CAFÉ Update June 15, 2026
15 June 2026Announcement: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Ann Zuccardy will no longer be speaking at the Deans & Directors Retreat on Tuesday, June 23.
In her place, Steve Schimoler, Vice President of Innovation and Development at Aramark Health Care, will present Storytelling – Prototyping Your Scenario Ideation.
About the Speaker: Steve Schimoler is a food industry innovator and culinary leader with decades of experience building restaurants, developing breakthrough food products, and shaping national brands. He has held leadership roles with Cabot Creamery, Nestlé North America, and Sysco, and now serves as Vice President of Innovation and Development for Aramark Health Care. Known for his entrepreneurial vision, Steve has launched award-winning restaurant concepts, created innovative product platforms, and helped bring new ideas to market across the food industry.
Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education
2026 Conference Is Here!
Master Class Information – Chocolate and Pizza
We still have slots available. Register today!
The hotel accommodations will be the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago (Room Block is closed please reach out to the hotel directly to secure a room. Phone : 312-726-7500). 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.
2026 Conference Countdown: Partner Spotlights
Some of our 2026 Conference Partners have participated in our "Meet Our Partner" videos series. We’re proud to collaborate with this exceptional group of sponsors who make our conferences truly possible.
Watch all the 2026 Conference “Meet Our Partner” videos on our YouTube channel: @Cafemeetingplace
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.
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.
For our complete lineup of podcast or to subscribe, go to www.CafeMeetingPlace.com/cafe-podcasts.
For video peeks of our launched episodes, go to our Facebook page, CafeMeetingPlace.
CAFÉ CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Petersen, President, CAFÉ; Executive Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
(410) 268-5542 (office)
(443) 994-8228 (cell)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Lisa Parrish, Editor, The Gold Medal Classroom
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mary Young, Administrative Assistant
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Paul Sorgule, Host, CAFETalks Podcast
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NOT A MEMBER? JOIN CAFÉ TODAY!
CAFÉ | (410) 268-5542 | cafemeetingplace.com
STAY CONNECTED
