“This is a wonderful opportunity to help establish what I know will be an extremely valuable organization for the development and enhancement of culinary careers throughout the industry,” said GCIA’s first president, Bill King, corporate executive chef for Crave Restaurants. “In addition, with a focus on global culinary advancement, from procurement to menu evolution, we hope to have an impact on the dialogue between menu innovators and all manner of food vendors, growers, manufacturers and restaurant professionals.”

The GCIA is the second association uniquely designed for corporate chefs and menu innovators from the largest multiunit foodservice operations. Its counterpart, the International Corporate Chefs Association (ICCA), focuses on the top 200 multiunit companies, while the GCIA will focus on the next 200, many of which are the fastest-growing chains in the nation. Ongoing web-based education, an annual conference called the GCIA Culinary Combine, and regional Culinary Connections for members will be held with the primary focus on trends, current issues and topics that will assist members’ day-to-day operations.

Founded with the help of industry veteran Kevin Ryan, president of Winter Park, Fla.-based MARKETING A LA CARTE, GCIA has access to chefs, farmers, learning institutions and manufacturing resources worldwide. A large percentage of members will have international operations and the need for new skills and contacts around the globe. The membership drive began this month. Prospective members must apply and qualify for membership.

Besides King, GCIA’s board consists of Doug Czufin (vice president), director of culinary for The Egg & I; Tim Griffin (secretary), director of culinary innovation at Brick House Tavern & Tap; Patrick Quakenbush (treasurer), culinary director of Tavistock Restaurants; Bill Hancox, vice president of purchasing and international development for Boston’s Pizza Restaurants; Mark Lewis, quality-assurance representative at Burgerville; Matt McMillin, director of culinary and beverage operations at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants; Kimberly Myers, vice president of marketing at zPizza; and Jeff Sinelli, founder of Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.

The GCIA’s inaugural Culinary Combine will be held in Seattle in November 2014. More details are forthcoming on the educational program and other activities.

International Food and Beverage Technology Association (IFBTA)
The association will offer products and services for members of IFBTA in both the operator and supplier communities in support of the industry in the areas of education, professional certification, networking, research, standards development, advocacy and innovation. IFBTA will support the global and regional industry trade associations in their efforts to set policy that impacts the use of data and requires a technology platform with industry segments served.

The IFBTA will serve the restaurant segment as well as lodging, C-stores, gaming/casinos, theme parks and healthcare, among others. Entrepreneur Robert Grimes, co-founder of the Food Sales Technology Conference & Showcase (FSTEC), the industry’s premier technology conference and exhibition now owned by CSP Business Media, is IFBTA’s first CEO and president.

“There is a need, both nationally and internationally, for a community of food and beverage operators, suppliers and consumers to share information relevant to the industry,” said Grimes. “The formation of IFBTA will serve to advance technology and innovation in the global food and beverage industries covering all technology innovation from the core technologies used by operations to run the front of house and back of the house, the enterprise as well as equipment technologies, supply chain and food development.”

IFBTA’s first meeting will take place during FSTEC in New Orleans, Sept. 21-23, 2014.

For more information on the Global Culinary Innovators Association, including member eligibility and sponsorship opportunities, contact Kevin Ryan at (407) 539-1459 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more info on the International Food and Beverage Technology Association, including member benefits, visit www.IFBTA.org.