The John L. Hennessy
awards are presented to the Air Force installations, in single and
multiple facility categories, having the best food service program in
the United States Air Force.
Special recognition is also given to the outstanding overall
food service program for the Air National Guard (ANG) and the Air Force
Reserves (AFRS). Each year, SFM
is privileged to have the opportunity to send a representative to
participate in these on-site evaluations. These evaluating teams
determine the winners and are comprised of members from the Society for
Foodservice Management (SFM), the National Restaurant Association
(NRA), the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA)
and the Headquarters United States Air Force Food Service staff. The
Hennessy Program also allows the sharing of valuable information
between the sponsoring association’s travelers, recognized leaders in
the civilian foodservice industry, and base-level food service
personnel.
Art
Ritt, A Ritt Corporation, will join the team this year
as the Hennessy Traveler for SFM. He will be traveling for six weeks to
Air Force installations in
every part of the world to determine winners
of the prestigious and historic Hennessy trophies. Art Ritt is
a founding
member of SFM; the first elected Associate Member to serve on the Board
of Directors, and was an active member on numerous committees
during his active membership.
Art's operational experience includes graduating from NY
City Community
College in Brooklyn with an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts,
interning at the
Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Food and Beverage Operations for Hilton
Hotel, before starting a career in Consulting & Executive Search
exclusively in the Food & Hospitality Industry. Art is a
veteran in both industry and the military as well. He was opening Chef of the famous
Doral Resort in Miami,
Florida before being
drafted into the Army, where he was a Government Food Inspector
attached to the U. S. Army Veterinary Corp.
In 1999, Art
took an early retirement and sold his company, Ritt Ritt &
Associates. Since 1999 he has traveled close to 200,000
miles as a volunteer for all branches of the Military Services for
their coveted awards program in food service. He also serves on numerous
associations as officer and board member.
Art hold
numerous awards and certifications within industry; Certified Food
Executive (CFE) by the International Food Service Executives
Association (IFSEA) and has been presented the American Culinary Federation
(ACF) Presidents medallion and the Research Chefs Association (RCA)
medal. In 2009, he will be
inducted into the Academy
of Chefs as an
honorary member. Art is a
dedicated and active member of the Hennessy Travelers Association and
its educational foundation. This
group of past travelers annually organizes unique educational events for Air Force
Food Service professionals.
Art is looking
forward to this honor to represent SFM this coming year as their
Hennessey traveler. Art departs for his journey in January so
please join us in wishing him safe travels!
