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.

2027 Award

ACF is now accepting applications for the Lifetime Achievement Award. Deadline to submit an application is January 31, 2027. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The 2027 ACF National Convention will be held July 12–15, 2027, in Orlando, Florida. You must be present to receive your award.

• Application

2026

• Michael J. Beriau, CEC, AAC
• James F. Connolly, CEC, CCA, AAC
• Ernst W. Gruch, CMC, AAC
• Wiley Newbold, CEC, AAC
• Louis Perrotte, CEC, AAC, HOF

2025

• Wilfred R. Beriau, CEC, CCE, AAC
• Byron J. Bardy, CMC, AAC
• Denise S. Graffeo, CEC, AAC, HOF
• O. Siegfried Krauss, CEC, AAC
• Paul E. Sorgule, AAC

2024

• Paul C. Jensen Sr., CEC, AAC
• Ferdinand E. Metz, CMC, AAC, HOF
• James G. Rhoads, CEC, AAC
• Gilbert J. Sidella, CEC
• Fritz H. Sonnenschmidt, CMC, AAC, HOF