Field Set for First-Ever National Finals of Aramark’s Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition
PHILADELPHIA – Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) today announced the winners of its business sector culinary challenge finals, setting the stage for the Inaugural National Finals of Aramark’s Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition -- a showcase of the company’s United States culinary talent and innovation. With a team of top chefs representing participating U.S. business units (Business Dining, Education, Healthcare Hospitality, Leisure, and Sports & Entertainment), Aramark’s finest will face off in a kitchen battle for culinary supremacy, at Aramark’s Global Headquarters in Philadelphia on November 20, 2019.
“Every day, our world-class chefs enrich and nourish the lives of our customers with innovative and delicious menus,” said Keith Bethel, Aramark’s Chief Customer Officer. “Congratulations to all of the competitors and good luck to those advancing to our very first National Finals of Aramark’s Culinary Excellence Competition.”
At the industry finals, judges from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) – the largest professional chefs association in North America – evaluated and scored chefs against the rigorous criteria of ACF competition standards. Competitors had 30 minutes for set-up, 4 hours for allotted cooking/service time, and 30 minutes for clean-up. The winning chefs successfully prepared and presented a four-course menu, utilizing a mystery basket containing fresh, seasonal ingredients, as well as demonstrated a mastery of cooking technique.
“All of the competing chefs rose to the challenge and demonstrated a deep appreciation for cooking,” said ACF Competition Judge and Certified Master Chef Steven Jilleba. “Their love of food, vast knowledge of cuisine and commitment to culinary excellence was evident throughout the competitions in the preparation, creativity and execution of their menus.”
The top three finishers from each business will form a team and move on to compete for the honor of being the 2019 Aramark Culinary Excellence National Champions.
“Aramark’s commitment to culinary excellence and continuous innovation is a cornerstone of our brand promise,” said Heidi Hogan, Vice President of Product Development and Culinary Innovation, Aramark. “These chefs are the best of the best, and the ACE Competition provides an outlet to showcase their expertise and passion for the culinary arts, while also allowing them the opportunity to share ideas and learn from one another.”
Over 100 Aramark chefs, from Business Dining, Healthcare Hospitality, Education (Higher Education/K12), Leisure and Sports & Entertainment across the U.S., competed individually in preliminary competitions, with winners moving onto the business sector finals.
Business Sector Finals: Winners and Finalists
(* - Top three finishers from each business sector will form a team to compete at the ACE National Finals in Philadelphia on November 20, 2019)
Business Dining
Winner*
Sean Fetters New York Life
Finalist
Clint Absher AT&T Global HQ
First Runner Up*
Dylan France eBay
Finalist
Michael Barber Cigna-Waterside Crossing
Second Runner Up*
Lee Chamberlain Roche Diagnostics
Finalist
Samuel Yu Johnson Controls Inc
Education
Winner*
Ryan Andress University of North Carolina-Wilmington
Finalist
Adam Dever University of Louisville
First Runner Up*
Christopher L. Bee Boston University
Finalist
Craig Prestero, Jr. Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Second Runner Up*
William Edmondson Kent State University
Finalist
Andy West Arizona State University
Healthcare Hospitality
Winner*
Tracey A. Hopkins, Sr. Einstein Medical Center
Finalist
Mike Montes St. Claire HealthCare
First Runner Up*
Jacob Helsabeck Warren Memorial Hospital
Finalist
Stanley Stovall Houston Methodist Hospital
Second Runner Up*
Damon Mangano Hillcrest Hospital
Finalist
Daniel Van Etten Lifespan - Rhode Island Hospital
Leisure
Winner*
Justin Key William F. Bolger Center
Finalist
Josh Fisher Lake Tahoe - Zephyr Cove Resort
First Runner Up*
Brian Wagner Chauncey Hotel and Conference Center
Finalist
Justin Kronen Olympic National Park & Forest - Lake Quinault Lodge
Second Runner Up*
Scott Simpson Ross School of Business at University of Michigan - Executive Learning and Conference Center
Finalist
Jason Myers Adventure Aquarium
Sports & Entertainment
Winner*
Stephen Aheimer FirstEnergy Stadium
Finalist
Shameka Akinleye M&T Bank Stadium
First Runner Up*
Richard Grab Philadelphia, Baltimore & Washington, DC District
Finalist
Kevin Fong SAP Center
Second Runner Up*
Allan Wambaa Oregon Convention Center
Finalist
Bridget Mooney Soldier Field
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves the world’s leading educational institutions, Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, prominent healthcare providers, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world with food, facilities, and uniform services. Because our culture is rooted in service, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. Aramark has been named to DiversityInc’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list, the Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers for Diversity,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality” and scored 100% on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
