After a highly competitive showdown amongst colleagues from across the country, Widener University Chef Matt Clarke earned a coveted spot to compete in the final Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Competition on July 16th at the Culinary Institute of America, where Chef Clarke earned a Bronze ACF (American Culinary Federation) medal.
The chefs were judged by ACF-certified judges who ranked them based on their preparation of a four-course meal created from a mystery basket of ingredients during a four-hour window.
“The ACE competition is a great way for chefs to showcase their culinary skills, creativity, and passion for food. In fact, they demonstrated that passion meets perfection, which was this year’s theme for ACE,” said Alicia Kent, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Regional Vice President. “We’re incredibly proud of Chef Matt’s accomplishments. His dedication, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen make a world of difference for the students, faculty, and community we serve at Widener University.”
“This year’s ACE competition was an incredible experience,” Chef Matt Clarke said. “While I fell just short of the personal goals I set, I’m truly honored to have earned a bronze medal. I’m proud of how I represented myself, Widener University, and Aramark—both in and out of the kitchen. Cooking in such inspiring settings, alongside talented colleagues and receiving thoughtful feedback from esteemed chefs, was a learning opportunity I deeply value. Most importantly, this journey has allowed me to witness my own growth and progress, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
The Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) Competition is the company’s culinary competition utilizing American Culinary Federation standards that celebrates and spotlights Aramark’s culinary talent. The ACE competition fuels Aramark’s commitment to fostering growth and development, while furthering its global culinary culture.
In the final round of the ACE competition, six teams of three, one from each of Aramark’s lines of business, go head-to-head, preparing a five-course menu for ACF-certified chefs to judge. The final round at Aramark headquarters in Philadelphia this fall is a true test of skill, innovation, and precision, where every dish counts.
“Congratulations to Chef Matt on a remarkable performance at this year’s Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Competition,” said Stacey Robertson, president of Widener University. “Chef Matt’s leadership and innovative approach to the campus dining experience is central to student success and belonging here at Widener. Watching Chef Matt channel his culinary talents, creativity, and expertise to compete and place at the national level is truly a point of pride for the Widener community.”
