AHF National Culinary Competition

2025 National Culinary Competition

AHF’s National Culinary Competition is a career-changing opportunity for our competing member teams. Five teams of two are selected from self-operated facilities around the country. Each year our five teams compete for Gold, Silver, and Bronze during a 75-minute timed competition with set ingredient options selected from AHF’s curated Market Basket.

Competitors are selected through a rigorous, blinded, selection process. The live competition will take place during our National Conference in New Orleans August 21-23, 2025.

Watch the recording of our 2024 Culinary Competition to get prepared and understand how our competition works.

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2024 Competition Recording
*Sample* Rules Document
FAQs
5
Finalist Teams
75
Minutes
6
World Class Judges
500 +
Spectators

Competition Format:
Unleash Your Creativity & Showcase Self-Op Excellence

Five teams of two will be selected to compete in a 75-minute timed challenge. The challenge? Craft extraordinary dishes using carefully selected ingredients from AHF’s curated Market Baskets.

Save the Date:
Finalists Receive Complementary Registration and Travel Support

Mark your calendars for the live competition during our National Conference in New Orleans, from August 21 to 23, 2025. Join us for an unforgettable experience as teams vie for Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors. Selected finalists will receive complementary registration and travel support to attend AHF’s National Conference where you will earn 14+ CEUs through ANFP, ACF, and CDR.

Meet Us There: August 21-23, 2025

Showcase Your Team’s Talent on the National Stage!

Whether you’re an experienced chef, a dedicated dietitian, a visionary director, a skilled manager, a system-level director, or an executive shaping the future—AHF’s Culinary Competition welcomes participants from various roles. Embrace the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the artistry of healthcare foodservice. Get ready for a rigorous competition that pushes the boundaries of culinary creativity.
Application Opening Early 2025
Deadline to Apply: March 30, 2025

If you have any questions, please email AHF Staff at culinary@healthcarefoodservice.org.

Join the 2025 Informational Webinar – Registration Coming Soon

To learn more about this year’s competition, we invite you to attend our informational webinar hosted by the 2025 committee chair and the 2024 Gold Winner. Gain insights into the competition format, tips for success, and firsthand experiences from those who’ve tasted victory. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to prepare yourself for the culinary adventure ahead.

Competition Format: Unleash Your Creativity & Showcase Self-Op Excellence

Five teams of two will be selected to compete in a 75-minute timed challenge. The challenge? Craft extraordinary dishes using carefully selected ingredients from AHF’s curated Market Baskets.

Selection Process: Fair and Impartial

Our competitors are chosen through a rigorous, blinded selection process, ensuring a fair and unbiased evaluation. We take pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive competition environment.

Save the Date: Finalists Receive Complementary Registration and Travel Support

Mark your calendars for the live competition during our National Conference in New Orleans, from August 21 to 23, 2025. Join us for an unforgettable experience as teams vie for Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors. Selected finalists will receive complementary registration and travel support to attend AHF’s National Conference where you will earn 14+ CEUs through ANFP, ACF, and CDR. 

Get Inspired: Watch Past Winners Take Gold

To get a glimpse of what to expect, we encourage you to watch the recording of our 2024 Culinary Competition. Gain insights, witness the creativity, and prepare yourself for the upcoming challenge. Watch Now

2025 Judges’ Panel – TBA

Following the competition, finalists are invited to a private critique with our panel of celebrated expert judges. This unique educational experience offers invaluable feedback from highly regarded chefs, helping competitors refine their craft. Renowned for their culinary expertise and integrity, our judges ensure the highest standards, guiding participants to reach new heights in their culinary journey.

2024 Judges’ Panel:

Brian West

Owner
Chef Brian West, inc

“The Voice of Texas Cuisine”

Matthew Ward

Executive Chef
of Residential Dining
University of North Texas
Dining Services

Jasmin Parks-Papadopoulos

Chief Growth Officer
CHOW:
Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness

Jared Hunter

Executive Chef
MD Anderson Cancer Center

2023 AHF National Champion

Aatul Jain

Executive Chef
St. Peter’s Healthcare System

2014 AHF National Champion

David Brue

Associate Director Culinary Outreach, Executive Chef
The OSU Wexner Medical Center

2021 AHF National Champion

2025 Market Basket – TBA

Applicants must select at least ONE ingredient from Basket A along with at least TWO ingredients from Basket B.

Market Basket A

  • To Be Announced

Market Basket B

  •  To Be Announced

Mystery Ingredient

  • To Be Announced at Conference

Showcase Your Team’s Talent on the National Stage!

Whether you’re an experienced chef, a dedicated dietitian, a visionary director, a skilled manager, a system-level director, or an executive shaping the future—AHF’s Culinary Competition welcomes participants from various roles. Embrace the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the artistry of healthcare foodservice. Get ready for a rigorous competition that pushes the boundaries of culinary creativity.
Application Openning Early 2025
Deadline to Apply: March 30, 2025

If you have any questions, please email AHF Staff at culinary@healthcarefoodservice.org.

Past Finalists

Need inspiration? Click below to read about past finalists and to see a gallery of winning plates!

Frequently Asked Questions

Click below to view answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare your application.

Resources

Click below for the competition resources page where you can find all necessary documents, the application link, and additional links in one place.

Past Finalists
FAQs
*Coming Soon*

Don't Miss Your Chance to be the Next...

National Healthcare Foodservice or Senior Dining Culinary Champion!

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“AHF conference is time we’ll spent. Great opportunities for refreshing my perspective to daily operational challenges with innovative ideas and solutions. Always appreciate this opportunity!”
2022

M. C.
Operator - Senior Dining - Pennsylvania

“I personally loved this opportunity! There is much information and help that is required for someone like me to grow as a foodservice individual. I was able to learn so much, and meet so many different people. I even made a few new friends. This was an amazing time for myself, and I would love to attend next year!”
2022

J. B.
Operator - Critical Access Hospital - Indiana

“The AHF National Conference never disappoints! If you can dream it, an operator or business partner at the conference is willing to share their wisdom and help you succeed.”
2022

M. V.
Operator - Pediatric Hospital - Tennessee

“The 2023 AHF Conference: The Great Journey. Such a fitting theme to encompass the experiences I had during this conference. This was the first professional conference I have attended and the bar has been set high. I left feeling inspired and validated-with many great ideas to implement. My confidence as a leader was restored and the networking experience was outstanding. I cannot wait to attend the next AHF National Conference!”
2023

E. L.
Operator - Acute Care - Texas

“Best Conference Ever!!!”
2023

T. R.
Operator - Specialty Hospital - Texas

“The AHF Annual Conference is fabulous! I look forward to attending each year to network with clients and friends, meet new people, and do a lot of learning. #BestWeekoftheYear!”
2023

S. M.
Business Partner

“AHF is an amazing organization, and I am in awe of the strength and knowledge base of the members. I learn something new every time I interact with both operator and business partner members. It gives me the lift I need to continue to drive my program forward for my patients and customers.”
2023

E. B.
Operator - Acute Care - Illinois

“I feel that the 2023 Conference was AHF’s best one yet; we continue to raise the bar and deliver impactful, engaging content and opportunities to connect with core Industry thought leaders, subject matter experts and friends. Thank you for an exceptional event, all around! Great job!”
2023

S. G.
Business Partner

“The annual AHF conference always allows me to build my network, learn and grow as a leader. The takeaways were many and so very useful.”
2023

A. O.
Operator - Acute Care & Senior Dining - New Jersey

“AHF National Conference is an incredible experience. It is very helpful to meet so many people faced with similar challenges in the industry and to be able to non-competitively share best practices. The collaboration is amazing and something I truly look forward to.”
2023

J. G.
Operator - Acute Care - Ohio