CHEF News: July 2026
Thank You! Golf Classic Raises $7,300 for Foundation!
Thank you to our sponsors, donors and all who supported the CHEF fundraisers at the recent CRHA Annual Golf Classic & Chef Farm Dinner! The event raised $7,300 for the Foundation, which will directly support workforce development programs, scholarships and training initiatives.
ProStart Student Spotlight: Talia Gonzalez
Connecticut ProStart is proud to recognize Talia Gonzalez of Norwich Free Academy for representing the program at this year's Chef Farm Dinner.
Working alongside professional chefs, Talia assisted with food preparation, plating, and service, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced culinary environment. Opportunities like the Chef Farm Dinner give ProStart students the chance to apply the skills they've learned in the classroom while building confidence, expanding their professional network, and experiencing the hospitality industry firsthand.
We're incredibly proud of Talia for her hard work and professionalism throughout the event. She represented both Norwich Free Academy and Connecticut ProStart with excellence, and we look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in her culinary journey!
Congratulations 2026 Scholarship Recipients!
We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 CHEF Scholarships, which recognize and support outstanding Connecticut students pursuing careers in the hospitality industry.
This year, a total of $6,500 in scholarships have been awarded across four deserving students.
Two students were honored with the Joe DaCosta Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of longtime hospitality advocate Joe DaCosta. Ameyla Gonzalez of Enfield High School will be attending Johnson and Wales University, and Carter Nadeau will be graduating Johnson and Wales University in 2027.
Additionally, Chyanne Edwards of New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus and Grace Perez of Berlin High School each received CHEF Scholarships in recognition of their hard work, passion, and commitment to the industry. Both will be attending Johnson and Wales University in the fall.
You can support CHEF scholarships and invest directly in the future of Connecticut’s hospitality industry by donating here.
Sell Your Business & Give Back!
When the time comes to sell your business, sell with Pi Restaurant Consulting, and give back! When your restaurant sells, Pi Restaurant Consulting donates 3.14% of their commission to the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, in turn supporting the future of Connecticut’s hospitality industry.
Restaurant Academy Applications Open Now
The Restaurant Academy is a national leadership development initiative designed by and for restaurant leaders, created by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation in partnership with American Express and Resy.
The Restaurant Academy is designed to blend practical leadership training, business fundamentals, and peer learning to help restaurant leaders of small restaurants navigate today’s operating environment. There are 30 spaces available to this free program. Applications are open until July 29, 2026.
