So much to learn! 

• The amazing benefits of technology in the kitchen which is changing the world of food preparation, food service, and the economics of food.

• Classrooms which are benefiting from delivery techniques that broaden our students’ skill levels as well as our own techniques as instructors

What can CAFÉ do to help the educational field of culinary arts move forward?

• We can introduce you to equipment that is taking over professional kitchens

• We can offer you hands on training so that you can go back to your classes with both these areas of expertise…both kitchen as well as classroom technology 

• We can introduce you to professional voices in a wide range of our industry…broadening the opportunities for your students

• We can help you apply new techniques as showcased in our educational best practices day when your peers share what they have learned and how they have learned to adapt 

The annual CAFÉ conferences will be June 22-25, 2026. We will be hosted by Kendall College in Chicago. We will offer lectures, panels, hands-on experiences as well as significant time to work on challenges via roundtable discussions and panel discussions.

We also want to explore Chicago and have attendees enjoy one of the most intriguing foodservice cities in the U.S.

SAVE THE 2026 DATES!

June 22-23, 2026     Deans and Directors Retreat

June 23-25, 2026     20^th Annual Leadership Conference

Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

Attn: Culinary Students 
Grilled Cheese Recipe Contest

REAL CALIFORNIA MILK and CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF FOODSERVICE EDUCATION (CAFÉ) have teamed up for a contest for your students. 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER. Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, age 18 or older who are enrolled in a secondary or postsecondary culinary program. Entries must be received between 10/06/25 to 11/10/25. See Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). 

Click here for Official Rules and Entry Form.

Educational Best Practices Presenters/Presentation

CAFÉ devotes one day of its annual Leadership Conference to Educational Best Practices. These one-hour peer presentations are quite important and are very much appreciated by those in attendance.

One of next year’s themes will be “Technology in the kitchen AND Technology in the classroom.” We are seeking educators that will share their experiences and who may be asked to lead hands-on workshops. Other topics may be a focus on "What's New and What's Next" in culinary classrooms.

What ideas do you have that you could pass on to other instructors…whether secondary or postsecondary applications?

We would like to hear from you: a title, a brief outline, and your contact details, including a short bio.

Please send your submissions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with "Educational Best Practices" in the subject line.

Deadline for submission is November 1. Presenters receive a $100 discount on their conference registration.

 2026 CAFÉ Award Information Coming Soon!

CAFÉ Talks Podcast – Season 11

For a video peek of episode 103, click here.