Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

The CAFÉ Champion Award-2024

A few years ago, CAFÉ instituted a new tradition; that is recognizing an entity/person who has helped CAFÉ achieve its mission of linking the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom.

This has been no small task. For many years Chefs looked at educational programs as nice to do but not necessary to do. That changed in the 80s when national accreditation helped set standards for culinary programs at both the secondary and postsecondary educational levels.

At the same time, as we were holding hands with higher education, there was some pushback from some entities who didn’t believe culinary programs “belonged” in the higher education world.

We persevered. Not only was culinary accreditation recognized by the US Department of Education, but certain educational leaders combined their foodservice experience with the achievement of degrees ranging from the Associates to the Bachelors and eventually doctorates. 

CAFÉ recognizes not only someone who has climbed these educational ranks but has helped CAFÉ with its mission statement. He has spoken at conferences, led committees, given advice and offered his hand at helping any one in our “niche” industry.

Our Champion Award for 2024 is Jonathan Deutsch with Drexel University

Mary Petersen presenting the award to Jonathan Deutsch, Drexel University

2025 CAFÉ Award information coming soon!!

2024 CAFÉ Conference Photos