ACF Columbus Chapter Newsletter
July 2025 Edition

From Your Chapter Leadership Team

Hello, ACF Columbus members!

As we step fully into summer, we hope this season brings you sunshine, creativity, and a whole lot of culinary joy—whether you're firing up the grill, trying out bold new flavors, or simply sharing good food with great company.

With the 4th of July celebrations fresh on our minds, we hope your holiday was filled with delicious bites, laughter with loved ones, and a few fireworks to top it all off.

Stay cool, stay creative—and thank you for being an essential part of our vibrant culinary community!

ACF Team USA Returns to Columbus This August!
Since May, Team USA has called Mitchell Hall at Columbus State Community College its official training home. They’ve been hard at work preparing for international competition—and we’ve been proud to support them every step of the way.

 Upcoming Training Dates:
August 8, 9 & 10 – Open practice sessions at Mitchell Hall
 Fundraising Dinner: Friday, August 9 – Enjoy an incredible meal and support Team USA’s journey to the global stage!

 Tickets & Details: Visit acfcolumbus.org to learn more and reserve your seat.

Let’s give them another warm Columbus welcome!

 ACF National Conference – Las Vegas | July 2025
Pack your knives and your notebooks—ACF National Conference is heading to Las Vegas this July! Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary career, this is a must-attend event.

 Why Attend?

Earn CEHs for certification renewal.

Connect with chefs, educators, and industry leaders

Get inspired by trends, tools, and techniques from across the country

Don’t miss one of the biggest culinary gatherings of the year!

 Chapter Member Spotlights
We’re thrilled to recognize two incredible chefs representing Columbus on the national stage:

Chef Josh Wickham, CEC CEPC AAC  – Finalist, ACF National Educator of the Year

Chef Richard Fraiser, CSC– Finalist, L. Edwin Brown Leadership Award

 Congratulations to both chefs on your well-deserved recognition. You make our chapter proud!

 Chef & Child Initiative Update
Our chapter’s Chef & Child program continues to impact and inspire young culinarians in our community.

In June, we welcomed 26 campers to our Teen Cooking Class, where they learned:

 Vegetable fabrication techniques

 How different cooking methods affect nutritional content

 How to try new foods with confidence—many for the very first time!

It was a flavorful, fun-filled session that sparked curiosity and creativity in every student.

Coming up next, we’re proud to partner with Franklin Park Conservatory’s Teen Corps Program:

 Teen Corps at Franklin Park Conservatory
 July 17
 Featuring: Chef Evans, CSC, CPC & Chef Angeline, CSC

These accomplished chefs will lead a cooking demonstration and share their professional journeys—from kitchen curiosity to culinary leadership. We’re excited to continue planting seeds of passion for hospitality in the next generation!

 ACF National News: Apprenticeship Task Force Update
The ACF National Apprenticeship Workforce Task Force is making exciting strides to modernize the apprenticeship experience.

 New Mentor Guidelines – Updated standards for mentors and apprenticeship houses to better reflect today’s culinary landscape.

 Apprentice Scope Platform – In partnership with Rouxbe, ACF is launching a new online tool to help apprentices easily log hours, upload documentation (even photos!), and communicate with mentors more efficiently.

These changes will streamline the process and ensure that our next generation of chefs is better supported than ever.

 Upcoming Events – Save the Dates!

 Taste the Future
 Columbus State Community College
 August 12 – Details coming soon

 CHA Taste to Remember
 August 21 – Support this meaningful community event benefiting Children’s Hunger Alliance

We’re currently seeking two chefs to participate in the live auction, offering a private dinner experience to the highest bidder.

 This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your talent & support a great cause

Represent ACF Columbus in front of community leaders and food lovers. If you're interested in being part of this impactful evening, please get in touch with the chapter at [email protected].

 ACF Fall Competition
 September 13 & 14 – Interested in competing? Contact Chef O’Donnell to get involved

 Annual Clambake and Lobster Fest
 September 25 – A seasonal favorite! More info to come

If you’d like to support, volunteer, or participate in any upcoming events, we’d love to hear from you!

 Email us anytime at [email protected]
Or connect directly with any member of the Chapter Board.

Thank you for your continued energy, involvement, and passion for the craft. Here's to a summer of success, connection, and culinary excellence!

– The ACF Columbus Chapter Leadership Team