Patrick Mitchell, executive chef/culinary adviser at Ben E. Keith Foods in Fort Worth, is the 2016 American Culinary Federation (ACF) 2016 USA Chef of the Year.
Mitchell was named 2016 Central Region Chef of the Year on March 12 and competed for the national title against his regional counterparts during Cook. Craft. Create. Convention & Show in Phoenix July 15-19.
The ACF Chef of the Year award, sponsored by Unilever Food Solutions and established in 1963, recognizes an outstanding culinarian who works and cooks in a full-service dining facility. This person demonstrates the highest standard of culinary skills, advances the cuisine of America and gives back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.
Mitchell joined Ben E. Keith in 2008 as executive chef in the Dallas-Fort Worth division. His experience includes serving as food and beverage director at Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, and food and beverage director, manager and executive chef for Marriott International Inc. in Bethesda, Md.
A graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with an associate degree in culinary arts, Mitchell is a recipient of the ACF Chef Professionalism Award and a member of the American Academy of Chefs. Mitchell is a medal winner in both ACF sanctioned and international competitions. He is also a member of Texas Chefs Association and was named chapter Chef of the Year in 2015.