CAFÉ Update March 16, 2026
16 March 2026Our 2026 Conference will be hosted by Kendall College at National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. In addition to serving as this year’s host, Kendall College has been a long‑standing sponsor and valued supporter of CAFÉ.
Leigh Uhlir, Dean of Kendall College, leads one of the nation’s premier culinary and hospitality programs, recognized internationally for excellence. A Kendall alumna, she has served as Director and Dean since 2018. Dean Uhlir brings extensive experience as a chef educator and higher education leader, with expertise in culinary instruction, instructional design, and workforce development. Her professional background includes work in Chicago, Austin, and Las Vegas with organizations such as Four Seasons, Brinker International, and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Kendall College is located on South Michigan Avenue, approximately 0.7 miles from the conference hotel, the Palmer House Hilton.
Please take a moment to watch the “Meet Our Partner” video of Kendall College, click here.
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 CAFÉ Awards Deadline Extended
The 2026 CAFÉ Awards deadline has been extended to April 15th due to additonal awards catagories.
To view all awards go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards.
2026 Educator of the Year Award (Secondary & Postsecondary)
2026 Student of the Year Award
You may nominate a fellow teacher or yourself. Previous applicants and winners are eligible to apply, but you must submit an application to be considered.
Also, if you know 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. Encourage them to apply.
Deadline extended for all applications: April 15, 2026
Master Class Information – Chocolate and Pizza
Click here, for genaral conference information and registration links.
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.
Watermelon Curriculum from the National Watermelon Promotion Board
Watermelon is an on-trend ingredient and more foodservice operators are embracing this versatile fruit. It can also play an important role in culinary education from garde manger to flavor versatility. That’s why the National Watermelon Promotion Board has created culinary curriculum for instructors, students and chefs, accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
Watermelon Culinary Curriculum Lesson Plans
The lesson plans and videos can be used in the classroom, as an on-line tool or for personal development. To receive the certificate for Continuing Education Hours (5) you must complete the quiz and evaluation. Please use the link below to access and complete the curriculum:
watermelon.org/audiences/foodservice/culinary-education
Bonus: The first 50 instructors to complete the curriculum by March 31, 2026 will receive a $20 digital amazon gift card.
Mary Petersen, President, CAFÉ; Executive Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
(410) 268-5542 (office)
(443) 994-8228 (cell)
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Lisa Parrish, Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
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Mary Young, Administrative Assistant
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Paul Sorgule, Host, CAFETalks Podcast
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