Awards

2025 ACF National Culinary Competitions

Chef Educator of the Year

Please submit all 2025 Chef Educator of the Year applications to competitions@acfchefs.org
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

2025 Awards

The honor of an American Culinary Federation (ACF) award proves skill, knowledge and professionalism in the culinary industry and can further your recognition as a qualified chef. These awards represent the highest honors ACF can bestow.

Region winners will be chosen prior to May 15 with the national winners announced during the President’s Gala at the 2025 ACF National Convention.

Applications for 2025 national awards are now open. The deadline to submit an application for the 2025 awards will be January 31, 2025.

Please submit all 2025 National Awards applications to administration@acfchefs.org.

Dr. L.J. Minor Chef Professionalism Award Application - Sponsored by Minor’s: Trusted by Chefs

This award is to recognize an ACF chef who best exemplifies the highest standard of professionalism in today's Food Service Industry, through certification, continuing education and training, culinary competitions, development of young culinarians and community involvement. To honor chefs who exemplify the pillars of professionalism, both in and out of the kitchen.

Hermann G. Rusch Chef’s Achievement Award Application

The Hermann G Rusch Chef’s Achievement Award honors chefs who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to both ACF and the culinary profession. Such chefs, through their involvement with and contributions to ACF and our craft, have advanced the culinary profession and ensured the enrichment of students, our members and those in our profession.

L. Edwin Brown Leadership Award

The award recognizes an emerging leader within the industry who exemplifies true service leadership. The nominee should be a person who has a positive impact within the profession. An individual who by their example serves as a stellar ambassador for the ACF and the culinary profession.

Presidential Medallion Application

The Presidential Medallion is considered the highest honor given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition of outstanding representation of the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.

Chapter of the Year Application

The Chapter of the Year Award honors chapters that strive for the highest level of excellence in all areas of chapter life, serving their members and their communities as well as supporting ACF’s programs.

Cutting Edge Application

The ACF Cutting Edge Award recognizes innovators who give their time to help nurture and mentor culinarians on behalf of the ACF and the industry.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is considered the most prestigious and regarded honor given by the President of the American Culinary Federation. It is presented in recognition to the “best of our best.” This individual exemplifies the ACF fundamental principles, including superior strength of character and continued contributions to ACF and/or the culinary industry as a whole.

2025 Regional Culinary Qualifiers

Applications for 2025 Regional Culinary Qualifiers are closed. The following qualifiers are scheduled:

  • Northeast: March 6–8, Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio
  • Western: March 14–16, College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Central: March 28–30, Metropolitan Community College, Omaha, Nebraska
  • Southeast: April 4–6, HGTC International Culinary Institute-Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The regional winners will be announced at their respective qualifiers and will have ten (10) days to accept the invitation to compete at the ACF National Competitions, July 27–31, 2025, Paris Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

If any of the top four (4) decline the invitation, the next highest-scoring competitor will be offered an invitation to advance.