In a hallowed tradition that began in 1954, IFMA The Food Away from Home Association has been spotlighting legends-in-the-making who have made a difference through their hard work and integrity.
“It’s an honor to celebrate our industry by recognizing leadership, hard work and commitment through these awards. For over 70 years, our association has presented Silver and Gold Plates to real innovators, industry-builders, and world-changing entrepreneurs,” said Phil Kafarakis, association president and CEO.
Kafarakis said this class of Silver Plate winners “come from a wide variety of backgrounds, have taken different routes to leadership, and show us first-hand how a career in foodservice can impact not just businesses but communities.”
The honorees represent nine categories, from schools and convenience stores to national chains and independent restaurants, “but they share a common commitment to food excellence and service,” Kafarakis said. “I look forward to recognizing them at the Celebration in May.”
That event, the Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration, will take place during the National Restaurant Show on May 16 this year in the Great Hall at Chicago’s historic Union Station. There, the winner of the industry’s most prestigious award, the Gold Plate, will be revealed.
Without further ado, here are the 2026 Silver Plate Winners by Category:
Colleges & Universities: Jeff Palmer, Executive Director, Campus Dining & Retail at University of California San Diego; nominated by Hormel Foods, PepsiCo
Elementary & Secondary Schools: Danielle Bock, Director for Nutrition Services at Greeley-Evans School District #6, Colorado; nominated by Nestle, J.M. Smucker Co.
Healthcare: Leisa Bryant, Executive Director at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; nominated by Ecolab, ITW, PepsiCo
Grocery, Convenience & Specialty Retail: Brad Haga, senior vice president, Prepared Food and Dispensed Beverages at Casey’s; Nominated by Nestle
- Casey’s General Stores Inc. is No. 3 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by store count.
Business & Industry/Foodservice Management: Sally Minier, Head of Workplace Strategies at Jane Street; nominated by PepsiCo
Chain Full Service: Jerry Morgan, CEO & Executive Vice Chairman of Texas Roadhouse; nominated by The Coca Cola Company, Ecolab
Chain Limited Service: Scott Murphy, Chief Brand Officer of Inspire Brands and Dunkin’ Brand President; nominated by PepsiCo
Independent Restaurants: Chip Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group; nominated by Nestle, PepsiCo
Travel & Leisure Foodservice: Sean Gamble, President & CEO of Cinemark; nominated by The Coca Cola Company
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