Compass Group Celebrates Chef Appreciation Week, Honoring More Than 55,000 U.S. Chefs and Culinarians

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Compass Group USA is celebrating Chef Appreciation Week, honoring the more than 55,000 talented chefs and culinarians across the U.S. who prepare and serve more than 14 million meals every day in schools and universities, hospitals, workplaces, senior living communities, cultural institutions, stadiums and event venues across the country.

Now in its ninth year as a Compass celebration, Chef Appreciation Week recognizes the creativity, care and impact chefs bring to every kitchen and every plate. What began as a way to thank chefs for their dedication has grown into the largest global celebration of culinarians, reaching more than 30 countries across Compass Group's global family of companies.

"At Compass, our chefs do so much more than prepare food. They nourish people, lead teams, create experiences and help shape the future of food," said Chris Ivens-Brown, Chief Culinary Officer, Compass Group North America. "With more than 55,000 chefs and culinarians across the U.S., our impact is extraordinary, but it still comes down to the pride and care our chefs bring to each meal, every day. Chef Appreciation Week is our chance to say thank you and celebrate the people behind the food."

"Compass chefs are the heart and soul of who we are and how we care for people," said Cindy Noble, Chief People Officer, Compass Group North America. "Every day, they bring incredible skill, creativity and dedication to our kitchens, creating moments of comfort, connection and hospitality for the millions of people we serve. Chef Appreciation Week gives us a special opportunity to celebrate their extraordinary contributions and, most importantly, make sure they know how deeply valued and appreciated they are."

"Our culinarians are helping shape the future of foodservice," said Palmer Brown, CEO, Compass Group North America. "They are leading in kitchens of every size, bringing creativity to the table, operating with purpose and raising the standard for hospitality across our industry. Their work is one of the clearest examples of Compass at its best."

Compass continues to invest in the next generation of culinary talent by supporting chefs today and helping young people see a future in hospitality. That includes the company's Women in Culinary Showcase, launched in 2019, which has supported hundreds of female chefs through immersive learning, mentorship and leadership development. Most recently, the program brought together dozens of standout chefs to Compass Group's Charlotte headquarters for a multi-day experience focused on growth, innovation and leadership. Compass Group is also helping drive the growth of Navigate Foundation, a nonprofit organization that operates a nationally registered apprenticeship program exclusively in partnership with Compass Group to connect underserved, high-potential young people with culinary and hospitality careers.

Under Ivens-Brown's leadership, Compass has also advanced its North American Culinary Council, a chef-led program designed to bring culinary leaders from across the company together to share expertise and develop scalable solutions around people, purchasing and sustainability.

From inspiring students and supporting healing in healthcare to fueling fans on game day and creating memorable hospitality experiences, Compass chefs are at the heart of the company's work. Chef Appreciation Week is a moment to recognize their skill, celebrate their impact and thank them for the millions of moments they help make possible every day.

About Compass Group North America
Compass Group is redefining the food and facility services industry through innovation, operational excellence, and a focus on what's next. Serving premier healthcare systems, respected educational institutions, world-renowned cultural centers, popular sports and entertainment venues, and Fortune 500 companies, Compass Group delivers tailored solutions at scale. The company is consistently recognized among the world's most admired companies and leaders in sustainability and innovation. Learn more at compass-usa.com.

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SOURCE Compass Group