Marysville, OH – The culinary scene in Ohio heated up with the IN2WORK (I2W) ACES Competition, which took place on November 13 and 14. This exciting event featured three talented Aramark Sports + Entertainment chefs – Christopher Revercomb and Steve Boseman from the Cincinnati Bengals’ Paycor Stadium and Steve Aheimer from the Cleveland Browns’ Huntington Bank Field – who showcased their culinary prowess and taught students of Aramark Correctional Services IN2WORK program.
“The IN2WORK ACES competition was an inspiring showcase of talent, resilience, and potential,” said Chef Christopher Revercomb. “Beyond learning culinary techniques, they gained confidence and a renewed sense of possibility for life after incarceration.”
The two-day competition was held at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, OH. On Day 1, attendees participated in a half-day of chef demonstrations, where the chefs shared their techniques and tips. Day 2 was dedicated to meal creation, where the real competition began.
“It was an honor to be part of an event like this. It provided a completely different vantage point for a day in the life of an incarcerated person,” added Chef Steve Aheimer. “It was amazing to see the level of engagement and pride that was put into the food and the experience overall.”
Competition Structure
The competition featured two teams of eight participants each and were composed of current students, graduates, and fellows, all working together to create culinary masterpieces, and the dishes were judged by a panel from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC) and Aramark.
Meal One: Cincinnati Bengals
·Mediterranean Chicken Quesadilla: Lemon Herb Chicken, Roasted Peppers and Onions, Provolone Cheese, Tzatziki Sauce
·Ranch Spiced Tots: Crispy Tater Tots with Ranch Spice
·Smores Brownie: Fudge Brownie with Chocolate Sauce, Caramel Sauce, Graham Cracker Crumble, and Toasted Marshmallow
Meal Two: Cleveland Browns
·Tomatillo Braised Chicken Thighs: Chipotle Sauce, Salsa Verde, Pickled Red onions
·Cilantro Lime Rice
·Churro Nachos: Cinnamon Sugar Churros, Maple Cream Cheese Sauce, Chocolate Ganache, Tart Cherries, Confection Sugar
Results were split between courses—Team Browns won the entree and side round and Team Bengals triumphed on the dessert.
This event was not just about competition; it was a platform for growth and learning. The competition also highlighted the commitment of the chefs and the Department of Corrections (DOC) to providing high-quality, nutritious meals. The two meals will be featured as special menus in the iCare Fresh program, a dining experience for justice-impacted individuals and their families.
“The ACES competition was more than just a culinary challenge—it was a powerful reminder of the potential within every individual, regardless of their past. The competition gave the women involved a chance to further develop valuable skills in food prep and service alongside professional chefs from two NFL teams,” said Bob Barr, Regional Vice President for Aramark Correctional Services. “The outcome of the culinary competition demonstrated that their potential is limitless, and that with the right support, there are real opportunities waiting for them on the other side.”
About Aramark Sports + Entertainment
Aramark Sports + Entertainment serves more than 150 award-winning food and beverage, retail, and facility service programs in premier stadiums, arenas, convention centers, cultural attractions, performance venues, and unique entertainment destinations across North America. The company has received accolades for industry innovations including autonomous markets, dining concepts powered by artificial intelligence, and high-profile events like the MLB World Series, MLB at Rickwood Field, and NBA All-Star.
About Aramark Correctional Services
Aramark Correctional Services offers efficient, safe, and nutritious hospitality experiences to correctional staff and justice-impacted individuals by providing stellar food and commissary services that contribute to a secure environment. Whether facilitating family connections or teaching essential career skills like warehouse operations, hospitality, and management, Aramark Correctional Services empowers justice-impacted individuals to re-establish their place in society through the IN2WORK® program, providing individuals with skills necessary for successful reintegration. Connect with Correctional Services on LinkedIn to learn more.
About Aramark
Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) has been recognized on FORTUNE’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” The Civic 50 by Points of Light 2024, Fair360’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” and “Top Companies for Black Executives,” Newsweek’s list of “America’s Most Responsible Companies 2024,” the HRC’s “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” and earned a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Contacts:
Sheena Weinstein
weinstein-sheena@aramark.com
Heather Dotchel
dotchel-heather@aramark.com
