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 “need to do.” That changed in the 80s when national accreditation helped set standards for culinary programs at both the secondary and postsecondary levels.

Mercer Culinary was a supporter of culinary programs from the very beginning. They traveled the country providing not only wonderful tools and chefs clothing, but also sharing wisdom gained from seeing so many successful education models.

And in the beginning of CAFÉ, close to 20 years ago, they encouraged us to set our mission and express it in various ways: events, website, magazine, podcasts and more.

Mary Petersen recognized them as not only a supporter but friend in a positive approach to keeping culinary educators top of mind and helping them any way we can.

Click here to go back to the 2023 CAFÉ award recipients list.