Jim Broadhurst Receives Foodservice Industry's Top Honor

CHICAGO, May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Jim Broadhurst, Chairman, Eat'n Park Hospitality Group, was named the Gold Plate Award winner by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) on May 19 at Chicago's historic Great Hall at Union Station. Broadhurst, nominated by Bigelow Tea, was one of eight outstanding operator executives who were eligible for the award after receiving the IFMA Silver Plate award in March. He represents the Chain Full Service/Multi-Concept segment.

Broadhurst says, "The real thank you goes to our almost 10,000 employees, colleagues and team members of Eat'n Park Hospitality Group. Their very special effort, the care they give to what they do, the dedication and commitment they make day in and day out to make sure our guests, clients and customers get absolutely the best treatment and experience possible."

It was a special night for the Broadhurst family. Broadhurst was accompanied by his wife of 48 years, Suzy and their three sons [Jeff, Brooks and Mark], who are all actively involved in the Eat'n Park Hospitality Group. "They certainly will carry on the tradition of a culture that has been important to the organization since it started in 1949," said Broadhurst.

Celebrating its 60th year, IFMA's Gold & Silver Plate Awards are considered the most coveted operator awards in the foodservice industry. The awards pay tribute to leading foodservice operators who have contributed to the advancement of their individual segments and the foodservice industry as a whole.

In addition to Broadhurst, the 2014 Silver Plate recipients include: Jack Williams (Independent Restaurants/Multi-Concept), Steve Romaniello (Chain Limited Service), Lisette Coston (Health Care), Sandra Ford (Elementary & Secondary Schools), Mark LoParco (Colleges & Universities), Kevin D'Onofrio (Specialty Foodservices) and Brad Nelson (Hotels & Lodging).

The Gold Plate award recipient was determined through secret ballot by a jury of past Silver Plate winners, national trade press editors and foodservice experts. Overseeing the selection process was the chairperson of the International Gold & Silver Plate Society, Mary Angela Miller. The Selection Jury was chaired by Nancy Kruse, President of The Kruse Company. The ballot was tallied by BDO USA, LLP and kept confidential until the announcement at the Gold & Silver Plate Celebration on May 19.

James Collins ('77), Richard Melman ('89), Ralph Brennan ('97) and J.W. Marriott Jr. ('93) are among the renowned operators who have received IFMA Gold and Silver Plates over the years. The May 19 Celebration, which drew a stellar crowd of over 600 industry leaders and legends, was hosted by the 2007 Gold Plate recipient Jon Luther, former Chairman of the Board, Dunkin Brands and current Chairman of the Board, Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc.

For more information on the Gold & Silver Plate Awards or photos from the Celebration, visit ifmaworld.com or contact John Lehmann at (312) 253-4683.

About International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)
IFMA is a leading trade association comprised of the world's most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the $600 billion foodservice industry, as well as related marketing service organizations, trade publications, distributors and brokers. IFMA's mission is to serve as a business partner to its members by bringing them relevant, actionable services that are fundamental to their business assessment, planning and execution. For more information, visit ifmaworld.com. Follow IFMA on Twitter: @IFMAWORLD or join our group on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)