Annual competition at the Culinary Institute of America showcases Airmen’s culinary skills and professional development, with celebrity chef Cat Cora joining the judging panel
Aramark Salute Hospitality, in collaboration with the US Air Force, celebrated the next generation of military culinary talent at the 2026 Salute Hospitality Epicurean Faceoff (SHEF), held November 10 at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in San Antonio.
The national competition brought together 11 Airmen representing Air Force installations across the country. Throughout the year, quarterly competitions are held at individual installations where the winners advance to the SHEF competition to showcase their creativity, technical expertise, and ability to perform under pressure. This year’s judging panel included Cat Cora, the first female Iron Chef on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, who evaluated competitors’ dishes and shared her culinary expertise and industry perspective with participants.
Following an exciting day of competition, A1C Raenia Lopez of Travis Air Force Base, was named the 2026 SHEF Champion, earning top honors for a pan-seared Calabrian chicken dish with polenta fritters, eggplant, fennel, and white bean ragu.
While SHEF culminates in a national competition, its impact extends well beyond the kitchen. Throughout the year, participating Airmen receive hands-on culinary training and mentorship from Aramark chefs, helping them build skills in cooking techniques, menu development, presentation, and leadership that they can apply at their home installations. Taking place during Veterans Day week, the competition also serves as an opportunity to recognize the Airmen who support military readiness through dining operations and hospitality services.
The program’s long-term impact was also evident through the participation of SrA Zoe Klassen, the second-place finisher in the 2025 SHEF National Competition, who returned this year as a mentor, sharing lessons learned from her own experience and supporting the next generation of competitors.
“SHEF is much more than determining who can prepare the best dish,” said Gregory Sides, Vice President of Operations for Salute Hospitality. “It’s about investing in the Airmen who keep military dining operations running and giving them opportunities to build their expertise. We’re proud to work alongside the Air Force to support their development and celebrate their talent.”
The competition concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the Airmen’s accomplishments. In addition to crowning the overall champion, judges recognized A1C Chanelle Conley of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base with a second-place finish and A1C Geriyah Sewell of Malmstrom Air Force Base with third place.
About Aramark Salute Hospitality
Aramark Salute Hospitality delivers dining solutions for the military. American owned and mission ready, we support service members, families, and base communities each day, with wellness built into everything we do: menus designed for strength, energy, and endurance, from chefs who treat every meal as part of the job. Capability Built. Mission Ready. Here for the Full Journey.
