Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Silver Plate Award Winners Announced

Celebrating the 2025 Silver Plate Award Winners
The renowned Food Away from Home Association has proudly announced the remarkable winners of the 71st annual Silver Plate Awards. This prestigious ceremony, dedicated to honoring excellence in the food service industry, is scheduled for May 17, 2025, at the historic Union Station in Chicago. With categories highlighting outstanding achievements across the food-away-from-home sector, this year’s accolades encompass eight diverse areas.
Significance of the Awards
Phil Kafarakis, the President and CEO of the association, emphasized the importance of these awards, stating, "We feel it is more important than ever to celebrate our extraordinary industry through the Gold & Silver Plate Awards. These dedicated individuals, whether during prosperous or challenging times, provide employment for millions and ensure that food-away-from-home reaches countless others." His statement reflects the vital role that food service plays in various communities.
History of Recognition
Since 1954, the Silver Plate Awards have recognized the exceptional contributions of operator executives within the industry. A distinguished jury comprising trade press editors and previous award winners is responsible for selecting this year’s recipients from a pool of esteemed nominees. This tradition not only honors individual accomplishments but also shines a spotlight on the collective efforts of the industry.
Category Winners for 2025
With great pride, we present the esteemed winners of the 2025 Silver Plate Awards by category:
Business & Industry / Foodservice Management: Gary J. Crompton, President & CEO of Aramark Workplace Experience Group.
Chain Full Service: Kevin Hochman, CEO & President of Brinker International.
Chain Limited Service: Michael Skipworth, President and CEO of Wingstop.
Colleges & Universities: Patti Klos, Senior Director of Dining Services at Tufts University.
Elementary & Secondary Schools: Whitney Ellersick, Executive Director for Nutrition Services at Hillsboro School District.
Grocery, Convenience, & Specialty Retail: Geoff Alexander, President and CEO of Wow Bao.
Healthcare: Ryan Conklin, Director & Executive Chef Culinary and Nutrition Services at UNC Health Rex.
Travel & Leisure Foodservice: Richard Schneider, Chief Development Officer at Areas USA.
Details of the Ceremony
The highly anticipated Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration will take place in the Great Hall of Chicago's esteemed Union Station on May 17, 2025. This event welcomes attendees from the food service industry, uniting former Gold and Silver Plate winners with prominent figures to honor the exceptional achievements of this year's class. The crowning moment of the evening will be the announcement of the prestigious IFMA Gold Plate recipient.
How to Attend
Those interested in celebrating this remarkable occasion can reserve tickets and tables by visiting the official website of the Food Away from Home Association. This event not only showcases the success of its winners but serves as a remarkable gathering of passion and excellence within the food service community.
About IFMA
IFMA, the Food Away from Home Association, has stood as a cornerstone of the food service industry since its establishment in 1952. It supports an inclusive network that spans a $1.5 trillion food-away-from-home ecosystem, which includes manufacturers, distributors, operators, and others. By advocating for best practices, sharing industry insights, and creating educational opportunities, IFMA inspires growth and improvement across the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Silver Plate Awards?
The Silver Plate Awards recognize outstanding contributions and excellence in the food service industry across various categories.
When will the awards ceremony take place?
The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 17, 2025, at Chicago's historic Union Station.
Who selects the winners of the awards?
A distinguished jury composed of trade press editors and prior award winners selects the winners from a pool of industry nominees.
How many categories are featured in the 2025 awards?
There are eight categories featured in this year’s Silver Plate Awards.
Where can I find more information about the event?
Further details and ticketing information can be found on the official IFMA website.
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