IFMA Names Silver Plate Award Winners

IFMA The Food Away from Home Association has named the winners of the 72nd annual Silver Plate Awards. The awards recognize inspirational individuals with career achievements that are uplifting examples of excellence in foodservice leadership.

Winners are chosen from a slate of industry candidates by a distinguished jury of trade press editors and previous award winners.

The 2026 Silver Plate Award winners are as follows:

• Business & Industry/Foodservice Management: Sally Minier, head of workplace strategies at Jane Street
• Chain Full Service: Jerry Morgan, CEO and executive vice chairman of Texas Roadhouse
• Chain Limited Service: Scott Murphy, chief brand officer of Inspire Brands and Dunkin’ brand president
• Colleges & Universities: Jeff Palmer, executive director, campus dining and retail at University of California San Diego
• Elementary & Secondary Schools: Danielle Bock, director for nutrition services at Greeley-Evans School District #6, Colorado
• Grocery, Convenience & Specialty Retail: Brad Haga, SVP, prepared food and dispensed beverages at Casey’s
• Healthcare: Leisa Bryant, executive director at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
• Independent Restaurants: Chip Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group
• Travel & Leisure Foodservice:Sean Gamble, president and CEO of Cinemark

“It’s an honor to celebrate our industry by recognizing leadership, hard work, and commitment through these Awards,” says Phil Kafarakis, IFMA president and CEO, in the release. “For over 70 years, our association has presented Silver and Gold Plates to real innovators, industry-builders, and world-changing entrepreneurs.”

Presentation of the Silver Plates and the announcement of the Gold Plate recipient will take place at the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration on May 16 in Chicago.