#United States #Cleveland #Senior Living #Culinary Innovation #DISHED Awards

Introducing the DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2025

On August 19, 2025, WTWH Healthcare proudly announced the inaugural Class of the DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards. This prestigious program honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the senior living sector, particularly in enhancing dining experiences for residents.

A Vision for Culinary Excellence

The awards recognize culinary visionaries who actively transform the dining landscape in senior living communities. These innovative leaders are not just chefs; they are crucial in reshaping menus, improving the culinary experience, and integrating advanced technologies to modernize food service operations. Tim Mullaney, Vice President and Editorial Director of WTWH Healthcare, emphasized the impact of these innovators: "They create dining programs that nourish not just the body, but also the spirit of the residents. Their work not only enhances the culinary journey but drives business growth as well."

Awards Breakdown

The Class of 2025 features honorees across multiple categories, each focused on a unique aspect of dining innovation:

1. Culinary Canvas

This category recognizes leaders in promoting dining programs through effective marketing strategies. Award recipients include:

• - Anthony Polito - Vice President of Hospitality, Harbor Retirement Associates
• - Ignacio Jacobo - Director of Dining Services, The Aspenwood Company
• - John Pietrangelo - Vice President, Food & Beverage, LCS
• - Marisol Huizar - Culinary Services Director, Sunny Rose Senior Living
• - Scott Edmunds - Executive Chef, Brookdale Senior Living

2. Elevating the Experience

Awarded to those who enhance the dining experience for seniors through exceptional programming and service:

• - Aking DeLeon - Dining Director, Juniper Village at Newark
• - Laura Holdsworth - Dining Director, Brookdale Senior Living
• - Richard McCreadie - Executive Chef, Inspir Embassy Row

3. Operational Optimizer

This category highlights innovators improving operational efficiency and workforce collaboration, ensuring ultimum satisfaction among residents:

• - Ashley Garnett - Dining Services Director, Benchmark Senior Living
• - Nick Paxton - Dietary Director, The Gables of Westerville
• - Wanda Manzueta - Director of Dining Services, CCL Hospitality Group

4. Palate Pleaser

Honoring those chefs who have redefined culinary artistry and ingredient uses:

• - Angel Bravo - Culinary Services Director, Astoria Park Senior Living
• - Guy Tino - Dining Services Director, Benchmark Senior Living
• - Patrick Armstrong - Culinary Director, Northbridge Companies - Avita of Stroudwater

5. Partner in Innovation

Recognizes vendor representatives who support senior living dining programs with innovative tools:

• - Matthew Thompson - Chief Culinary Officer, Restaura Hospitality Group

Conclusion

The DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards aims not only to celebrate achievements but to inspire ongoing innovation and excellence in senior living dining. By showcasing these leaders, WTWH Healthcare hopes to encourage more culinary exploration and enhance the quality of life for seniors in various communities. For a complete list of winners and details about the program, visit Senior Housing News.

Together, let's continue to innovate and elevate the dining experience in senior living!