CAFÉ Update December 08, 2025

CAFÉ is happy to announce that Real California Milk will sponsor the 2026 Innovation Award open to secondary and postsecondary educators. Real California Milk continues to be a valued partner and sponsor of CAFÉ.

For Innovation Award information, click here.

For more information on all awards, go to cafemeetingplace.com/scholarship-awards

Deadline for applications: April 1, 2026

Mary Petersen
Executive Editor, Gold Medal Classroom
President, Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education

SAVE THE DATE and Register Today! The conference registration links are now active, click here. Register early and receive a discount!!

The hotel accommodations is the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. We will be in walking distance (0.7 mi) to the S. Michigan Avenue campus of Kendall College.

The Hotel is located in a perfect area to explore and enjoy Chicago and its riverfront, great restaurants, outdoor art and more!

For hotel registration information, click here. 

Have you checked out CAFÉ Talks Podcast?

Our host, Paul Sorgule has spearheaded this podcast and has done a wonderful job. He has interviewed over 100 of the most influential people in education, culinary classrooms, the foodservice industry, leadership, innovation, culinary history, and management – there is something for everyone to relish and use. 

Have you thought about integrating the CAFÉ Talks Podcast into your student curriculum for an assignment? Have you thought "I really wish I could remember which podcast pertained to a certain subject?"

Paul Sorgule, has created an organized chart that demonstrates where each interview might apply in your classrooms as assignments or a point of reference for faculty.  

Click here to download your copy of the chart.

We could not have produced this podcast series if it wasn't for our sponsors who we thank very much for their continued support of CAFÉ.