Chef Patton Honored with Worldwide Aramark Award
November 29, 2017
Executive Chef Robert Patton
Old Dominion's Executive Chef Robert Patton recently joined 200 of Aramark's outstanding team members from around the world in being named to the company's 2017 Ring of Stars class.
Patton received the award for this milestone accomplishment during an exclusive Aramark celebration October 2-5.
Aramark's Ring of Stars program is designed to honor frontline employees from all lines of business who proudly serve in various capacities. Award recipients are selected for demonstrating excellence in living Aramark's core values, delivering greatness at the moment of truth, innovating every day and demonstrating a high degree of involvement in the communities they serve.
Chef Patton was nominated by the resident district manager of Monarch Dining Services as well as the Aramark regional leadership team.
"We are fortunate to have such a well-rounded culinary leader on our campus. It is clear that he demonstrates the qualities that advance the dining program on our campus. He is approachable, thinks outside of the box, and seeks proactive solutions for the full nutrition needs of our campus," said Todd Johnson, Old Dominion's assistant vice president for auxiliary services.
Chef Patton was selected for his work at ODU and in the community, where he has brought a wealth of knowledge to the Aramark culinary team through his leadership in high profile VIP events, campus catering and with student-centered events. He shares insights and industry food trends, and is visible within the locations. He leads the culinary team by conducting hands-on training, and ensures that the highest safety, food and sanitation standards are being met.
Chef Patton has taken on increased roles and responsibilities within the University to elevate employees to the next culinary level with initiation of the Tidewater ACFEF Apprenticeship program. This formal, two-year program helps develop current Aramark employees and teach them the skills needed to grow their breadth of culinary expertise. Chef Patton works hand-in-hand with apprentices through all modules of the course and manages apprentice training hours and related coursework.
Chef Patton, CEC, CCA was selected from more than 1,000 nominations from 20 countries around the world where Aramark operates. He received an all-expenses paid trip to attend a special program honoring him in Phoenix, AZ. His contributions and attributes were acknowledged and celebrated by Aramark President and CEO, Eric Foss and the Aramark executive leadership team.
"These dedicated, talented and incredibly hard-working service stars are the very foundation of Aramark," Foss said. "We're a people business and, every day, these colleagues bring to life our mission to enrich and nourish lives, always demonstrating their commitment to our clients, consumers, communities and to Aramark. I am extraordinarily proud of each of them and humbled by their example."
This is the second ODU Aramark employee selected as a Ring of Stars recipient. Ruby Milteer was in the 2015 Ring of Stars class.