Eight chefs and foodservice professionals representing an array of culinary styles and backgrounds will be honored this June in Chicago at the United Fresh 2019 Convention & Expo, as part of the United Fresh Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Program.
The program honors chefs and their companies for their creativity in highlighting fresh produce on their menus, introducing diners to new flavors, and presenting creative ways to enjoy fresh produce.
"These award-winning chefs and foodservice professionals are ‘pushing the envelope’ on what’s next with fresh,” said United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel. “We’re inspired to see the many ways they’re delighting diners and creating remarkable, colorful dishes with a variety of fruits and vegetables.”
The 2019 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Winners are:
Business in Industry:
Chef Allan Wambaa, Executive Chef PCIII, CEC, pacificwild Catering, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Casual & Family Dining Restaurants:
Peter Rosenberg, Director of Operations Support & Jason Mennie, Senior Director of Legendary Food, Texas Roadhouse, Louisville, KY
Colleges & Universities:
Chef Lesa Holford, Corporate Executive Chef, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Fine Dining Restaurants:
Chef Brian Clevenger, Owner, General Harvest Restaurants, Seattle, WA
Hospitals & Healthcare:
Chef Jeffrey Quasha, Corporate Executive R & D Chef, Morrison Healthcare, Atlanta, GA
Hotels & Resorts:
Chef Lance S. Cook, CEC, CCA, WCEC, CFBE, FSM, Executive Chef, Hammock Dunes Club, Palm Coast, FL
K-12 School Foodservice:
Bertrand Weber, Director of Culinary & Wellness Services, Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis, MN
Quick Service Restaurants:
Chef Brandon Hudson, Corporate Chef, Jason’s Deli, Grand Prairie, TX
These winners were selected from nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations across North America. United Fresh coordinated a review of each nominee's incorporation of fresh produce into menu development, use of food safety protocols for proper produce storage and handling, leadership in produce-related community service and special events, and recognition by their company and industry peers.
The winners, along with an executive from their company, will be honored guests at United Fresh 2019 in Chicago. They will be featured in a panel discussion on the Main Stage, located on the expo floor, on Wednesday June 12. The chefs will then be presented with their awards during the Retail-Foodservice Celebration that afternoon.
For more information:
Mary Coppola
United Fresh Produce Association
Ph: +1 (202) 303-3425
mcoppola@unitedfresh.org
www.unitedfresh.org