#Gold Plate Award #Chip Wade #USHG

Chip Wade Triumphs with 2026 Gold Plate Award

On May 16, 2026, during an elegant ceremony held in Chicago, Chip Wade, the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), received the esteemed Gold Plate Award. This award, presented by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, celebrates exceptional leaders within the food-away-from-home industry. The event attracted hundreds of industry professionals and was hosted in the iconic Great Hall of Chicago's Union Station.

Chip Wade was selected for this honor after being nominated in the Independent Restaurant/Multi-Concept category by major players like Nestlé Professional Solutions and PepsiCo. His selection came from a pool of nine Silver Plate winners, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and influence. Wade, who has garnered 30 years of experience in restaurant leadership, started his journey with USHG in 2019, where he was appointed president before taking over as CEO from famed hospitality figure Danny Meyer in 2022.

While accepting the award, Wade was magnanimous in attributing his success to the contributions of over 3,000 employees and chefs at USHG, stating, "This recognition, really, for me, deserves to go to the 3,000-plus employees and chefs and leaders who work tirelessly every single day at Union Square Hospitality Group." His acknowledgment of the team reflects his leadership philosophy, centered on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

His mentor, former Darden CEO Clarence Otis, Jr., introduced him as a Silver Plate winner. Otis described Wade as a 'culture-first leader,' emphasizing his genuine care for team members and commitment to guest experiences. Otis noted that Wade's curiosity about guests and his dedication to team success make him an ideal leader in the hospitality sector.

The Gold Plate Award has been awarded for 72 years and recognizes outstanding achievements in the food service world. Each year, nominations are solicited from the industry with a jury of esteemed experts evaluating the candidates' merits. Ultimately, the winner receives the Gold Plate for overall excellence, having previously included notable winners like Wolfgang Puck and Danny Meyer themselves.

Alongside Wade, other 2026 Silver Plate awardees included Leisa Bryant from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Scott Murphy from Inspire Brands. These leaders were recognized for their remarkable contributions across various sectors within the food service industry. This year’s awards ceremony was particularly poignant as it coincides with a momentous occasion—the 250th birthday of the United States, as highlighted by IFMA President Phil Kafarakis in his address. Kafarakis remarked on the sector's pivotal role in shaping the country and its diverse culinary landscape.

The awards ceremony was not just a recognition of outstanding individuals but a celebration of the broader food-away-from-home industry's richness and stories, many of which stem from immigrant experiences and a pursuit of the American dream. This year's event also honored Richard