Culinary Masterclass Ignites Excellence in Michigan

Culinary

The Chartwells teams across the Great Lakes are cooking up confidence with specialized culinary training

Culinary expertise is at the heart of how we deliver delicious, nourishing meals to students across the country. This past summer, more than 200 dining team members from five Michigan school districts gathered for a dynamic two-day Culinary Masterclass designed to sharpen skills, spark creativity, and inspire confidence in the kitchen.

Led by Great Lakes Regional Executive Chef Aaron Mason, the program opened with a “Philosophy of Taste” lecture before diving into chef-led demonstrations and hands-on practice. From knife skills and food safety to grilling and sautéing, participants explored a range of foundational techniques through immersive modules built to fuel both learning and imagination.

The training also included deep dives into Chartwells’ core stations, product and equipment identification, and mise en place. Chefs spent time cooking recipes side-by-side, from fresh grill to stir-fry, sharing best practices and building culinary confidence in the process. The two days concluded with a certificate celebration and a heartfelt thank you to all who brought their passion for growth and excellence to the table.

In addition to hands-on skills training, the Chartwells K12 Culinary Masterclass serves as a launchpad for growth.

“By investing in our people, we empower them to deliver their very best to the students and communities they serve,” said Mason. “Every participant left not only with new skills but also with renewed energy and inspiration to take school dining to the next level.”

We believe great food starts with great chefs, and our commitment to growing talent from within ensures every meal served is infused with passion, creativity, and care.

Click “Get Started” above to learn more about the culinary culture we can create at your school district.