U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year™ Award
In 1963, ACF created the Chef of the Year Award to acknowledge Walter Roth, AAC, for his tireless efforts to promote and elevate the profession. The award has grown in prestige, and today is the highest honor annually bestowed by ACF.
The U.S.A.’s Chef of the Year™ award recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills, advanced the cuisine of America and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.
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2027 Regional Qualifier
Coming Soon: Applications for the 2027 Chef of the Year Regional Qualifier Competition. Deadline for submittal is December 31, 2026. Questions may be directed to competitions@acfchefs.org.
2027 Regional Qualifier Schedule
| Region |
Dates |
Location |
| Western |
February 26–27, 2027 |
Orange Coast College |
| Northeast |
March 12–13, 2027 |
Columbus State Community College |
| Central |
March 19–20, 2027 |
Johnson County Community College |
| Southeast |
April 2–3, 2027 |
Virginia Western Community College |
2026 Regional Winners
- Central Region - Torian Jenkins, CSC
- Northeast Region - Yudel Torres Suriel, CEC, CEPC
- Southeast Region - Michael Deihl, CEC, AAC
- Military - SFC William Pelkey (Army-Ft. Hood)
2025 National Winner