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Award marks Little Rock Air Force Base’s third Hennessy Trophy win and coincides with the 70th anniversary of the prestigious recognition
PHILADELPHIA (March 26, 2026) — Little Rock Air Force Base has been awarded the 2026 John L. Hennessy Trophy, one of the U.S. Air Force’s highest honors for foodservice excellence, recognizing the top dining facility (DFAC) in Air Force Region 1 among 34 competing installations, in partnership with Aramark's Salute Hospitality. This year’s award marks both the 70th anniversary of the Hennessy award and the third time Little Rock Air Force Base has earned this elite distinction.
“This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our team at Little Rock,” said Gregory Sides, Vice President of Operations for Aramark Salute Hospitality. “We are deeply honored to support the Air Force mission every day and proud to stand alongside our Airmen and Guardians.”
Presented annually by the Department of the Air Force, the Hennessy Trophy recognizes operations that demonstrate superior management, exceptional food quality, innovation, safety, and service in support of Airmen and Guardians. Winners reflect the critical role food operations play in morale, readiness, and mission success across the Air Force enterprise.
“This year’s Hennessy winners once again demonstrate how worldclass foodservice directly impacts readiness,” said Tim Cummings, NH03, DAF Chief, Food 2.0 Mission Feeding, Air Force Services Center. “Little Rock’s team exemplifies the innovation and dedication that elevate quality of life for our service members.”
The team will be formally recognized at the 2026 Military Foodservice Awards Dinner on May 15, an annual event hosted by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The ceremony honors excellence across the Hennessy, Disney, and Rednour Awards, celebrating outstanding foodservice programs supporting America’s armed forces.
To be considered for the Hennessy Trophy, Air Force installations undergo a comprehensive, year‑long evaluation that begins with a formal nomination package reviewing everything from inventory and financial accountability to food quality, production standards, and culinary innovation. The process also assesses safety practices, customer experience and Voice of the Customer scores, and detailed evaluations of leadership effectiveness and overall operational excellence, all followed by an on‑site inspection by Department of the Air Force evaluators.
Carlos Chavez, General Manager, Aramark Salute Hospitality at Little Rock Air Force Base, added: “Salute Hospitality is American owned, American operated, and supports service members and their families from first home station to veteran transition. This award is a testament to what partnership, pride, and purpose look like in action.”
“Great teams don’t rise to the moment. They rise to the habits they’ve built every day," said Angela D. Smith, TSgt, USAF, Dining Facility Manager, Aramark Salute Hospitality at Little Rock Air Force Base.
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About Aramark Salute Hospitality
Aramark Salute Hospitality, a division of Aramark Workplace Experience Group, delivers mission focused food, hospitality, and facilities services that support the unique needs of service members and their families. Proudly American owned and American operated, Salute Hospitality is dedicated to serving the communities that serve—with a promise to generate customized experiences and create spaces to fuel people and their futures.
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 16 countries around the world with food and facilities management. Because of our hospitality culture, our employees strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and the planet. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Media Contact: Madeline Airey
Aramark Corporate Communications
