Delaware North Welcomes New Cohort to CHEFS® Program for Culinary Leadership Development

(IN SHORT) Delaware North has welcomed 15 emerging culinarians into the fourth cohort of its Culinary & Hospitality Excellence for Future Success (CHEFS)® program. The 12-month initiative prepares high-potential sous chefs for the Culinary Institute of America’s ProChef® certification, focusing on culinary, managerial, and financial skills. Executive chef mentors, trained through the program, guide participants from various Delaware North divisions across the U.S. The program aims to foster growth and build future culinary leadership within the company.

(PRESS RELEASE) Buffalo, NY, 2024-Sep-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Delaware North has officially welcomed 15 emerging culinarians into the fourth cohort of its Culinary & Hospitality Excellence for Future Success (CHEFS)® program. Launched in 2022, the 12-month program provides hands-on learning and development for high-potential sous chefs, preparing them for the Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) ProChef® I certification exams. The ProChef certification is a prestigious, three-tiered exam that tests culinary, managerial, and financial skills.

Executive chef mentors, trained through the program, guide these emerging culinarians throughout their journey. Participants represent various Delaware North divisions, including Gaming, Patina Restaurant Group, Parks and Resorts, Sportservice, Travel, and Boston’s TD Garden.

Lou Piuggi, Delaware North’s vice president of culinary, food, and beverage, emphasized the importance of the bonds formed between mentors and emerging chefs, highlighting their dedication to personal and professional growth as a key factor in shaping the company’s culinary future.

This cohort’s chefs hail from locations across the U.S., including Niagara Falls State Park, Comerica Park in Detroit, and Space 220 at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.

Emerging Culinarians – Cohort 4

• Karim Williams, corporate catering for Kravis, Kohlberg & Roberts (KKR) in New York City
• Samantha Fencyk and Megan Wonnacott, Comerica Park in Detroit
• Kyle Vanderwall, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack in Farmington, N.Y.
• Jheryl Carter, Niagara Falls State Park
• Kelsey Murphy, Orlando International Airport
• Richard Griggers, Sheraton Nashua
• Youssouf Drame, Jackie Brooks and Lucius Perry, Southland Casino Hotel
• Ashley Alli, Space 220 at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT
• Tim Goodman, Squire Resort at the Grand Canyon
• Antwon Foster and Luis Tirado, TD Garden in Boston
• Matt Painter, Tenaya at Yosemite near Yosemite National Park

Media Contact:

Glen White
Director-Corp. Comm
250 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, New York 14202
Email: GAWhite@delawarenorth.com
Phone: 716-858-5753
Fax: 716-858-5125

Source: Delaware North

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