ROSEMONT, Ill. — After proving his culinary prowess and business savvy, US Foods’ Chef Tom Macrina has been selected as the company’s latest Food Fanatics™ Chef. The Philadelphia-based chef debuted in his new role at the Great Chefs Event on June 11 in Philadelphia, which benefited Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Vetri Foundation for Children.
Chosen for their expertise in the three “Cs” – communications, culinary and consultation – Food Fanatics Chefs work collaboratively with chefs, restaurateurs and others in the foodservice industry to help them grow their businesses and enhance their success. Chef Macrina is only the third US Foods chef to gain the Food Fanatics Chef title.
“At US Foods, we are passionate about food and through the Food Fanatics brand we share that love of food with our customers to inspire business success,” said Marshall Warkentin, vice president, Marketing, US Foods. “Our Food Fanatics Chefs are on the front line of that passion – working with restaurateurs and chefs every day to help them serve the best dishes and improve their bottom line.”
Bringing together more than 40 of the country’s best chefs, the Great Chefs Event features mouthwatering food for two phenomenal causes, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Vetri Foundation for Children. Chef Macrina will kick off his Food Fanatics Chef duties at the event by speaking with the chefs about everything food, sharing tips for creating meals at home with guests and observing trends among the chefs’ dishes.
In addition to showcasing his industry knowledge and culinary chops at regional food events, Food Fanatics Chef Macrina will also:
• Provide samples of the latest products and gather insights from those in the industry to help develop and launch new and innovative products
• Host workshops to help identify and create business solutions
• Offer in-depth menu and recipe analysis
• Consult with restaurateurs and operators to help their business succeed
“Philadelphia is bursting with a diverse and exciting dining scene,” Macrina said. “Serving as a Food Fanatics Chef provides another opportunity for me to spread my passion for food and leverage my years of restaurant experience to help keep our customers at the top of their game.”
About Food Fanatics Chef Tom Macrina
Chef Tom Macrina began his culinary career attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, graduating with high honors. Over his 35 year career, Macrina has served as executive chef at top resorts and restaurants and was named Most Honored Chef by Chicago Chefs de Cuisine. With a culinary style that is simple but full of flavor, Macrina creates classical cuisine with a modern flair. Outside of the kitchen, Chef Macrina served as National Chairman of the American Academy of Chefs, taught food and food management courses at culinary programs throughout Philadelphia and is actively involved with the American Culinary Foundation.
To learn more about Chef Macrina and stay up-to-date on everything food, visit: www.foodfanatics.com.
About US Foods
With approximately $22 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest privately held company in America. As one of America’s great food companies and leading distributors, US Foods is Keeping Kitchens Cooking® and making life easier for more than 200,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company offers more than 350,000 products, including high-quality, exclusive brands such as the innovative Chef’s Line®, a time-saving, chef-inspired line of scratch-quality products, and Rykoff Sexton®, a premium line of specialty ingredients sourced from around the world. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.
About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope.
To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $60 million toward fulfilling Alex’s dream of finding a cure, funding over 275 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. For more information on Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit AlexsLemonade.org.
About The Vetri Foundation for Children
Founded in 2008 as a result of its affiliation with Alex’s Lemonade Stand, the Vetri Foundation for Children was established to help children experience the connection between healthy eating and healthy living. Current initiatives include the development of “Eatiquette,” a program that helps schools provide healthy, scratch made meals while working within the federal guidelines for the National School Lunch Program. Students eat family style, allowing them to practice life skills such as teamwork, communication, manners and portion control while receiving fresh, nutritious lunches. The Vetri Foundation for Children is a 501(c) 3 organization. For more information, please visit www.vetrifoundation.org.
Source: US Foods