FLIK Independent School Dining

I just wrapped up an incredible experience at the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) Annual Conference & Expo (ACE) in Minneapolis! I had the honor of speaking to over 300 foodservice and hospitality professionals about a topic that means the world to me: Mental Health and Wellbeing in our industry. The session I led, “Breaking the Silence: Supporting Mental Health in Foodservice Leadership,” was rooted in real stories—struggles, setbacks, triumphs—and the very human experiences we all face behind the scenes of our fast-paced industry. How we treat and care for our employees directly impacts not just our businesses, but their lives. I shared examples from my 22 years in the industry, including 16 in leadership, of how empathy, open dialogue, and support systems can shape more resilient teams and healthier workplaces. As we continue working to normalize and destigmatize conversations around mental health, addiction, and recovery in this industry we love; it’s clear that change starts with us—leaders, peers, and advocates who are willing to listen, learn, and lead differently. A huge thank you to ANFP for the opportunity to share this message, and to FLIK Independent School Dining and The Burnt Chef Project® for supporting me in this important work. Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep building an industry we can all be proud of. #ANFP2025 #MentalHealthMatters #BurntChefProject #LeadershipInHospitality #WorkplaceWellbeing #FoodserviceLeadership #KitchenCulture #FlikISD #HospitalityStrong #ACE2025 #FlikISD

📍 Real Bread. Real Teamwork. Real Fun. Behind every great loaf is an even greater team. This oversized baguette may have started as a joke—but it ended as a reminder of what makes kitchen culture so special: creativity, collaboration, some jokes and smiles. Today also marks a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to our friend and colleague, Chef Ryan Sonson Thank you for the laughs, the leadership, and the endless passion you brought to the kitchen every day. Wishing you nothing but success and happiness in your next adventure—you’ll always have a spot at our table. 👨🍳🍞 In hospitalty, it’s not just about feeding people—it’s about building moments, memories, and community. This right here? A snapshot of pride, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. #DistrictChefLife #CulinaryLeadership #FoodByFlik #Teamwork #KitchenCulture #ScratchCooking #FarewellWithFlavor

Here at the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP) Annual Conference and Expo and in just a few hours, I’ll have the honor of speaking in front of 300+ industry leaders about something deeply important: breaking the silence around mental health and addiction in foodservice and hospitality. I'll be sharing personal stories—both my own and those from my teams—to show that when we prioritize the well-being of ourselves and our people, they, in turn, provide even greater care to their guests and patients. I wouldn't be here without the guidance and support of incredible leaders like Nancy Walker, Curtis Orwig, FMP Terrence Dromm Tricia Emerson Dianna Amos, Preethy George, Lenny Scranton, Thomas Sewell, Alexandria Howren and many others who have shaped my leadership journey with both FLIK Independent School Dining and Morrison Healthcare. Big thanks as well to like-minded clients such as Ben Snead RN, RRT, MBA, CSSBB (Atrium Navicent) and Rachel Adams & Janet Refior (Stratford Academy)—your belief in caring for our teams first makes all the difference. Proud to represent Compass Group North America, a company I’ve called home for over a decade. And a huge thank you to Kris Hall MIH and The Burnt Chef Project® for starting a global movement to make this industry we love one we can all be proud of. Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep showing up—for ourselves and for each other. 💚
#ANFP2025 #MentalHealthMatters #BurntChefProject #FoodserviceLeadership #CompassGroup #HospitalityStrong

Wesleyan Christian Academy Campus Renovation Update: Weeks 4–5 We’re thrilled to share the latest milestones in our ongoing renovation of the kitchen, cafeteria, and student commons: Week 4: Crews successfully cut the concrete slab and poured the structural footings for the commons area. Week 5: We received building permits and health department approvals for the kitchen renovation, allowing us to move forward with confidence and compliance. This exciting transformation reflects our ongoing commitment to creating spaces that support student well-being, foster community, and reflect excellence in all we do, unto the Lord. We are incredibly grateful to our amazing contractors, FLIK Independent School Dining, NEW ATLANTIC, and Freeman Kennett Architects. Psalm 127:1 reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Every detail of this renovation has been prayerfully planned, and we’re thankful to see it taking shape. Stay connected as we continue building a space that will serve students for years to come.

Preparing 730 Boxed Lunches with Ben Berdan and Michele Kervern as well as the entire CGPS FLIK Independent School Dining team for Lion's Day at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School