Dining Services director Ted Faulkner receives Silver Plate Award
Ted Faulkner, director of Dining Services at Virginia Tech, was recognized on May 20 by the 2017 International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) as a Silver Plate Award recipient in the colleges and universities category.
Often referred to the “Academy Awards of the foodservice sector,” IFMA instituted the Gold and Silver Plate Awards in 1954 to pay tribute to the most outstanding and innovative talents in foodservice operations.
Silver Plate Award recipients are recognized in eight different categories of foodservice. One of the eight Silver Plate honorees is named annually as the Gold Plate winner, the industry's most coveted recognition. The 2017 Gold Plate was awarded to celebrity chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck, who was recognized in the independent restaurant/multi-concept category.
IFMA hosted the formal recognition and award ceremonies for this year's recipients on May 20 in Chicago, to coincide with the National Restaurant Association annual conference.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment and due recognition for Ted, the entire Dining Services team, the Division of Student Affairs, and Virginia Tech as an institution,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Patty Perillo. “Ted’s dedication, pursuit of excellence, and care for people is unmatched. We couldn’t be more proud of and grateful for him. He is a national leader in the food industry, and we get to have him on our campus.”
Faulkner has worked in Virginia Tech Dining Services for 19 years, the past five as director. In selecting him for the honor, the panel of judges noted Faulkner’s efforts to integrate locally sourced foods, develop menu programs to meet the demanding and diverse needs of today’s college student, implement the Y.E.S. (You’re Eating Smarter) nutritional program, and create destination dining venues.
Virginia Tech has 10 à la carte locations, one all-you-care-to-eat location, and two food trucks. Dining Services serves more than 7 million meals during the academic year.
“We often state we are more than food on a plate, and this certainly rings true now,” said Faulkner. “The effort and impact by thousands over the years positioned us to receive this prestigious award. I’m so appreciative of everyone’s efforts in making a positive difference for so many. Dining Services at Virginia Tech is impacting individuals today, for a lifetime, and for generations to come.”
