Hilton and the James Beard Foundation® Embark on a First‑Of‑Its‑Kind Partnership, Honoring Beverage Excellence at the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards
L-R: Kris Moon, president and COO, James Beard Foundation; Eelco Bohtlingk, senior director, food and beverage development, Hilton; Adam Crocini, senior vice president, global head, food and beverage brands, Hilton; Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. Photo Credit: ©Terry Wyatt/Courtesy of the James Beard Foundation, © 2023 Hilton
Partnership spotlights Hilton’s ongoing commitment to delivering elevated dining experiences and industry‑leading innovation in food & beverage
Hilton announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the James Beard Foundation, serving as a Premier Sponsor of the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards. As the first global hospitality company to sponsor the Outstanding Bar Award, the activation underscores Hilton’s ongoing leadership and innovation in food and beverage.
“Across our portfolio of brands, we have always sought opportunities to join forces with strategic partners, such as Proof & Company, and world-class chefs, such as Michael Mina, José Andrés, and Nancy Silverton, to drive innovative dining and drink experiences at Hilton,” said Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton. “The partnership between Hilton and the James Beard Foundation is a perfect fusion of hospitality and culinary excellence, bringing together two industry leaders anchored in our shared values to create an unforgettable experience.”
“We believe that artful cuisine and carefully crafted cocktails can be a conduit for cultural expression and, ultimately, serve as an integral part of the travel experience,” said Adam Crocini, senior vice president and global head, food and beverage brands, Hilton. “For this reason, our team is thrilled to partner with such a prestigious organization to honor the incredible talent and creativity that drives our industry.”
This partnership spotlights Hilton’s dedication to celebrating and providing exceptional experiences for culinary enthusiasts around the world, proving it matters where you stay. Most recently, Hilton announced its unique partnership with Proof & Company’s award-winning bar and beverage consultancy arm, Proof Creative. In this joint venture, the two will work together to reimagine the beverage experience across Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Peacock Alley locations around the world, which will be demonstrated on-site during select weekend events. Hilton will participate in the post-Restaurant and Chef Awards celebration immediately following the ceremony on the evening of Monday, June 5 at Chicago’s iconic Union Station, among others.
“Hilton’s passion for providing culinary excellence and hospitality aligns beautifully with our mission to celebrate, elevate, and support the people behind America’s food culture,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “We are delighted to partner with Hilton to honor incredible talent and leadership across our industry—all the chefs, restaurateurs, beverage professionals, food advocates, and more—at this year’s James Beard Awards.”
The 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will take place on June 5 in Chicago and will honor outstanding achievement in the food and beverage industry across 22 categories and a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talent to established leaders. The James Beard Awards are among the industry’s most prestigious honors, recognizing exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, and broader food system. The Outstanding Bar Award recognizes those who demonstrate consistent excellence in guest experience, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to the broader community.
To learn more about Hilton’s innovative food and beverage offerings, visit hilton.com. For more information about the James Beard Foundation and the James Beard Awards, visit jamesbeard.org.
