Greta Patel has been named the recipient of the Visionary Leadership Award at the 2026 Restaurant Industry Spotlight on Excellence (RISE) Awards, presented by the New York State Restaurant Association. This recognition honors a career defined by impact, integrity, and forward‑thinking leadership. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, with more than 20 years in New York’s restaurant and hospitality scene, Greta began her journey as a culinarian before rising through the ranks with rare dual mastery, sharp strategic insight paired with deeply human leadership. Her tenure as Regional Vice President, where she drove growth and performance across the Eastern U.S., set the stage for her appointment as President of LifeWorks Restaurant Group, a premier division of Aramark.
Throughout her career, Greta has been known for transforming complexity into opportunity, building high-performing teams, earning client trust, and elevating experiences beyond the plate. Her leadership reflects a belief that hospitality is never just about food, but about people, their energy, their connection, and their sense of belonging. That philosophy now defines her vision for LifeWorks’ next chapter.
Under Greta’s leadership, LifeWorks is entering a bold new era grounded in imagination, intention, and impeccable execution. At LifeWorks Restaurant Group, bold ideas are transformed into refined hospitality experiences rooted in culture and guided by a sophisticated perspective. The brand’s promise comes to life through thoughtful, elevated on-site experiences that leave people more inspired, more connected, and genuinely cared for.
This new era builds on LifeWorks’ legacy of industry shaping innovation, from pioneering fresh, made-from-scratch workplace dining to continuously raising the bar for what hospitality can be. As creators and caretakers, planners and perfectionists, LifeWorks crafts experiences that bring people together and remind them how powerful shared moments can be. With Greta Patel at the helm, the future of premium hospitality is not just being led. It is being reimagined.
