#United States #Chicago #Brinker International #Gold Plate Award #Kevin Hochman

Kevin Hochman Receives the Coveted 2025 Gold Plate Award

On the evening of May 17, 2025, the Great Hall of Union Station in Chicago came alive with a sense of celebration and recognition as CEO Kevin Hochman of Brinker International was awarded the prestigious Gold Plate Award by the IFMA (The Food Away from Home Association). Industry leaders and luminaries gathered to honor Hochman, whose work exemplifies excellence within the food service sector. This year's honor saw Hochman recognized in the Chain Full Service category after being nominated by The Coca-Cola Company, distinguishing him among the eight other honorees who received Silver Plate awards.

Entering his role as CEO and President in 2022, Hochman has significantly shaped Brinker International into a powerhouse in the casual dining industry, which includes popular establishments such as Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Serving around 800,000 guests daily and employing over 70,000 people, under his stewardship, Brinker has seen its market capitalization soar to over $7 billion.

During the awards ceremony, Hochman was introduced by his mentor, Dave Goebel, Chairman of Jack in the Box. Goebel praised Hochman's intellectual capacity, spirit of inclusiveness, and genuine concern for both customers and team members, claiming that these qualities anchor his success and position him well for the future of the brands he leads.

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Hochman extended his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career, acknowledging the roles of his family, colleagues, and mentors in his journey. He also shared reflections that illuminated his leadership approach during his tenure at Brinker, stating three key realizations. First, he noted that dining out remains a vibrant choice for consumers today. Second, he emphasized the importance of executing core operations effectively for sustained success. Lastly, he highlighted the need to actively listen to front-line employees, who can provide invaluable insights for decision-making.

The Gold Plate Award, celebrated for 71 years, is one of the most respected accolades in food service. Nominations are sourced from various industry segments, assessed by a distinguished panel of experts. Of this year’s batch, Hochman was uniquely voted as the overall champion among nominees and honored for his exceptional contribution to the sector.

This year’s class of Silver Plate recipients included leaders from various sub-sectors of the food industry, including:

• - Geoff Alexander, CEO of Wow Bao, recognized for Grocery, Convenience, and Specialty Retail;
• - Ryan Conklin, Executive Chef at UNC Health Rex, awarded for Healthcare;
• - Gary Crompton, CEO of Aramark Workplace Experience Group, awarded in Foodservice Management;
• - Whitney Ellersick, Director for Nutrition Services at Hillsboro School District for Elementary and Secondary Schools;
• - Patti Klos, Director of Dining Services at Tufts University in the Colleges and Universities category;
• - Richard Schneider, CDO at Areas USA, recognized for Travel and Leisure Foodservice;
• - Michael Skipworth, CEO of Wingstop, awarded in the Chain Limited Service category.

During the event, Phil Kafarakis, IFMA's President & CEO, expressed how honored he felt to present the Gold Plate to Hochman, noting the interconnectedness and collective strength of the industry, emphasizing the ongoing relationships these leaders will have with IFMA through the prestigious Gold & Silver Plate Society.

The evening was hosted by Lance Trenary, 2022 Gold Plate winner and CEO of Golden Corral, adding a personal touch to the celebration. The ceremony began with the presentation of the National Restaurant Association’s Legends Award, acknowledging past Golden Corral CEO, Ted Fowler.

As the food service industry looks ahead, IFMA is currently soliciting nominations for the 2026 Silver Plate Awards, with recipients set to be celebrated on May 16, 2026. To learn more about this prestigious event and the association, one can visit ifmaworld.com.

Through its enduring commitment to recognizing excellence, IFMA continues to support and uplift the vast and dynamic food-away-from-home ecosystem, which has evolved into a $1.5 trillion industry since its establishment in 1952. The celebration not only honors individual achievements but also reinforces the collaborative spirit that drives progress in the culinary world.