Kevin Hochman, CEO of Brinker International, wins the prestigious 2025 Gold Plate Award for excellence in full-service dining, honored at IFMA’s gala in Chicago.
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| Kevin Hochman of Brinker International awarded IFMA’s 2025 Gold Plate, spotlighting leadership in global foodservice at a gala event in Chicago, USA. Image: Gold Plate |
CHICAGO, USA — May 19, 2025:
Kevin Hochman, President and CEO of Brinker International, has been awarded the 2025 Gold Plate Award by IFMA The Food Away from Home Association, the highest individual honor in the foodservice industry. The award ceremony, held in the iconic Great Hall of Chicago’s Union Station on May 17, gathered hundreds of industry leaders to celebrate excellence in food-away-from-home operations.
Hochman, nominated in the Chain Full Service category by The Coca-Cola Company, emerged as the top honoree from among eight distinguished Silver Plate recipients. Since assuming leadership at Brinker International in 2022, Hochman has overseen a remarkable transformation. Under his guidance, Brinker—the parent company of Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy—has grown its market capitalization beyond $7 billion. The company’s 70,000-strong workforce now serves around 800,000 guests daily across its restaurant network.
Introducing Hochman at the black-tie event was his mentor Dave Goebel, Chairman of Jack in the Box, who praised his inclusive leadership, authenticity, and deep concern for team members. Goebel highlighted Hochman's unique ability to combine intellectual rigor with heartfelt connection, traits that have shaped his success and Brinker’s growth.
In his acceptance speech, Hochman reflected on the evolving dining landscape and the importance of fundamentals. He emphasized three key lessons from his tenure: dining out remains a vibrant part of consumer life; operational excellence is the bedrock of success; and listening to frontline employees is crucial for making informed decisions.
The Gold Plate Award, now in its 71st year, is the foodservice industry's most esteemed recognition. Each year, IFMA solicits nominations across various segments, from healthcare and education to retail and hospitality. A jury of industry veterans evaluates the candidates, and one outstanding leader is selected via secret ballot to receive the Gold Plate.
This year’s Silver Plate recipients included notable figures such as Geoff Alexander (Wow Bao), Ryan Conklin (UNC Health Rex), Gary Crompton (Aramark), Whitney Ellersick (Hillsboro School District), Patti Klos (Tufts University), Richard Schneider (Areas USA), and Michael Skipworth (Wingstop), representing the broad spectrum of the industry.
The event also featured a special tribute to past Golden Corral CEO Ted Fowler, who received the National Restaurant Association’s Legends Award. Lance Trenary, Golden Corral’s current CEO and 2022 Gold Plate winner, gave an emotional homage to Fowler, calling him a mentor and an industry icon.
Phil Kafarakis, President and CEO of IFMA, praised the 2025 awardees as a class that represents the spirit of collaboration and leadership that propels the global foodservice sector. He noted that each honoree will continue their impact as part of IFMA’s prestigious Gold & Silver Plate Society.
Looking ahead, IFMA is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Silver Plate Awards, with the next Gold & Silver Plate Celebration set for May 16, 2026.