May 26, 2013

Industry News | March 3, 2013

IFMA Reveals 2013 Silver Plate Award Winners

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Food & Beverage

The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) announced the recipients of the 2013 Silver Plate Awards, which recognizes excellence in eight segments of foodservice operations.

From among the winners, one will be named the 2013 IFMA Gold Plate Award winner at the 59th-Annual Gold & Silver Plate Celebration, May 20, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.

Long considered the most coveted operator awards in the foodservice industry, IFMA Gold and Silver Plates have been awarded to such legendary operators as Dave Thomas of Wendy’s (’79), Ralph Brennan (’97), Steve Ells of Chipotle (’03), and most recently to Mary Molt, PHD, RD, LD, of Kansas State University (’12).

This year’s awards celebration is hosted by Gold Plate recipient Ted Balestreri, chairman and CEO, Cannery Row Company (’84).

“We are honored to announce this year’s class of Silver Plate recipients,” said Larry Oberkfell, president and CEO, IFMA. “The awards allow us to pay tribute to these outstanding individuals whose contributions advance their individual segments and the foodservice industry as a whole.”

A distinguished jury, including national trade press editors, foodservice experts, past award winners, and the chairperson of the International Gold & Silver Plate Society, weigh the merits of hundreds of candidates nominated by IFMA members.

From among the eight IFMA Silver Plate winners, one is chosen to receive the industry’s most-coveted recognition, the IFMA Gold Plate. The jury’s secret ballot is kept confidential until the Gold & Silver Plate Celebration, when the Gold Plate winner is announced for the first time.

The 2013 Silver Plate winners are:

  • Independent Restaurants/Multiconcept:John Metz, CEO, executive chef, and cofounder, 
Sterling Hospitality
  • Chain Full Service/Multiconcept:Harald Herrmann, president and CEO, Yard House
  • Chain Limited Service:Don Fox, CEO, Firehouse Subs
  • Health Care:Angelo Mojica, director of nutrition & services/associate professor, UNC 
Hospitals/UNC Gillings School of Global Health
  • Elementary & Secondary Schools:Julia Bauscher, director, school & community nutrition 
services, Jefferson County Public Schools
  • Colleges & Universities:Ken Toong, executive director, Auxiliary Enterprises, University of 
Massachusetts Amherst
  • Business & Industry/Foodservice Management: Jay Silverstine, vice president, conference & 
dining services, Credit Suisse
  • Hotels & Lodging:James Purdum, general manager, hospitality services, Penn State University 


The 59th-annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration is May 20, 2013, at the Great Hall at Union Station in Chicago.

The celebration draws hundreds of leading foodservice executives from the supplier and operator communities, and features a pre-dinner wine tasting, gourmet meal, and exciting after-party.