IFMA Announces Eight Silver Plate Winners

Eight operators have been named as recipients of the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association’s 2014 Silver Plate Awards. From among the eight winners, each representing their respective segment of foodservice operations, one will be named the 2014 IFMA Gold Plate Award winner at the 60^th Annual Gold & Silver Plate Celebration, held in Chicago on May 19.

“We are privileged to award this year’s class of Silver Plate recipients,” said Larry Oberkfell, IFMA’s president/CEO. “The Gold & Silver Plate Awards are the IFMA community’s way of celebrating greatness within the operator community and acknowledging the leadership and dedication these particular individuals have put forth to advance the foodservice industry.”

The awards have been won by legendary operators, including the late Charlie Trotter (’08); Ronald Shaich, chairman/CEO of Panera Bread (’05); and most recently John C. Metz, Jr. of Sterling Hospitality (’13). All won the Gold Plate Award.

The 2014 Silver Plate winners are:

• Independent Restaurants/Multi-Concept: Jack Williams, cofounder- Richie’s Real American Diner.

• Chain Full Service/Multi-Concept: Jim Broadhurst, chairman-Eat’n Park Hospitality Group.

• Chain Limited Service: Steve Romaniello, managing director-Roark Capital Group.

• Health Care: Lisette Coston, executive director, Support Services-Saint Francis Health System.

• Elementary & Secondary Schools: Sandra Ford, director-Food and Nutrition Services, Manatee County Schools.

• Colleges & Universities: Mark LoParco, director of dining-University of Montana.

• Specialty Foodservices: Kevin D’ Onofrio, director of foodservice-Culinary Group, United States Military Academy.

• Hotels & Lodging: Brad Nelson, v.p. Food & Beverage/Culinary & Global corporate chef-Marriott International.

IFMA’s membership comprises more than 300 food, equipment and supply manufacturers, as well as related marketing service organizations, trade publications, distributors and brokers.