Press Release
Triumph Higher Education’s Escoffier and Gecko Hospitality Showcase Commitment to Support Industry Excellence, Innovation and Strengthen Work Force
Events at NYC Tin Building by Jean-Georges and Boulder Honor Innovators for their Contributions
February 9, 2024CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2024 /CNW/ — Triumph Higher Education Group’s powerhouse culinary education and hospitality recruitment entities Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (Escoffier) and Gecko Hospitality Inc., recently celebrated strategic partnerships with leaders in culinary and hospitality development and recruitment to show their commitment to support innovation and collectively strengthen the workforce landscape.
By joining forces, Triumph’s Escoffier and Gecko bring together expertise and resources from the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.* and one of the largest recruitment firms dedicated solely to the hospitality and restaurant industry. Exclusive collaborations were feted with special events in New York at the Tin Building by Jean-Georges and in Boulder, Colorado, with guest of honor Michel Escoffier, great-grandson of esteemed chef Auguste Escoffier, “Father of Modern Cuisine.”
“We’re continuing Auguste Escoffier’s legacy of innovation, support, and advocacy with these talented collaborators. By integrating resources we can work together to address new and different ways to bolster our industry and make a positive impact.”
Named to Forbes’ list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms,” Gecko Hospitality Inc.’s national network of professional recruiters and clients can now connect with Escoffier’s professionally trained students and experienced alumni to access Gecko’s career opportunities.
“By pooling expertise, we’re able to expand the scope of our operations and continue to provide personalized services to connect quality candidates with the businesses who need them.”
Escoffier’s Boulder campus also partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies to engage culinary students in volunteer work as well as externship opportunities. Students will also participate in training and class excursions and assist with meal preparation in the kitchen.
“This partnership allows our students to take lessons learned in the classroom and apply them in meaningful ways. It is an honor for us to collaborate with the Food Bank’s culinary team and provide trained, skilled volunteers to create nutritious, flavorful meals for the individuals they serve.”
Disciples Escoffier International Inductions
Michel Escoffier paid tribute to six industry professionals for their culinary support and contributions and personally oversaw their inductions into the Disciples Escoffier International — a prestigious, invitation-only international society of chefs and culinary and hospitality-industry professionals created to honor Auguste Escoffier, organize gastronomic events, promote the profession and craft of cooking, and instill the humanistic spirit of Auguste Escoffier into others. With 30,000 members to date, inductees are chosen based on their contributions to and influence in the gourmand community.
Robert Krzak
Recruitment pioneer, founder and president of Gecko Hospitality
For his contributions to the hospitality recruitment industry, developing more than 25,500 hospitality clients in North America and making connections to help more than 40,000 professionals find career opportunities since 2000.
Ron DeSantis
Certified Master Chef, American Academy of Chefs honor society; chair of the American Culinary Federation Certification Commission and Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions strategist
For his contributions as a Certified Master Chef (one of 69 in the U.S.), former U.S. Marine turned culinary leader, White House and Camp David guest chef, director of culinary excellence and quality assurance for Yale University, and advocate for customer-centric food innovation and execution.
Eli Kulp
James Beard Best Chef Finalist, Food & Wine Magazine Best New Chef, Chef
For his contributions as an award-winning chef, co-founder and Culinary Director of High Street Hospitality Group, and creator and host of Chef Radio Podcast, where he navigates deep relevant conversations with the people that shape the way we eat today.
Daniel Asher
Certified Raw Foods Chef; owner of River and Woods, Acreage Cider House and Restaurant, Ash’Kara, Mother Tongue, Barrio75, EcoChef Culinary
For his contributions as a passionate advocate for local agriculture, sustainable sourcing, and food justice for more than two decades in the restaurant industry.
Steven Nalls
Owner and operator of 80-acre Three Sisters Farm & Ranch; Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts chef instructor
For his contributions to food service operations, education, Farm To Table® and culinary instruction, local and sustainable food production, and sustainable agriculture business.
Anne Cure
Farmer and owner of Cure Organic Farm
For her contributions to creating a healthy agroecological farm system, fostering a culture of giving through community relationships, and educating future farmers who want to develop a relationship with the land.
About Triumph Higher Education Group
Triumph Higher Education Group LLC is a Chicago-based holding company that owns and operates Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Auguste Escoffier Global Solutions, Gecko Hospitality, and Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. Triumph’s brands collectively serve thousands of students and employer partners across North America.
*Based on comparable student population data currently reported in IPEDS.