Aramark
Collegiate Hospitality
MATT KUVER | KNOXVILLE, TN
MYLES HAMILTON | FAIRFIELD, CT
JONATHAN BURNES | WINSTON-SALEM, NC
MYLES HAMILTON | FAIRFIELD, CT
JONATHAN BURNES | WINSTON-SALEM, NC
The Aramark Culinary Excellence Competition
The ACE competition is where Aramark individuals battle for a chance to reach the enterprise round. In the finals, six teams of three, one from each of our brands, go head-to-head preparing a five-course menu for Certified American Culinary Federation Chefs to judge.
Our Top Talent Judged By World Masters
The Aramark ACE Competition is judged by Certified Chefs from the renowned ACF (American Culinary Federation). Each dish is professionally reviewed for taste, texture, nutritional value, and creativity.
THE COMPETITORS
6 Expert Teams
1 Chance To Be The Best
Each team consists of the regional Mystery Basket Challenge winners. Regional winners work as one to create five innovative, technique-driven courses. The lifelong memories and bonds these teams form is unparalleled.
“The competition is a thrilling mix of anxiety and excitement—an unforgettable experience for growth.”
– Chef Andrew Boxer, Executive Chef & 2013 ACE Participant
Greatness Comes Down To A Dish
The Ace competition is a chance for culinary experts to show off their creativity and ingenuity by using the specially selected ingredients to prepare a show stopping five-course menu.
The 2025 Winners
The competition began with 18 talented chefs vying for the coveted cup, but it was the Workplace Experience Group that ultimately claimed the title of winner!
Matthew Garelick
Paul Kostandin
Parker Kinsley
Winning Menu
Appetizer
Pan Roasted Striped Bass
Lemon Basil Mousseline, Piperade, Crab & Herb Salad, Roasted Leek Crab Sauce
Soup
Fall Butternut Squash Soup
Chicken & Pork Belly Sausage, Camembert Gnocchi, Gremolata
Salad
Beet & Cranberry Salad
WXG Ricotta, Pickled Water Chestnut, Popped Sorghum, Cranberry Orange Vinaigrette
Entree
Duo of Rib Eye
Seared Barrel, Smoked Deckel, Broccoli Rabe, Chantarelle, Potato Puree, Victory Pan Sauce
Dessert
Spiced Pear Cake
White Chocolate Frozen Yogurt, Honey Glazed Pear, Salted Caramel, Florentine
Anything Is Possible When Opportunity Is Abundant
We believe everyone should have an opportunity for greatness. Events like the ACE Competition are just one way we go above and beyond for the people that make Aramark remarkable.
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