Aramark Graduates Next Class of Chefs from The Culinary Institute of America's Prestigious ProChef Certification Program

Business Wire 14-Mar-2019 4:15 PM

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK), a global leader in food, facilities management and uniforms, is pleased to announce the graduation of 18 chefs from the prestigious ProChef® certification program at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). The graduating chefs create the menus served at colleges, universities, preparatory schools, national parks, conference centers, stadiums and convention centers across the United States and Canada. More than 250 Aramark chefs have participated and received their ProChef certification since Aramark first enrolled in the CIA's ProChef program in 2008.

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Aramark Chefs, Patrick Schaeffer, Shameka Akinleye and Rick Larsen, pose with Chef David Bruno of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) after receiving their ProChef II Certification. These chefs join 15 other Aramark Chefs who recently graduated from the prestigious ProChef certification program at the CIA. (Photo: Business Wire)

"By pursuing ProChef Certification, these chefs have demonstrated their dedication to honing their craft and developing themselves professionally," says Certified Master Chef Brad Barnes, director of CIA Consulting and Industry Programs. "Earning this certification from the CIA provides them with a benchmark of their accomplishments, and we applaud Aramark for supporting their chefs' development and commitment to the culinary arts and our profession."

The ProChef certification program is a three-tiered, comprehensive professional development and culinary proficiency program. The certification measures a chef's core culinary, managerial and financial acumen, including each graduate's skill in flavor development, proper cooking methods, dish profile and authenticity, plating, use of ingredients and sanitation.

"We are extremely proud of our collaboration with The Culinary Institute of America and our chefs' outstanding achievements through the ProChef program," said Marc Bruno, a Chief Operating Officer for Aramark. "These chefs join a long line of talented Aramark chefs who have pursued this great culinary achievement."

CIA created the ProChef Certification program to provide hands-on skill validation, recognize professional achievement and give knowledge and credentials to advance chefs' careers. The program features three levels of intensive training with ProChef III being the highest, most prestigious designation. Certification from the CIA provides the ultimate stamp of approval in the culinary world.

The following Aramark chefs recently received their ProChef II or ProChef III Certification:

Pro Chef III:

• Pinky Varghese – Culinary Director, Northeast Region
• Ronald Stuhm – New York University

Pro Chef II:

• Adam Lizak – FirstEnergy Stadium
• Alina Muratova – Washington State Convention Center
• Arvin Dhansew – Southern Methodist University
• Brian Stephens – Morehead State University
• David Griffith – University of Minnesota
• Gil Holts – Western Kentucky University
• Ian Ross – Simmons University
• Josh Brigman – Austin College
• Michael McCutcheon – New York University
• Patrick Schaeffer – Citi Field
• Randy White – Lubbock Christian University
• Rick Larsen – Citi Field
• Robert Grotha – Boeing Leadership Center
• Shameka Akinleye – M&T Bank Stadium
• Thomas Lynch – Yosemite National Park
• Todd Canning – Millbrook School

About The Culinary Institute of America

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world's premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of more than 50,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.ciachef.edu.

About Aramark

Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) proudly serves Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, state-of-the-art healthcare providers, the world's leading educational institutions, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. Our 270,000 team members deliver experiences that enrich and nourish millions of lives every day through innovative services in food, facilities management and uniforms. We work to put our sustainability goals into action by focusing on initiatives that engage our employees, empower healthy living, preserve our planet and build local communities. Aramark is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE, as well as an employer of choice by the Human Rights Campaign and DiversityInc. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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