Article Title: Celebrating Excellence in Foodservice: Gold & Silver Plate Awards 2024 Highlight Outstanding Leaders
Introduction
The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) is gearing up to celebrate its 70th annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards honoring exceptional leaders in the food-away-from-home industry. The awards ceremony, set to take place on May 18 at the Great Hall in Chicago’s Union Station, recognizes professionals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the foodservice sector.
Recognizing Excellence
Since 1954, IFMA has been acknowledging outstanding operator executives with the prestigious IFMA Silver Plate Award. From a pool of industry nominees, winners are selected by a jury of trade press editors and previous award recipients. Among them, one deserving individual is chosen to receive the highly coveted IFMA Gold Plate, the pinnacle of recognition in the industry.
2024 Silver Plate Awardees
- Grocery, Convenience, & Specialty Retail: Jen and Jon Corto, Owners and Founders, Buffalo Strive
- Travel & Leisure: Roz Mallet, CEO & President, PhaseNext Hospitality
- Business & Industry/Foodservice Management: Damian Monticello, Director, Enterprise Hospitality and Event Services, GuideWell
- Healthcare: David Reeves, System Director, Food and Nutrition Services, Lee Health
- Independent Restaurant/Multi-Concept: Melvin Rodrigue, President, Galatoire’s Restaurant
- Colleges & Universities: Kirk Rodriguez, Senior Director of Hospitality Services and the Student Union & Activities, Texas Tech
- Elementary & Secondary Schools: Aaron Smith, Director of Culinary Services, Seattle Public Schools
- Chain Full Service: Chris Tomasso, President & CEO, First Watch Restaurant Group
The awards ceremony promises to celebrate the dedication and contributions of these exceptional leaders who continually elevate the standards of food-away-from-home services.
Conclusion
The Gold & Silver Plate Awards offer a platform to commend the remarkable individuals shaping the landscape of the foodservice industry. This year’s diverse group of awardees represents excellence and innovation across various sectors, embodying the spirit of leadership and community service. Stay tuned for the upcoming celebration in May, where one of these outstanding professionals will be crowned with the prestigious IFMA Gold Plate Award.
FAQ
1. Can anyone attend the Gold & Silver Plate Awards ceremony?
Yes, the event is open to industry professionals. Attendees can purchase tickets via the provided link.
2. How are the winners of the Gold & Silver Plate Awards selected?
The winners are chosen from a list of industry nominees by a jury comprised of trade press editors and previous award recipients. One individual is then selected through a secret ballot to receive the IFMA Gold Plate.
3. What is the significance of the IFMA Gold Plate Award?
The IFMA Gold Plate Award is considered the highest honor in the foodservice industry, recognizing exceptional leadership and contributions that have made a lasting impact on the field.