CAFÉ recognizes the only way we can keep our relevance to foodservice instructors is to continue to link them with not only educational best practices but also to the industry.

For the third year in a row, we want to recognize someone who has helped us achieve our mission. This person is a CAFÉ “Champion” and continually believes in the importance of education for the next generation of hospitality career seekers.

This year we recognize Chef Paul Sorgule, MS, AAC, and Harvest America Ventures LLC President.

Chef Paul has been a CAFÉ partner from the beginning. He writes a popular column “Think Tank” for the monthly e-zine, The Gold Medal Classroom. He has served on CAFÉ’s National Advisory Board and presented at numerous CAFÉ Leadership Conferences. This past year he has single-handily created, hosted and executed 26 (as of the current date) CAFÉ Talks Podcasts.

His Podcasts include a wide variety of hospitality professions…chefs, restaurant owners, flavorists, futurists, and the latest, Michael Escoffier! The podcasts have had over 5,000 unique downloads and in each segment he brings humor and warmth to this incredibly challenging world of hospitality.

Chef Paul is a seasoned veteran with over 50 years of experience in the food industry. He holds a master's degree in Hospitality/Service Management from Rochester Institute of Technology, is a member of the American Academy of Chefs, attained national prominence as a member of the gold medal-winning New England Culinary Olympic Team competing in Frankfurt, Germany, has served as Executive Chef for a Four-Diamond Resort, Director of Food and Beverage, Restaurant Manager, Culinary Educator, Program Dean and Vice President of Culinary Education at two prominent culinary institutes. In 2001 he was recognized as the national Culinary Educator of the Year by the American Culinary Federation.

Chef was invited to cook at the James Beard House in 2008 and is author of two novels: "In the Shadow of Cooks," and “The Event That Changed Everything.” His third novel is in the publication process. His industry blog: Harvest America Cues boasts nearly two million views and through his consulting company Harvest America Ventures, he has worked with nearly 50 restaurants, culinary schools, and commodity boards on various projects.

Chef Paul, we admire what you do and how you do it and CAFÉ is so pleased to recognize your efforts in keeping our educators linked to the profession they love.

Congratulations to Chef Paul Sorgule, honoree of this year’s 2021 Champion Award.