Scottsdale, Ariz.
Nominations for the 2018 program can be submitted at www.unitedfresh.org/fsa.
