Charlotte, N.C. (April 6, 2016) – Chef Steven Sturm, corporate executive chef for Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, received the 2016 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award for Casual and Family Dining Restaurants. Sponsored by PRO*ACT LLC and now in its ninth year, the program honors chefs and their companies for their innovative and influential use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.
“At Firebirds, we strive to offer our guests the freshest, boldest and most flavorful selections,” said Chef Sturm. “It is an honor to be recognized for our work. Using fresh fruits and vegetables will continue to be an essential part of our menu development process.”
The winners will be honored at the United Fresh 2016 Convention and Trade show June 20-22 in Chicago.
“These chefs showcase the best our industry has to offer by incorporating the freshest produce into their cuisine,” said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel. “Chef Sturm uses fruits and vegetables in inventive ways, both on the regular Firebirds menu and with seasonally inspired feature offerings.”
These winners were selected from over 120 nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations across North America. A panel of produce and foodservice industry leaders reviewed each nominee’s incorporation of fresh produce into menu development, use of food safety protocols for proper storage and handling of produce, leadership in produce-related community service and special events and recognition by their company and industry peers.