John Metz Receives Foodservice Industry's Top Honor

CHICAGO, May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- John C. Metz, Jr., CEO, Executive Chef and Co-Founder, Sterling Hospitality, was named the Gold Plate Award winner by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) on May 20 at Chicago's historic Great Hall at Union Station. Metz, nominated by The Coca-Cola Company and Ecolab, was one of eight outstanding operator executives who were eligible for the award after receiving the IFMA Silver Plate award in February. He represents the Independent Restaurants/Multi-Concept segment.

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"I'm proud to accept this recognition on behalf of the 859 employees in our company in Florida and Georgia. They are spectacular people and they are unbelievable resources," said Metz. "They are the true recipients of something like this."

It was a special night for the Metz family. Metz is carrying on his father's legacy by being the second in his family to receive a Silver Plate award. His father, John C. Metz, Sr., received the award in 1979 in the Foodservice Management category.

Now in its 59^th 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 Metz, the 2013 Silver Plate recipients include: Jay Silverstein (Business & Industry/Foodservice Management), Harald Herrmann (Chain Full Service/Multi-Concept), Don Fox (Chain Limited Service), Ken Toong (Colleges & Universities), Julia Bauscher (Elementary & Secondary Schools), Angelo Mojica (Health Care) and Jim Purdum (Hotels & Lodging).

The Gold Plate award recipient was determined through secret ballot by a jury of past Silver Plate winners, national trade press editors, foodservice experts and the chairperson of the International Gold & Silver Plate Society. The Selection Jury was chaired by Nancy Kruse, President, 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 20.

Dave Thomas of Wendy's ('79) and Steve Ells of Chipotle ('03) are among the renowned operators who have received IFMA Gold and Silver Plates over the years. The May 20 Gold & Silver Plate Celebration, which drew nearly 600 industry media, leaders and legends, was hosted by Gold Plate recipient ('84)  Ted Balestreri, Chairman & CEO, Cannery Row Company.

For more information on the Gold & Silver Plate Awards or photos from the Celebration, visit ifmaworld.com

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.

SOURCE IFMA