Compass Group hosts the largest annual culinary celebration in the world to honour chefs and foodservice professionals across its diverse and vibrant business.
From 7–13 September 2025, Compass Group and its global family of brands proudly host Chef Appreciation Week — shining a spotlight on the incredible chefs and frontline teams who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring nourishment, joy, and connection to every plate.
At Compass Group, chefs are more than culinary experts—they are creators of moments that matter. Whether fuelling recovery in healthcare, inspiring students in education, supporting seniors, or uniting fans on game day, chefs are the heartbeat of hospitality. Their creativity, dedication, and passion transform food into celebration, comfort, and community.
Compass Group continues the legacy of Donald and Lisa Crutch, founders of Chef Appreciation Week and champions of recognising culinary excellence. Since partnering with the Crutch family in 2018, the initiative has grown into the world’s largest celebration of chefs and culinarians.
This year’s event unveils a fresh and refined aesthetic, crafted in partnership with Compass Group’s Global Culinary Forum of chef leaders from across the business, to embody the premium, sophisticated, and purpose-driven essence of our culinary teams.
Chef Chris Ivens-Brown, Chief Culinary Officer, Compass Group North America and member of the Global Culinary Forum, said:
"As a chef, I know firsthand the passion, creativity, and dedication that goes into every dish we serve. Our chefs and frontline teams are the unsung heroes who bring our culinary vision to life, day in and day out. Their commitment to safety, excellence and flavour make Compass a leader in our industry. Chef Appreciation Week is an important industry moment for us to recognise all that they do and extend our heartfelt thanks for their incredible contributions.”
Deborah Lee, Group Chief People Officer, Compass Group PLC added:
“At Compass, our chefs and frontline teams are the heart and soul of our operations. Their dedication and culinary wizardry are integral to our success and the joy we bring to our clients and communities. It's part of our caring, winning culture to ensure we take the time to say thank you.”
Throughout the week, Compass Group clients, partners and teams will be celebrating their remarkable culinary talent across the world with:
- Appreciation Stations and Shoutout Boards to share gratitude.
- Chef Specials that showcase chefs’ signature dishes and the stories behind them.
- Family meals that bring front and back-of-house teams together.
- Certificates of Appreciation for teams.
- Social media videos that spotlight our chefs’ journeys and passions using #ChefAppreciationWeek.
Compass Group invites its clients, colleagues, guests and the wider industry to get involved and celebrate chefs and all the people, front of house and back of house, who make hospitality happen:
- Visit ChefAppreciationWeek.com to learn more about the largest culinary celebration in the world and how you can get involved.
- Thank your favourite chef and/or culinary team in-person or on social media and remind them it’s Chef Appreciation Week.
- Follow the global conversation on social media using #ChefAppreciationWeek and #LoveMyChef.
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Notes to editors
The origins of Chef Appreciation Week can be traced back to Donald and Lisa Crutch of the organisation called Chefs Against Cancer who were driven to recognise all chefs for their dedication, love of culinary and willingness to serve their community for the common good.
In 2018, Compass Group USA partnered with the Crutch family to celebrate Chef Appreciation Week in its cafes and restaurants nationally. When Donald Crutch passed away unexpectedly in 2019, Compass Group pledged to carry on his legacy with a commitment to launch a worldwide Chef Appreciation Week campaign, which is now celebrated globally.
#ChefAppreciationWeek | www.chefappreciationweek.com
© 2025 Compass Group PLC