IFMA The Food Away from Home Association announced the 2025 recipients of Silver Plate Awards on Tuesday. Operators in eight foodservice segments were honored.
Kevin Hochman, CEO and president of Brinker International, parent company of Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy, was recognized with a Silver Plate in the category of Chain Full Service. Chili’s experienced a blockbuster year, reporting three quarters of double-digit same-store sales gains last year, capped by a 31% surge from October to December—rising above the somewhat struggling casual-dining sector.
Michael Skipworth, president and CEO of Wingstop, is the awardee In the Chain Limited Service sector. Fast-casual Wingstop also boasted a stellar performance in 2024, with same-store sales up almost 21% in the third quarter.
Operators in six other foodservice categories were recognized:
• Gary J. Crompton, president and CEO of Aramark Workplace Experience Group; Business & Industry/Foodservice Management
• Patti Klos, Senior Director of Dining Services at Tufts University; Colleges & Universities
• Whitney Ellersick, Executive Director for Nutrition Services at Hillsboro School District; Elementary & Secondary Schools
• Geoff Alexander, president and CEO of WOW Bao; Grocery, Convenience, & Specialty Retail
• Ryan Conklin, Director & Executive Chef Culinary and Nutrition Services at UNC Health Rex; Healthcare
Recipients are chosen from a slate of industry nominees by a jury of trade media editors and previous award winners. The 2025 winners will be presented at the annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards on Saturday night, May 17, coinciding with the weekend of the National Restaurant Association Show. At that time, one of the Silver Plate winners will be awarded the prestigious IFMA Gold Plate.
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