Sponsored by National Restaurant Association, program recognizes excellence in Air Force foodservice

(Washington, D.C.)  National Restaurant Association Board members C. Russell Adams and Ted Burke are set to tour foodservice facilities at U.S. Air Force bases in the United States and abroad next month to pick winners for the 2008 Hennessy Awards. Sponsored by the Association, the awards program recognizes outstanding achievements in Air Force foodservice worldwide. Adams (owner of Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso, Ind.) and Burke (managing owner of Shadowbrook and co-owner of Crow’s Nest in Santa Cruz County, Calif.) will be joined by representatives from the Society for Foodservice Management, the International Food Service Executives Association and the Air Force.

“Our servicemen and women deserve the best and U.S. Air Force foodservice serves up excellence in both food quality and service to tens of thousands of airmen at home and abroad,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “In addition to serving their country, military foodservice personnel also provide a vital service to their colleagues. We are proud to be part of the Hennessy Award program and recognize these outstanding facilities and individuals.”

The evaluating team – also known as Hennessy Travelers – will tour more than a dozen U.S. Air Force bases in seven states and four countries during the month of February. The bases visited represent the top performers and elite personnel in the Air Force.

The Hennessy Awards program was established to promote excellence in customer service and meal quality in the Air Force. Now in its 52nd year, it reflects the dedication, pride, and fellowship of the civilian foodservice industry and the military. The program also allows the exchange of valuable information and expertise between the civilian restaurant industry and military foodservice, as well as among the recognized leaders in both sectors.

The winning bases and individual airmen will be honored during the 2008 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show®, to be held May 17-20, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill.