CHEF APPRECIATION WEEK

Communities across the globe come together for a week during September to celebrate Chef Appreciation Week. This foodie holiday shines a spotlight on the "heart of the house" and dedicates an entire week to recognize all culinary professionals for their artistry, stamina, and commitment to serving their local communities.

#ChefAppreciationWeek

Every time you sit down at a restaurant, an event space, or even a corporate dining hall, we focus on what's on our plate. Whether you expect a perfectly seared steak, a vibrantly-colored seasonal salad, or the comforting smell of a fresh soup, we rarely focus on who is behind what is being served.

Michelin Stars Were Originally Created to Sell Tires

The highest honor in fine dining is being awarded a Michelin Star. But did you know Michelin Stars come from the French tire company Michelin?

In 1900, brothers Édouard and André Michelin published a free travel guide featuring maps, gas stations, and hotel recommendations to encourage motorists to drive more. The goal was to encourage motorists to wear down their tires faster, which would result in purchasing tires faster.

By 1926, the brothers began listing dining establishments along popular driving routes in their travel guide. The brothers recruited mystery diners to visit and review the restaurant to help determine which restaurant would receive a star. Better restaurants received one Michelin Star. After seeing the popularity of the star system, the brothers created a hierarchy of zero, one, two, and three stars.

Long before that plate reaches your table, an entire team of culinary artists, line cooks, and kitchen help has been working behind the scenes. Sometimes under immense pressure, intense heat, and tight timelines. Saying two simple words--Thank you--can make the entire kitchen staff feel appreciated for their hard work.

A chef wears many hats and their job goes far beyond cooking. From taking care of menus, cooking, supervising staff, and managing the kitchen, a chef's job is complex. All while balancing a creative vision every single shift.

Chef Commitments

Manages supply lines and inventory costs, while keeping a kitchen operating smoothly.
Maintains strict health regulations, kitchen hygiene, and prep standards under rapid turnaround times.
Takes the lead to reduce food waste, provide seasonal menu options, and using from local agriculture as a food source.
Train the next generation of sous chef's, line cooks, prep staff, and dishwashers to work efficiently, safely, and respectful.

Whether you are a frequent restaurant foodie, an employer of a dining facility, or a home cook who loves to prepare food for your family, there are several ways to participate in Chef Appreciation Week:

Ask your server to pass a note or word of thanks to the executive chef and the kitchen staff. Hearing compliments about that work boosts morale.
If you're a chef or work in the culinary world, host a dinner for your family and friends to not only show off your skills, but to let them take a break from preparing a meal for their family.
Use the week to learn more about food waste reduction initiatives and sustainable sourcing. Support restaurants and culinary groups that prioritize local farmers and waste-prevention programs.
Show off your skills on social media! Share photos of the prep work and plated food, give a shout to your head and line chefs, and share stories about signature dishes using the hashtags like #ChefAppreciationWeek.

HISTORY BEHIND CHEF APPRECIATION WEEK

Chef Appreciation Week was co-founded in 2013 by Donald and Lisa Crutch through their organization, Chefs Against Cancer. The wanted to create a dedicated time to recognize all culinary professionals. Following the unexpected death of Donald Crutch in 2019, industry leaders and global food service organizations pledged to carry his legacy forward.

What began as a grassroots initiative in North America has expanded into a global movement reaching across more than 30 countries. Today, Chef Appreciation Week stands as the largest global celebration dedicated specifically to culinary artists around the world.