Celebrating Culinary Excellence: 2025 Silver Plate Awards Winners Unveiled
Celebrating Culinary Excellence: 2025 Silver Plate Awards Winners Unveiled
On March 4, 2025, the Food Away from Home Association (IFMA) proudly announced the winners of the 71st annual Silver Plate Awards. This esteemed recognition honors outstanding leaders and innovators in the foodservice sector across various categories. Notably, a grand celebration to acknowledge these achievements will occur on May 17, 2025, at the historic Union Station in Chicago.
The Silver Plate Awards, a symbol of excellence in the food-away-from-home industry, have been celebrating remarkable accomplishments since 1954. This year's awards showcase extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions in eight distinct categories including corporate dining, traditional full-service restaurants, limited-service chains, educational institutions, grocery sectors, healthcare services, and leisure travel foodservices.
The Esteemed Winners of 2025
1. Foodservice Management: Gary J. Crompton, President and CEO of ARAMARK Workplace Experience Group.
2. Chain Full Service: Kevin Hochman, CEO and President of Brinker International.
3. Chain Limited Service: Michael Skipworth, President and CEO of Wingstop.
4. Colleges & Universities: Patti Klos, Senior Director of Dining Services at Tufts University.
5. Elementary & Secondary Schools: Whitney Ellersick, Executive Director for Nutrition Services at Hillsboro School District.
6. Grocery, Convenience, & Specialty Retail: Geoff Alexander, President and CEO of Wow Bao.
7. Healthcare: Ryan Conklin, Director and Executive Chef of Culinary and Nutrition Services at UNC Health Rex.
8. Travel & Leisure Foodservice: Richard Schneider, Chief Development Officer at Areas USA.
During the Gold and Silver Plate Awards Celebration, not only will the Silver Plate winners be honored, but the coveted Gold Plate Award recipient will also be announced. This prestigious award recognizes unparalleled excellence in the foodservice industry, and attendees will have the chance to interact with past winners and luminaries from the food sector, fostering a sense of community within the industry.
A Message from the IFMA President
Phil Kafarakis, President and CEO of IFMA, highlighted the significance of this year’s awards, stating, "We feel it is more important than ever to celebrate our extraordinary industry through the Gold and Silver Plate Awards. These dedicated individuals, in both prosperous and challenging times, employ millions and serve food-away-from-home to countless others."
The festivity aims to reflect the resilience and commitment that the foodservice industry embodies, from educational institutions to healthcare settings and independent restaurants, effectively connecting communities and enhancing lives through foodservice.
As the excitement builds towards the May event, foodservice enthusiasts and professionals are encouraged to secure their tickets. The awards celebration promises to be a milestone evening, filled with connections, celebrations, and the spirit of innovation that drives the industry forward.
For more information about the event and to reserve your place at the celebration, visit IFMA's official website.
About IFMA
Established in 1952, IFMA is a premier trade association committed to nurturing and empowering a diverse foodservice ecosystem worth $1.5 trillion. Focused on innovation, educational opportunities, and best practices sharing, IFMA plays a vital role in shaping the future of foodservice for its members and the industry as a whole. To learn more, visit ifmaworld.com.
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