WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 15, 2011)—The United Fresh Foundation is looking for nominations for the upcoming 2012 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program. Sponsored by Pro*Act, LLC, the program has honored 21 chefs and foodservice operations since its launch in 2008 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 featuring fresh produce.
In 2012, six winning chefs will be honored in each the following business categories: Fine Dining Restaurants, Casual and Family Dining Restaurants, Quick Serve Restaurants, Business in Industry & Colleges Hotels & Healthcare Industry, and K-12 Foodservice. Winners are selected by a panel of United Fresh member representatives focused on excellence in the foodservice sector.
Nominations must be submitted before January 16, 2012; nomination information is available online at http://www.unitedfresh.org/programs/foodservice_award. Companies may nominate multiple chefs. Former winners are not eligible.
“In the foodservice business, the menu that a chef develops is at the heart of the dining experience,” said Max Yeater, President of Pro*Act. “We are proud to continue to support this program which honors chefs who make fresh produce an integral part of their menus.”
The six winning chefs and their corporate executives receive complimentary airfare, hotel accommodations and registrations to United Fresh 2012, May 1-3 in Dallas. The winners will be honored at the Annual Awards Banquet, and the chefs will also participate in the education program at United Fresh 2012 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 2011 winners in each category were:
- Business in Industry & Colleges: Chef Martin Breslin, Director of Culinary Operations, Harvard University Dining Services, Cambridge, Mass.
- Casual and Family Dining Restaurants: Chef Regis Holden, Senior Director of Culinary Services, Eat'n Park Restaurants, Homestead, Pa.
- Fine Dining Restaurants: Chef Clifford Pleau, Senior Director, Culinary and Beverage, Seasons 52 Restaurants, Orlando, Fla.
- Hotels & Healthcare: Chef Jacques Wilson, Executive Chef, El Camino Hospital, Mountain View, Calif.
- K-12 School Foodservice: Jenilee McComb, Director, Child Nutrition Program, Provo School District, Provo, Utah
- Quick Service Restaurants: Chef Dan Barash, Executive Chef, Moe's Southwest Grill, Atlanta, Ga.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.