Delaware North’s Culinary & Hospitality Excellence for Future Success program, known as CHEFS, prepares emerging culinarians to take the next step in their careers. Now, several graduates are returning as mentors, bringing their experience back to the program and guiding its newest cohort. So, how do CHEFS graduates’ mentor culinary talent at Delaware North?
From participants to mentors
Graduates from the first and third CHEFS cohorts recently completed mentor training at the Culinary Institute of America’s Copia campus in Napa, California. 11 Chefs represented Delaware North locations and divisions across the United States. Before serving as mentors, each Chef earned the Culinary Institute of America’s ProChef Mentor designation, which recognizes expertise in culinary instruction, coaching, and professional development.
The training also gave returning graduates a chance to reflect on how their careers and connections have evolved since joining CHEFS. “Attending the CHEFS Mentor Training in Napa was incredibly rewarding and gave us an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come,” said Jakob, Executive Chef at Stella 34. “Many of us have advanced into new roles and leadership positions, yet the relationships and sense of community built through CHEFS remain strong.”
Delaware North’s CHEFS program
Launched in 2022, the CHEFS program identifies high-potential Sous Chefs and prepares them for future roles across Delaware North restaurants, resorts, stadiums, and entertainment venues. Delaware North partners with the Culinary Institute of America to provide educational resources, training, and certifications. The program combines practical experience with guidance from established culinary leaders and opportunities to connect with peers across the company. Many graduates have since advanced into Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef positions. By returning as mentors, they can apply what they have learned while supporting the next generation of culinary talent at Delaware North.
Giving back through mentorship
Serving as a mentor marks a meaningful shift from focusing on personal development to helping another Delaware North Chef on their career path. It also brings Chefs from different properties together to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another. “The CHEFS program provides a valuable opportunity to step away from daily operations and focus on culinary creativity, professional development, and continuous learning,” said Michael, Executive Chef at KeyBank Center. For Michael, mentoring is also an essential part of progressing as a leader. “As you advance in your career, helping others develop becomes one of the most meaningful ways to make an impact, and CHEFS provides a rigorous and meaningful framework to be an effective mentor”.
Building a stronger culinary community
The mentor training gives Chefs a structured approach to coaching others. They learn how to share best practices, provide useful feedback, and help maintain the standards of hospitality and food quality that define Delaware North. “The training provided a deeper appreciation for the role mentors play in developing future culinary leaders,” said Chuck, Executive Chef at Southland Casino Hotel. “I was impressed by how structured and intentional the mentoring process is, creating opportunities for growth for both mentors and mentees.” More than 150 culinarians now participate in CHEFS as mentors, mentees, and alumni. Together, they form a growing network that strengthens Delaware North’s culinary talent and leadership pipeline.
Explore Delaware North culinary jobs
CHEFS demonstrates how a culinary career at Delaware North can progress from learning new skills to leading teams and mentoring others. Whether you are beginning your career as a Line Cook or searching for your next role as a Kitchen Supervisor, Sous Chef, or Lead Cook, you can gain hands-on experience, learn from accomplished Chefs, and discover new opportunities across the company. Explore open culinary jobs and discover where a culinary career with Delaware North could take you.
