“Whatever you choose to do in life, be resilient. My name is Quntelliaus Christian. I was born and raised in Shelby, Mississippi, a small town in the Mississippi Delta with a population of less than 2,000. We had one red light, a handful of gas stations, no fast-food chains and lacked many of the other amenities most consider basic. Due to a lack of funding, the public schools are among the most ill-resourced in the nation. For many families, government aid is how they subsist.  Well-paying jobs are few and far between. People must often travel an hour to receive suitable employment. Most families lack transportation, and public transportation is scarce, which is a barrier to obtaining employment.

“In the rural South, Black residents are often born into poverty and struggle to escape it. Growing up in Mississippi exposed me to the harsh realities of cultural and systemic oppression. Fortunately, my community was close knit, extremely resilient and did their best to isolate our youth from the numerous challenges we faced. My family, coaches and community members played a vital role in my upbringing. I learned the importance of discipline and hard work early in life. These values and morals were instilled in me at a young age and molded me into the man I am today.

“Upon graduating high school, I left my hometown on a mission to defy the odds of young Black men from my community being incarcerated, unemployed and poorly educated. I briefly attended college and had to drop out after the first semester because of financial challenges.  I relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, and began a career in mall security. Yes, I was ‘Top-Flight Security of the World’ for six years and loved every moment of it!  When the Director of Security position became available, I was never seriously considered for the role, although I’d expressed interest in the position, was qualified, and interviewed for it. I placed my life on the line daily and continually demonstrated the ability to be an effective leader, yet I was still overlooked.

“That was an impactful moment in my life and served as a catapult to move on in my professional career, so I submitted my two-week notice. I believed in me and vowed never again to be overlooked. Shortly thereafter, I applied for a position as a Loss Prevention Manager and was hired instantly. I spent the next six years delivering amazing results that kept me climbing the ranks.

“Wanting more from a compensatory perspective, I accepted a new challenge in retail and became a Store Manager. Within two years I was promoted to District Manager. I relocated my family to Williamsburg, Virginia, and spent the next year-and-a-half broadening my horizons and managing stores along the Virginia/North Carolina coastline. Ultimately, my family grew homesick, and we decided to relocate closer to our extended families. Upon transferring back to Memphis, an opportunity presented itself at Canteen. Determined to keep my career in an upward trajectory, I accepted the offer and joined the Compass Group/Canteen family in 2018 as a Customer Service Manager. Since then, I have been promoted multiple times and am currently the District General Manager for one of the largest vending operations in the Southeast division.

“Black men in the United States face numerous and significant adversities. In recent years, various national reports have described Black men as disadvantaged, absent fathers, criminals, left behind, endangered, invisible or in crisis.  While I’m far from having it all figured out – and certainly nowhere close to my end goal – I will continue to defy those odds. Hopefully, my story is an inspiration to someone who is currently fighting the stereotypes I encountered as a youth in poverty-stricken Mississippi and determined to escape them. There is no substitute for hard work. You must be determined, disciplined and dedicated to your success. Most importantly, whatever you choose to do in life, be resilient!“

The post Celebrating Black History Month: Canteen Associate Radiates Resilience appeared first on Compass USA.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we invite you to get to know one of our inspiring associates, Loranzo “Randy” Miller.

Introducing Loranzo “Randy” Miller. The work ethic instilled in Randy as a child fostered a life-long desire to learn new things. Randy credits his parents with being a powerful motivational force and examples of black resilience. His mother and father were married for 60 years and raised 10 children (7 boys and 3 girls) in Mobile, Alabama, before relocating to Tennessee when Randy was 6 years old. He especially looked up to his father, who drove trucks and started a construction company with 2 business partners. Randy and his siblings had to work as children. His father was strict, and they earned everything they owned. Like his father, Randy worked two jobs. Although he retired from one job, he continues to work with Compass Group, which he has been doing for more than 28 years. He takes pride in his role at TouchPoint and he enjoys his peers and the patients he serves. The same work ethic and resilience Randy inherited from his parents, he has also instilled in his own 6 children and 28 grandchildren. That resilience is now 4 generations strong!

Thank you, Randy, for sharing your story and making resilience a family trait!

The post Celebrating Black History Month: Instilling Resilience Across Generations appeared first on Compass USA.

It’s not often that an employee has a sparkling new dining room named for them. Catholic University in Washington, D.C., did just that when it honored longtime employee and “Food Service Hero” Willie Joyner in December. During the dedication of Garvey Hall – the school’s new dining and studying space – a dining area was named after her. Ms. Willie has worked at the university for 49 years, initially as a cashier in the school’s cafeteria, then as a supervisor in multiple spots on campus. Her title now is customer service liaison. However, she is much more than that. For nearly five decades she has welcomed, listened, comforted and provided guidance to generations of students – and she is beloved for it. The Washington Post recently ran a feature on the perpetually smiling Ms. Willie, which elicited a personal letter from former president George W. Bush congratulating her on the honor. We honor you and celebrate you Ms. Willie. Thank you for being the difference and making history!

The post Celebrating Black History Month: Catholic University Dining Area Named for Chartwells Higher Ed Associate appeared first on Compass USA.

Compass Group USA has been named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek. This accolade recognizes companies that employees say respect and value different kinds of people. Compass was recognized for delivering enterprise-wide diversity, equity and inclusion strategies in all aspects of our operations. The breadth of initiatives has elevated talent acquisition and retention, professional development, supplier diversity and partnerships, and heritage and Pride celebrations.

“We’re so very grateful to our amazing associates, and humbled by their appreciation,” said Cindy Noble, Chief People Officer. “They continue to do incredibly passionate DEI work across all our sectors.”

Newsweek and market data research firm Plant-A Insights Group identified America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity in the United States by conducting a large-scale employer study based on more than 350,000 company reviews. Click here for the full list of scored companies.

The Compass family of businesses are industry leaders encompassing award-winning restaurants, sports arenas, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, museums and more. Year-round initiatives celebrate, commemorate and advocate for DEI throughout our operations.

In addition, Compass is proud of annual traditions that are woven into the culture of the organization such as awareness-raising observances (Black History Month, Women’s History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, World Autism Day, Juneteenth and Veterans Day), community support opportunities (Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Diversity & Inclusion Action Councils, Be the Difference virtual conference and a twelve-month series on Health Is Wealth: Mental, Physical, Financial and Nutritional), and heritage month celebrations (Asian American and Pacific Islander, National Hispanic, and Native American).

“For more than two decades, DEI has been at the core of Compass Group’s success,” said Aleshia McMath, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “To receive this award is an honor, and a tribute to our incredible associates who are creating an all-embracing community where everyone feels safe bringing their authentic selves to work.”

The post Compass Group Named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 appeared first on Compass USA.

Ms Jana remembers one chef’s response clearly. “He said my candy was the best he has ever had and introduced me to a program called The Apron Exchange, a food incubator for women and minority food vendors in Chicago, IL, sponsored by Compass Group’s Foodworks sector.”

As part of Thompson Hospitality’s initiatives to mentor and grow minority-and-women-owned businesses they host “Meet and Greets” and MWBE Showcases in their Joint Venture Accounts.  Ms Jana was able to feature her candy in Compass client venues throughout the greater Chicago Area including Northwestern University, Chase Bank, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and a national Compass conference held at The United Center.

Revenue tripled year-over-year in 2021. Today, Ms Jana has three full-time employees plus support staff, and expanded from producing in her home kitchen to a 1300-square-foot commercial kitchen with retail space.  She is optimistic this growth path will continue throughout 2022 and launched new marketing plus a website, www.msjanascandy.com.

And while Ms Jana’s tagline still rings true, Butter is My Best Friend, Thompson Hospitality just may be a close second.

The post Supplier Diversity Partner Spotlight: Ms Jana’s Candy appeared first on Compass USA.

Persistence, passion and knowing how to ask for what she needs are in Chef Simone’s DNA. She shares these principles with her students and recently spoke about them as a chef panelist at Compass Group’s 2022 Women in Culinary event honoring female culinarians on International Women’s Day. In the “Leading with Purpose” panel, Chef Simone emphasized the importance of building relationships. To her that means sharing her time, talent and connections. It also means finding the right mentor who can help young talent navigate their careers.

“Find one mentor and it will change your life. I didn’t know my own self-worth. I didn’t know all I could accomplish. The only reason I am sitting here today is because of Genevieve Stona, the VP of Joint Ventures at Thompson Hospitality,” said Chef Simone. “She taught me that I had skills, the connections and the ability to pave a new way for myself and my community.”

The Women in Culinary program is designed to empower Compass Group female culinarians through dedicated training opportunities, leadership development programs and an annual conference-and-recognition event. Fourteen chefs from across the country, and across the Compass family of businesses, gathered in Charlotte, N.C., last week to meet with industry leaders, learn about the latest food trends from supply partners and compete in a chef challenge. 

“There is a confidence I have in Compass Group with business growth. You will never have to leave the company to take on a new role or explore a new opportunity. There’s always room for growth,” said Chef Simone. “That is the recipe for professional success.”

And it’s a recipe she shares with students because Chef Simone views foodservice as a pathway out of poverty. Focusing on workforce skill development to help disadvantaged youth thrive in any career, Simone developed the Navigate program in 2018. Chef Simone partners with Thompson Hospitality and Compass Group to create internships in client locations, leveraging this connection to pave the way forward and make real change in the lives of young people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantages.

“FLIK has been a blessing to hundreds of kids over the last few years. Kids who were going left completely changed and made a sharp right-hand turn out of their bad situations,” she recalls. “Seeing that let me roll up my sleeves because this partnership is a game changer.”

Chef Simone fears inequality will only grow until corporate, private and nonprofit communities work together to overcome disadvantages and disparity. Her goal is to continue to build on her 15-year relationship with Compass Group and Thompson Hospitality to launch the regional Navigate program in all 50 states. The shared vision to build an authentic, inclusive culture was emphasized at the Women in Culinary event. Experts say you’re a product of your environment, so together we’re changing the environment. 

The Navigate internship with FLIK Hospitality at The Coca-Cola Company headquarters provided interns with on-the-job training as well as the opportunity to see people who look like them in professional roles, changing their mindset about who they can be.

The post Chef Simone Paves the Way for a Brighter Future in Partnership with Compass Group and Thompson Hospitality appeared first on Compass USA.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we are sharing stories from women across Compass Group who are providing healing and promoting hope while simultaneously breaking the bias. Read their stories here.

The post Celebrating Women’s History Month 2022 appeared first on Compass USA.

Tell us how Cheesecake Company, Inc., got its start.

Mrs. King was eager to fulfill her dream of entrepreneurship with her own business baking desserts, and we started as a small frozen baked goods distributor. That was 38 years ago. Since then, our family owned business has grown significantly and is a certified minority manufacturer, distributor and marketer of gourmet frozen bakery products.

What is Cheesecake Company’s mission?

Our company has shown good growth and is surviving through the pandemic because we see our mission as staying on the cutting edge of developing new products to sell to our customers in an ever-changing climate.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

Black History Month means a lot to King Cheesecake Company, Inc. It gives Black-owned business owners a chance to showcase their businesses to the broad spectrum of mainstream America. It also allows Black-owned businesses to highlight their accomplishments and contributions to the communities that we serve, live and work in. Sharing these successes lets would-be entrepreneurs and dreamers know that anything is possible through hard work and dedication. When you love and believe in what you do, you can become successful at it.

What are you most excited about as it relates your partnership with Compass Group?

King Cheesecake has been a proud Compass-Foodbuy supplier since 2000, and our business has grown because of our great partnership. Compass Group helped us reach out to new markets throughout the United States, which has significantly helped to grow our business and exposure nationally as a valued supplier.

Explore more at: http://kingcheesecake.com/

The post Supplier Diversity Partner Spotlight: King Cheesecake Company, Inc. appeared first on Compass USA.

Our first trailblazer is Aleshia McMath, who has been making an impact at Compass Group since she started nearly 10 years ago. By combining fresh ideas with a people-first approach, she’s a champion and change agent for Compass’ associates and culture. Read Aleshia’s story.

Next we’ll hear from Keith Williams, an executive chef with FLIK Hospitality Group. When Keith left his home country of Jamaica, he was looking for new opportunities. What he didn’t know was that the first job he landed in the U.S. would lead to a 27-year career in the food and hospitality industry with FLIK Hospitality, a Compass Group business that celebrates real food and genuine people. Read Keith’s story to learn how he’s paying it forward by creating new opportunities for others and blazing a path with love and happiness.

For the third profile in our Black History Month series, we’re introducing you to Tracy Robinson, a site manager with Compass Group’s office support services company EverSource.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama once said, “Your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” For Tracy Robinson, these words hold true. Her strong belief in herself has taken her from corporate offices and dining rooms around the world, and now to Compass Group’s office services company EverSource where she is the site manager for one of its biggest clients. Read Tracy’s story to learn how a well-placed advocate made it possible for her to be an advocate for others.

For the final profile in our Black History Month series, we’re featuring Kimeka Hunt, an inspiring two-time teen mom who went on to earn an MBA and master’s in social work, which she’s putting to work as the system director of patient observation for the State of Indiana at TouchPoint Support Services, the healthcare support services provider in Compass Group’s family of companies. Kimeka now uses her life lessons to be a light and inspiration to others, often when they’re in their darkest moments. Read Kimeka’s story to learn why she’s a Compass trailblazer.

Thank you to all the participants in our Black History Month series for sharing your stories with us, and to all our Associates for everything you do to nurture Compass Group’s culture of inclusion all year long.

The post Celebrating Black History Month: Compass Trailblazers Making History Now appeared first on Compass USA.

From celebrating culture through food to partnering with women and minority-owned businesses, Compass Group USA is helping build a more equitable and sustainable world while harnessing its scale to positively impact the industry. Diversity is a key to innovation and provides new business insights that create opportunities for better serving the market.

Acting as an advocate in the foodservice industry, Compass Group’s procurement division, Foodbuy, is increasing the number of diverse suppliers that provide customers with products, ingredients and services. To fulfill this commitment, sourcing teams help Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise (MWBE) suppliers understand business requirements and ensure business owners are treated fairly in the qualification, proposal and contracting process. In 2021, the new Diverse Supplier Accelerator Program took off. This comprehensive 12-month program provides selected suppliers one-on-one coaching and training through formal mentor-mentee relationships, and the opportunity to collaborate on plans that mutually grow business.

“Our commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion starts with our supplier partnerships, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to succeed, regardless of size or background,” said Foodbuy CEO Dennis Hogan.

“We have aspirations to be not just a national but a global company and the things we’ve learned throughout the Accelerator program has positioned the company to help us achieve our dreams,” said Anna Hammond, CEO and Founder of Matriark Foods, and part of the Diverse Supplier Accelerator Program.

To support Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers, Compass Group and Foodbuy developed a pilot program with produce supplier, FreshPoint, where chefs integrated produce grown by North Carolina BIPOC farmers into menus this past spring and summer.

“It is absolutely imperative that we do everything we can to support local farmers on every level. We are in a position of responsibility to share our strengths in promoting the livelihood of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the farming industry, which in itself is a very challenging endeavor. This collaboration is wonderful,” says Eurest Executive Chef Philip Lloyd.

In supporting diverse businesses, Compass also supports the communities they reach, meeting the needs of emerging and shifting consumer priorities.  With a suite of education and awareness initiatives, all locations receive information and support regarding availability of this growing network of qualified suppliers.

A new podcast series, Diversity Matters, gives the entire Compass community an opportunity to connect through conversation with the incredible women and minority business owners who create many of the products used and served every day. The intention is to invite chefs, managers, clients and customers to actively support the growth and success of diverse suppliers, like the premiere episode’s guest BLK & Bold, the first black-owned nationally distributed coffee and tea company, and one of the fastest growing diverse suppliers in Compass Group’s portfolio

“I am excited that we have a partner that believes in us so much so that it gives us the opportunity to be introduced to new partners, new industries and new entities that we otherwise wouldn’t have access to,” said Rod Johnson, BLK & Bold co-founder.

Tracking and transparency are also critical to success. Every month, Foodbuy updates its MWB​E Data Spend dashboard, provides access to all managers to drill down to the unit level and encourages operators to share reports with their clients, inviting them to be part of the journey.

Listen and subscribe to the Diversity Matters podcast series here. The next guest scheduled is Anna Hammond, CEO and Founder of Matriark Foods, a company tackling food waste by upcycling farm surplus and fresh-cut remnants into delicious, healthy products for large-scale meal programs.

The post How Compass Group is Promoting Diversity and Growing Partners appeared first on Compass USA.