At Restaurant Associates, we’re dedicated to driving career growth for our people through skill development and training. At a recent class held by Culinary Training Manager Chef Alex Callons, frontline team members honed their craft in knife skills, safety, and the latest in sanitation practices. These courses serve as a platform for building confidence among our aspiring associates.
We recently celebrated our Regional Connect and Service Awards in Washington, D.C. This event honored the dedication of our team members, some of whom have reached up to 25 years of service. Congrats to the recipients, and a huge thanks to everyone who joined! The evening concluded with a reception featuring globally inspired bites provided by one of our Washington, D.C. culinary teams: African Cuisine • Yassa Chicken Wing • White Jollof Rice French Delicacies • Chicken Liver Mousse • Pate En Croute • Pork Rillette Pan-Asian Flavors • Shanghai Style Smoked Fish • Watermelon Sashimi Latin American Favorites • Ceviche with Choclos • Pastelito de Carne with Garlic and Green Sauce Indian Street Food • Spinach Chaat • Fuska
NFL Able and Restaurant Associates recently hosted Collettys Cookies and Café Joyeux at Huddle Café in New York to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Disability Pride began as a day of celebration, recognizing the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law signed in 1990. At the event, NFL staff enjoyed Collettys Cookies and Café Joyeux coffee while learning more about the inclusive employment practices of these two great organizations, both of which are available at NFL office locations.
We are thrilled to continue showcasing the remarkable accomplishments of the women who graduated from our 2023 APT program. Watch our 13-minute documentary, which provides an in-depth look at the program and highlights the experiences of each 2023 APT participant, coach, and chef. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to support the program, including our sponsors, the account hosting the tasting event, and the 2023 participants and committee members: Serena Crutchfield, Tory Roth, Einav Geffen, Marc Scheuer, and Alex Callons.
As part of our culture of CARE, we strive to create a safe environment and encourage open conversations, while promoting resources available to our teams. We recently hosted a hybrid panel discussion in Boston on stress management and mental health. VP of DEIB & Culture Courtney Willis moderated, while People Talent Manager Jennifer Granillo, QA Manager Oscar Audon, and Health Advocate’s Max McMahon shared valuable insights into mental health awareness, men’s mental health, and more. We appreciate the panel and guests’ valuable contributions to this important discussion.
From June 26 to July 1, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., hosted the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival, showcasing hundreds of Indigenous dancers, musicians, artisans, and chefs. The event began with a special demonstration by R/A Executive Chef Alex Strong, who prepared the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe’s staple dishes: Wild Rice Salad and Manoomin (wild rice) Cakes. In celebration of the museum’s founding, the festival welcomed over 250 Indigenous participants representing nearly 60 Native nations from 9 countries.
We are thrilled to celebrate our Washington D.C. Hospitality Heroes, honored in a special ceremony in the heart of our nation's capital. These outstanding team members, nominated by their colleagues and managers, embody the true spirit of hospitality excellence. They consistently go above and beyond, showcasing our culture of CARE by dedicating themselves to our team, clients, and guests. Thanks to our Hospitality Heroes for their unwavering commitment to excellence. We look forward to each of their continued success.
Our team had an incredible experience marching in the New York City Pride March, celebrating diversity and unity with the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to marching in the parade, we proudly donated over 1,000 boxed lunches to volunteers. This contribution reflects our commitment to giving back and standing in solidarity with the values of inclusion and equality. A special thank you to our organizers and volunteers for all their planning and hard work.
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest location: a beautiful coffee bar and boutique pantry in Princeton, New Jersey. This unique space features Illy Coffee, specialty sandwiches, pastries baked in-house, and a bespoke selection of groceries. Congratulations to General Manager Kari-Jeanne Bowman, Executive Chef Brian Driscoll, and the entire support team for making this opening a success!
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, with locations in Washington, D.C., and New York, was recently named one of the top “10 Historic Indigenous Sites To Visit This Summer” by Cowboys and Indians Magazine. Both locations offer exhibits that allow visitors to dive into 12,000 years of history across 1,200+ Indigenous cultures of the Western Hemisphere, along with concerts, festivals, and much more. The museum marks a year of milestones with the 2024 Smithsonian Folklife Festival (June 26-July 1), presenting “Indigenous Voices of the Americas” on the National Mall and inside the D.C. museum, making it a perfect time to enjoy Indigenous-inspired cuisine at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, such as the Fry Bread Taco, Calabaza Sweet Onion Tamales, and Mitsitam Bread Pudding.
