Philadelphia, PA (August 27, 2025) — Aramark Correctional Service’s IN2WORK (I2W) program hosted its first-ever cross-state culinary competition August 5–6, 2025, bringing together I2W student teams from the Missouri and Kansas Departments of Corrections (DOC) for a spirited and collaborative event. This year’s theme, “Top Dog,” challenged participants to create the best hot dog, side dish, and refreshing summer beverage, and the Kansas DOC team took top honors for their summer classic with a twist.
Each DOC was represented by two teams of five I2W participants competing for top honors in culinary creativity and execution. The competition was judged by a panel composed of DOC client contacts, IN2WORK graduates from each location, Aramark Correctional Services Regional Vice President Amanda Basinger, and Kyle Wallace, Chef de Cuisine for the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Dishes were evaluated on taste, presentation, originality, and kitchen score—which included safe food handling and sanitation practices.
After two days of impressive culinary performances and enthusiastic engagement, Kansas DOC was awarded the “Top Dog” title, narrowly surpassing Missouri DOC by just 1.6 points.
The winning dishes showcased the creativity and skill of each team:
- Missouri DOC’s top team embraced a Mexican-inspired theme, preparing a grilled hot dog quesadilla with black bean and corn salsa, paired with a garlic aioli macaroni salad and a citrus lemonade made with fresh orange and lime juice.
- The winning team from Kansas DOC’s top delivered a Hawaiian-inspired menu featuring a grilled hot dog on a brioche bun, traditional macaroni salad with fresh peppers, cheese, and olives, and a strawberry-lime lemonade served with a pineapple garnish.
“This competition was more than just a culinary challenge—it was a celebration of growth, teamwork, and opportunity,” said Evan Hitchcock, Aramark District Manager. “Watching our IN2WORK participants shine in front of their peers and DOC leaders was a powerful reminder of the impact vocational training can have.”
The IN2WORK DOC ACES competition is designed to foster skill development, teamwork, and community among incarcerated individuals and DOC staff. The program continues to demonstrate the value of culinary education and its role in rehabilitation and personal growth.
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.
