CAFÉ Update December 22, 2025

From all of us at CAFÉ we wish you a very joyous holiday and a Happy New Year! We look forward to seeing you all in June at our Chicago conference.

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

2026 CAFÉ Award Information

The information on the 2026 CAFÉ Awards is now available on our website.

To view all awards go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards.

2026 Educator of the Year Award (Secondary & Postsecondary)

2026 Technology Award

2026 Innovation Award

2026 Community Outreach Award

2026 Entrepreneurship Award

2026 Student of the Year Award

If you know a fellow teacher that would be great for an award you can nominate them or it is ok to nominate yourself. Just remember you have to apply to win.

Previous applicants and winners are encourage to apply. 

Also, if you have a culinary/hospitality student that would like a wonderful opportunity, the Idaho Potato Commission will be offering their 4th annual Student of the Year Award. 

Deadline for applications: April 1, 2026

SAVE THE DATE and Register Today! The conference registration links are now active, click here. Register early and receive a discount!!

The hotel accommodations is the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. We will be in walking distance (0.7 mi) to the S. Michigan Avenue campus of Kendall College.

The Hotel is located in a perfect area to explore and enjoy Chicago and its riverfront, great restaurants, outdoor art and more!

For hotel registration information, click here. 

CAFÉ Membership Information & Renewals

CAFÉ Mission: “To link the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom.”

Your membership supports the CAFE mission statement:

• Innovative and Forward Thinking
• Hearing from other voices
• Sharing resources
• Keeping up to date with both industry and teaching trends
• Resource Rich Website
• Journal of Best Practices
• Monthly Magazine
• Bi-weekly Podcast
• Podcast Lesson Plans
• National and Local Events
• Discount to a CAFE Event

Now offering Individual, Institutional and Industry memberships.

For more information, click here.

Already a member? Renewal access available after January 1st. 

Instructions on membership renewals, click here.

Have you checked out CAFÉ Talks Podcast?

Our host, Paul Sorgule has spearheaded this podcast and has done a wonderful job. He has interviewed over 100 of the most influential people in education, culinary classrooms, the foodservice industry, leadership, innovation, culinary history, and management – there is something for everyone to relish and use. 

Have you thought about integrating the CAFÉ Talks Podcast into your student curriculum for an assignment? Have you thought "I really wish I could remember which podcast pertained to a certain subject?"

Paul Sorgule, has created an organized chart that demonstrates where each interview might apply in your classrooms as assignments or a point of reference for faculty.  

Click here to download your copy of the chart.

We could not have produced this podcast series if it wasn't for our sponsors who we thank very much for their continued support of CAFÉ.