ARAMARK Chefs Achieve The Culinary Institute of America's Prestigious ProChef Certification

PHILADELPHIA, March 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ARAMARK, a world leader in providing professional services, and The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), the world's premier culinary college, proudly announce the recent graduation of 11 chefs from the prominent ProChef Certification program. These chefs, serving colleges, universities and preparatory schools, as well as stadiums, arenas, convention centers and entertainment venues across the country, join the 195 ARAMARK certified chefs who have completed the rigorous program.

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"The energy displayed by the ARAMARK chefs as they go through the exam proves the type of culture the company brings to the table," said Brad Barnes, senior director of continuing education at The Culinary Institute of America.  "ARAMARK as a company should be applauded for their dedication and commitment to developing their culinary team."

The CIA ProChef Certification is a three tiered, comprehensive professional development and culinary proficiency program which measures core culinary, managerial and financial acumen, including a chef's skill in flavor development, proper cooking methods, dish profile authenticity, plating, use of ingredients, and sanitation. 

"ARAMARK is honored to partner with the Culinary Institute of America to support our chefs' relentless pursuit of culinary perfection and continuing education," said Doug Martinides, Vice President of Culinary Development, ARAMARK. "We congratulate our chefs on this outstanding achievement and thank them for their continued dedication to delivering exceptional dining and guest experiences for our clients and consumers."

Designed to further advance culinary achievement, The CIA ProChef Certification program provides chefs with an opportunity to further perfect their proficiency in culinary arts, personnel management, and financial administration. The program features three levels of intensive training with ProChef III being the highest, most prestigious designation.

The following ARAMARK chefs received their ProChef I, ProChef II or ProChef III Certification:

ProChef I:

• Shannon Wisner, Portland Center for Performing Arts
• Ray Rempel, Prospera Place (Kelowna, BC)
• James Zensen, CONSOL Energy Center (Pittsburgh, PA)
• Francisco Kosonoy, Los Angeles Convention Center

ProChef II:

• Eric Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
• Craig McAlister, Cedar Park Center (Cedar Park, TX)
• Jonathan Dempsey, Oregon Convention Center

ProChef III:

• Tim Conklin, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• Denis Callinan, College of William and Mary
• Brent Gorman, University of Chicago
• Mike Obrochta, University of North Carolina, Wilmington

About The Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is an independent, not-for-profit college offering bachelor's and associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts as well as certificate programs in culinary arts and professional wine studies. As the world's premier culinary college, the CIA has a network of more than 40,000 alumni that includes industry leaders such as Grant Achatz, Anthony Bourdain, Michael Chiarello, Cat Cora, Steve Ells, Todd English, Duff Goldman, Sara Moulton, Charlie Palmer, and Roy Yamaguchi. The college has campuses in New York (Hyde Park), California (The CIA at Greystone, St. Helena), and Texas (San Antonio). In addition to its degree and certificate programs, the CIA offers courses for professionals and food enthusiasts. For more information, and a complete listing of program offerings at each site, visit the CIA online at www.ciachef.edu.

About ARAMARK
ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. The company is among FORTUNE magazine's "World's Most Admired Companies," and is recognized as one of America's Largest Private Companies by both FORTUNE and Forbes magazines. ARAMARK seeks to responsibly address issues that matter to its clients, customers, employees and communities by focusing on employee advocacy, environmental stewardship, health and wellness, and community involvement. Headquartered in Philadelphia, ARAMARK has more than 250,000 employees serving clients in 22 countries. Learn more at the company's website, www.aramark.com, or follow us on Facebook and @ARAMARK on Twitter.

SOURCE ARAMARK