Charlotte, NC – August 28, 2019 – Compass Group is organizing the world’s largest culinary celebration during international Chef Appreciation Week, September 15-21. Throughout the week, more than 20 countries will host events in the foodservice leader’s cafes to recognize the talented chefs and culinary teams who use the power of food to build community and promote the wellbeing of people and planet.

Compass chefs have trained in the most prestigious restaurants, prepared meals for presidents, celebrities and dignitaries, and now bring that best-in-class expertise to the 5.5 billion meals they serve globally each year, at every milestone in guests’ lives.

“Our chefs are leaders – in our kitchens, in our company, in our community and in our industry. They inspire and nourish millions of people each and every day – one meal at a time.” Rick Post, COO Compass Group.

The week of celebrations offers a platform for clients, customers and co-workers to thank all the people behind the food. Three extraordinary chefs will be named Compass Chef of the Year based, respectively, on outstanding dedication to growing the business, developing their teams, and creating a positive impact throughout the food system. Thousands of nominations will be cast this year through the digital voting booth found here. In addition, leaders in each sector selected SuperChefs to represent the Compass family of companies.

“At Compass, food is at the core of what we do. And we have some of the best chefs in the world, creating innovative dishes, delivering healthy nutritious meals, and sharing their passion for food with our consumers and our people,” Dominic Blakemore, CEO Compass Group PLC.

Chefs will share their passion with guests through in-house interactive cooking demos as they showcase their favorite meals with Menu Takeovers and interactive Appreciation Stations designed to drive the customer experience as they highlight our chefs.

Follow the celebration on social media with #LoveYourChef and watch a video message from our Celebrity Chef partner, José Andrés.

“Our people – especially our great chefs – are the heart of our company and our industry. Chef Appreciation Week is the perfect opportunity to recognize and thank all of the people behind the food,” Gary Green, CEO Compass Group North America.

About Chef Appreciation Week
In 2013, Donald and Lisa Crutch of the National Pink Tie Organization “Chefs Against Cancer” division, co-founded Chef Appreciation Week to honor and recognize all those serving in the culinary industry for their dedication, love of food and willingness to serve their community.

About Compass Group North America
Based in Charlotte, NC, Compass Group North America is the leading food and support services company with over 265,000 associates and $18.6 billion in revenues in 2018. Compass Group North America was named the No. 1 food company on Fast Company’s Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in addition to ranking on Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity and Best Employers for New Graduates lists. With close to 600,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of £23.2 billion ($31.4 billion USD) in the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018.

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