United Fresh: These chefs stand out

The United Fresh Produce Association has named the eight recipients of the annual foodservice awards.
The United Fresh Produce Association has named the eight recipients of the annual foodservice awards.
(File photo)

Eight chefs and foodservice personnel from across the country have been chosen to be honored for innovation through the United Fresh Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program.

The 11th such awards, sponsored by Pro*Act LLC, will highlight the chefs at the United Fresh 2018 Convention and Expo June 25-27, according to a news release.

The award recipients and the categories they represent are:

  • Business in Industry — Chef Julie Pearson, foodservice director at Anthem Richmond, Compass Food Group-Eurest Services, Richmond, Va.;
  • Casual & Family Dining Restaurants — Michael Rypka, executive chef and vice president of culinary marketing at United States Success Foods Management Group LLC, dba Torchy’s Tacos, Austin, Texas;
  • Colleges & Universities — Chef Mark Bedzik, culinary art facility and university chef/greenhouse manager at the Culinary Institute of Virginia, Norfolk;
  • Fine Dining Restaurants — Daniel Asher, executive chef and partner of River & Woods, Boulder, Colo.;
  • Hospitals & Healthcare — Damon Mangano, executive chef/district chef for Aramark at Hillcrest Hospital Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland;
  • Hotels & Resorts — Graham Lockwood, executive chef at Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston;
  • K-12 Foodservice — Eric Goldstein, chief executive of School Support Services at the New York City Department of Education; and
  • Quick Service Restaurants — Ryan Krebs, director of foodservice at Rutter’s, York, Pa.

 

Latest News

Banana supplier Reybanpac recognized for work in market diversification, gender equality
Banana supplier Reybanpac recognized for work in market diversification, gender equality

Ecuador banana supplier Reybanpac was recognized at the Banana Awards, organized by the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador.

Avocados From Mexico readies for Cinco de Mayo promotions
Avocados From Mexico readies for Cinco de Mayo promotions

Vivid displays, discounts and recipe inspiration are part of the marketing effort to include avocados in the lead-up to Cinco de Mayo.

Groups urge U.S. to ban imports of Mexican avocados tied to deforestation
Groups urge U.S. to ban imports of Mexican avocados tied to deforestation

A letter from more than 25 environmental organizations said many Mexican growers have created legal, longstanding avocado farms that could continue to supply the U.S. if avocados from deforested lands are banned.

Rural index in negative territory, survey says
Rural index in negative territory, survey says

The mood is subdued down on the farm, according to a survey of rural bankers.

Taylor Farms San Juan Bautista earns TRUE Certification for Zero Waste
Taylor Farms San Juan Bautista earns TRUE Certification for Zero Waste

Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms is celebrating its fifth facility to receive TRUE certification, which is used by facilities to define, pursue and achieve their zero-waste goals.

Stemilt says latest Nielsen data shows opportunity for fuji apples
Stemilt says latest Nielsen data shows opportunity for fuji apples

The packer, grower and distributor of pears, apples and stone fruit says promotions and geo-targeting sales of fuji apples are keys to success this spring and summer.