The American Culinary Federation (ACF), the nation’s premier organization of professional chefs, honored The Circular at The Hotel Hershey, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, with an Achievement of Excellence Award at the 2014 ACF Northeast Regional Conference, held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings, Warwick, Rhode Island, April 11-14.
The Circular at The Hotel Hershey is one of eight operations to receive the award during ACF’s Northeast Regional Conference. The award recognizes foodservice establishments that exemplify a commitment to excellence. Criteria for the award are: being in operation for at least five consecutive years; nomination by an ACF chapter, member, or individual in the foodservice profession; and being a recognized industry leader.
“Our team is proud to accept the ACF Achievement of Excellence Award for The Circular at The Hotel Hershey,” says John Daly, food and beverage director at The Hotel Hershey. “Our founder, Milton S. Hershey, was a man of reinvention, and we took that to heart when we transformed the iconic dining room. Honoring his legacy and the success of The Circular would not be possible without the hard working team behind it.”
The Circular at The Hotel Hershey provides a variety of dining experiences including small plates, signature cocktails, a lunch buffet, and desserts created to order. The modern-American menu is created by executive chef Ken Gladysz, CEC, and executive pastry chef Cher Harris, CEPC. Prior to working at The Circular, Gladysz worked at several international establishments, and Harris worked as executive chef at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, Grantville, Pennsylvania, and as assistant pastry chef at The Hotel Hershey. In 2014, Harris won the Ladies’ World Pastry Championship in Rimini, Italy, and received the title of 2014 Pastry Queen.
Approximately 500 chefs, students, and foodservice professionals attended ACF’s Northeast Regional Conference, hosted by ACF Rhode Island Chapter.
