TRIUMPH HIGHER EDUCATION GROUP ACQUIRES PACIFIC INSTITUTE OF CULINARY ARTS, EXPANDS CULINARY EDUCATION NETWORK INTO CANADA

Transaction unites Canadian and U.S. culinary institutions under Triumph portfolio

SCHAUMBURG, Ill., and VANCOUVER, British Columbia — April 2, 2026 — Triumph Higher Education Group today announced it acquired PICA Holdings Incorporated, the parent company of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA), a Vancouver-based institution for professional culinary and pastry arts education, effective April 1.

The acquisition brings PICA into Triumph’s culinary education portfolio alongside Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (Escoffier), the largest culinary school brand in the United States,* expanding its network of accredited, career-focused culinary institutions across North America. Financial terms were not disclosed.

In addition to its business-focused curriculum that includes entrepreneurship and wellness programs, Triumph said the acquisition aligns with its strategy to further expand professional education programs in high-demand sectors including hospitality and culinary arts to address employers’ skilled labor shortages. Both PICA and Escoffier blend traditional methods with modern innovation representing a foundation that has shaped current culinary arts across North America and globally. This shared philosophy and approach underscores the alignment between the two institutions.

“We are pleased to welcome the students, faculty and partners of PICA to the Triumph family,” said Jack Larson, chairman, CEO and president of Triumph Higher Education Group. “PICA’s approach to culinary education, rooted in excellence, tradition and innovation, aligns with our strategy to expand career-focused programs in hospitality and culinary fields, where demand for skilled professionals continues to grow.”

“PICA has earned a strong reputation for developing industry-ready graduates through disciplined, hands-on training and deep employer connections,” said Kirk T. Bachmann, provost at Escoffier. “Our missions share a commitment to cultivating passion and lifelong careers in the culinary and hospitality professions. Bringing PICA into the Triumph family allows us to expand opportunities for students while strengthening the culinary talent pipeline across North America and internationally.”

Founded in 1997 in Vancouver, British Columbia, PICA offers intensive diploma programs in culinary and baking and pastry arts, with a training model centered on hands-on instruction, small class sizes and direct industry engagement. The institution is accredited in British Columbia and prepares students for careers in restaurants, hotels, bakeries and food-related businesses. The institution has also participated in industry events tied to Vancouver’s growing international culinary profile.

PICA will continue operating from its Vancouver campus, with no disruption expected for current students or programs. Former owners Yves and Sylvia Potvin will continue in an active advisory role following the acquisition. The institution will maintain its hands-on instructional model and local industry relationships. PICA will operate within Triumph’s culinary division, alongside Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Triumph will continue to invest in the PICA campus, facility, and community.

Students at both institutions will have access to expanded academic resources, broader employer partnerships, international experiences and cross-border career pathways. The combined programs will support the education and development of future culinary and hospitality leaders.

“Joining Triumph marks an important step forward for PICA,” said Yves Potvin, of Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. “We are proud of our role in Vancouver’s culinary community and look forward to expanding opportunities for our students, alumni and instructors while continuing to serve Western Canada and our international student population.”

PICA has trained more than 4,500 alumni since its founding, with graduates working across restaurants, hotels and hospitality businesses throughout North America and internationally.

The acquisition expands Triumph’s culinary education and workforce development capabilities through its existing operations, including Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. Escoffier offers accredited degree and diploma programs through campuses in Boulder, Colorado, and Austin, Texas, as well as online. Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions provides hiring, training and retention support for hospitality employers.

Together, Triumph’s network will serve approximately 8,000 students annually, with an alumni network of more than 25,000 and over 125 faculty and chef instructors across North America.

For more information about the acquisition, contact Patti Thomas (patti.thomas@escoffier.edu).

About Triumph Higher Education Group

Triumph Higher Education Group is a global provider of education, training and recruitment of professionals for the hospitality and culinary arts industries. Its operations include Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Gecko Hospitality, Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions and Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. 

About Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Canada’s oldest, private culinary school, was founded in 1997 and is located at the entrance of Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s most iconic tourism and hospitality destinations. Consistently ranked as one of Canada’s best culinary training centers, the institute’s offerings range from professional diploma programs in the culinary and baking and pastry arts to wine education and cooking classes for the public. An onsite bakery and marina-side bistro event space ensures that there is something for every kind of culinary enthusiast. Committed to excellence, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ mission is to provide the highest quality culinary and hospitality education for all.

About Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.*, with a community of thousands of alumni represented across the United States and internationally. Escoffier’s programs blend a classic and contemporary approach to culinary and pastry arts, emphasizing sustainability, farm-to-table practices, business skills, and food entrepreneurship. The Austin, Texas, campus is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Boulder, Colorado, campus (including online programs) is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Escoffier is ranked one of the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America 2026 by Niche.com. Both the Boulder and Austin campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified™ institutions. Escoffier’s Boulder campus (including online programs) has also been recognized as a Military Friendly® School and by Newsweek as a Top Online Learning Provider for 2026.

*Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS).

AUGUSTE ESCOFFIER GLOBAL SOLUTIONS EXPANDS CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM

New ESource, Work & Learn and EConnect Tools Transform Hiring, Training, and Retaining Practices for Culinary Employers and Staff

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (November 20, 2023) – Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions, (Escoffier Global) a Triumph Higher Education Group LLC company, announces the expansion of its workforce development solutions to address culinary and hospitality industry gaps with innovative, customizable tools and strategies for hiring, training and retaining professional staff.

Recognizing challenges faced by businesses in talent retention, turnover costs, and skill shortages, Escoffier Global created a comprehensive suite of customizable solutions on its new platform. Escoffier Global pools resources and expertise from sister organization, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the largest culinary school brand in the U.S. (based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS).

“The hiring struggle is real for the hard-hit culinary and hospitality industries looking to connect skilled talent with unfilled positions,” said Denise Sullivan, vice president of Enterprise Solutions for Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions.

According to the , 500,000 new foodservice jobs are being added in 2023, and 87 percent of operators say they are likely to hire staff if there are qualified applicants available and more than 79 percent of operators say it’s difficult to fill open positions. Candidates say on-the-job training is appealing; according to a recent Gallup study, 65% of workers believe employer-provided upskilling (or training) is important and 75% think it helps to advance their careers.

“The Escoffier Global platform is a centralized hub for recruiting, hiring, and training, streamlining the entire process for employers and candidates,” said Sullivan. “ESource’s tailored training options meet the unique needs of fast-paced kitchen settings. Staff can access hundreds of on-demand technique videos for immediate skill application, self-directed micro-courses, and comprehensive courses with badges to validate progress,” said Sullivan.

Escoffier Global’s suite of customizable services ranges from in-person onsite training and train-the-trainer programs to consultation services. Escoffier’s chef-led teams collaborate with employers to understand their specific needs and challenges and create a customized plan designed to enhance operations.

Companies including Landry’s, Palisades Tahoe, Angry Cactus, Sodexo, and Aramark are already working with Escoffier Global to help address workforce challenges, with tools like their National Work & Learn Employer Partner Program providing access to scholarships.

EConnect, Escoffier Global’s complimentary job board, enables employers to access a pool of skilled candidates where candidates can showcase their talents. Escoffier Global requires candidates to answer a carefully curated questionnaire with industry-specific questions prior to applying.

“We’re in a unique position because of our culinary and hospitality expertise to provide custom content, training tools, and retention strategies employers are seeking,” said Jack Larson, Triumph Higher Education Group’s executive chairman, CEO and president.

For more information, please visit EscoffierGlobal.com.

Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions (Escoffier Global) is an Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts sister company and part of the Triumph Higher Education Group LLC. Escoffier Global is a leading provider of hiring and training solutions for the culinary and hospitality industry. With a focus on building high-performing teams, Escoffier Global offers innovative, customizable tools, expertise, and support with its ESource on-demand training courses, EConnect complimentary job board, National Work & Learn programs, and consultation services to address the unique challenges businesses face in talent acquisition, retention, and skill development.

TRIUMPH HIGHER EDUCATION GROUP ACQUIRES GECKO HOSPITALITY

Triumph Bolsters Workforce Development Portfolio with
National Leader in Hospitality Recruiting

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (August 1, 2023) – Triumph Talent Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Triumph Higher Education Group LLC (Triumph), announces the acquisition of Gecko Hospitality Inc., a national leader in the hospitality and restaurant recruitment industry. This strategic move marks a significant expansion in Triumph’s commitment to supporting the global culinary and hospitality industry by providing comprehensive solutions for both employers and employees.

Named to Forbes list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms, Gecko Hospitality Inc. and its franchise partners have helped place more than 25,000 professionals in the hospitality and restaurant industry since it was founded in 2000. Headquartered in Ft. Myers, Florida, the firm’s national network deploys a rigorous seven-step process to match qualified professionals with premier global clients. Among Gecko Hospitality’s 1,200 hospitality clients are top-tier hotels, clubs, resorts, and senior living facilities as well as fine dining, catering, and fast casual establishments.

“Gecko Hospitality’s proven track record of carefully and methodically placing and supporting professionals underscores our mission to cultivate a lifetime of rewarding and meaningful careers in culinary and hospitality industries,” said Jack Larson, Triumph Higher Education Group’s CEO and president. “We are committed to transforming the workforce landscape by leveraging technology and innovative strategies to identify, educate, attract, upskill, and retain top talent for great companies,” added Larson.

Gecko Hospitality Inc. will continue to operate under its current name and leadership. “We are excited to join Triumph and the vast opportunities it brings to our clients, candidates, and team,” said Robert Krzak, founder and president of Gecko Hospitality Inc. “This partnership empowers us to scale our operations while retaining the personalized touch and dedication that our clients have come to expect from Gecko Hospitality and our network of local representatives.”

About Triumph Higher Education Group LLC
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, Triumph Higher Education Group LLC, is a global organization dedicated to providing dynamic high-quality experiences using superior technology and education to create exceptional outcomes. Triumph owns Triumph Talent Solutions LLC, an educational and training platform for high schools, alumni, and enterprises, in addition to Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the largest accredited provider of online and campus-based culinary training and education in the U.S. (based on comparable student data currently reported in IPEDS).  For more information visit, Triumph Higher Education Group.

About Gecko Hospitality
Based in Fort Myers, FL, Gecko Hospitality is the largest recruiting firm dedicated solely to the hospitality and restaurant industry. Gecko Hospitality’s national network of recruiters and franchise partners connects top-tier talent to companies within the hospitality and restaurant industries. Gecko’s rigorous seven-step interview and placement process ensures only the best candidates are selected to fit the culture and requirements of its clients.  Gecko is dedicated to elevating the hospitality experience by connecting exceptional professionals with premier organizations.  For more information, visit Geckohospitality.com.

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