Seven Chefs To Be Awarded For Innovative Fresh Produce Use
WASHINGTON, D.C. – United Fresh has opened the nomination period for the 2015 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program which honors the foodservice industry’s most innovative produce performers.
The program, sponsored by PRO*ACT, LLC since its launch in 2008, has honored 37 different chefs and foodservice operators for their exceptional work in incorporating fresh produce in menu development, proper food safety and handling, engaging in community outreach and building an overall positive dining experience with fresh produce as a centerpiece.
“Thousands of talented chefs work hard every day to find innovative ways to delight diners with menu items featuring fresh produce,” said Tom Stenzel, United Fresh president and CEO. “With PRO*ACT’s continued generous support, we are proud to recognize chefs who are committed to making produce the centerpiece of the meal.”
Chefs will be honored in each of the following business categories: Business in Industry, Casual and Family Dining, Colleges and Universities, Fine Dining Restaurants, Hotels and Healthcare Industry, K-12 Foodservice and Quick Service Restaurants. Winners are selected by a panel of United Fresh member representatives. Nominations must be submitted by March 16, 2015, and nomination information is available online here.
“Fresh produce continues to drive success for the foodservice sector, and chefs play a critical role in encouraging consumers to explore produce items,” said Max Yeater, President of PRO*ACT. “We are proud to continue to support this exceptional program and honor leading chefs who are making fresh produce the highlight of their menus.”
The seven winning chefs and their corporate executives receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to United Fresh 2015, June 8-10 in Chicago. The winners will be honored at the Retail-Foodservice Celebration Dinner, and the chefs will also participate in the education program at United Fresh 2015 to share their views on produce trends in foodservice. PRO*ACT will also make a donation to a charitable organization of each winner’s choice.
The 2014 winners in each category were:
- Business in Industry: Chef Daniel Benigno, Guckenheimer Executive Chef at TD Ameritrade, Omaha, NE
- Casual and Family Dining Restaurants: Chef Carlito Jocson, Executive Chef, Yard House, Irvine, CA
- Colleges and Universities: Chef Chandon Clenard, Senior Executive Chef, Stanford University Residential Dining Services, Stanford, CA
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Chef Adam Hegsted, Chef/Owner for Eat Good, Wandering Table and Yards Bruncheon, Spokane, WA
- Hotels and Healthcare: Chef Rolf Nettesheim, Executive Chef & Food Service Director, The Palace Group, Miami, FL
- K-12 School Foodservice: Chef Jason Morse, Executive Chef, Douglas County School District, Castle Rock, CO
- Quick Service Restaurants: Jeff Sinelli, Founder, CEO and Chief Vibe Officer, Which Wich, Dallas, TX
