What drives the nation’s top foodservice operators? To celebrate IFMA's 65th annual Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration, we asked the 2019 Silver Plate Class to share what makes them the operator all-stars they are today. Find out what they have to say about their passion for foodservice, career accomplishments and what it means to be part of a legendary group of operators.
Meet Regynald Washington, President, Dining Division of Paradies Lagardère. Regynald received the 2019 Silver Plate Award in the Retail & Specialty Foodservice category, and was nominated by Coca-Cola North America.
What do you enjoy most about your career in foodservice?
I enjoy the fast-paced, exciting, diverse level of activities on a daily basis. There aren’t any two days that are the same. My role touches upon many disciplines ie: operations, finance, design and construction, legal, business development, culinary, learning and development and Human Resources just to name a few.
Tell us about your biggest career accomplishment.
There are several big accomplishments. The first one was being elected as Chairman of the Board of the National Restaurant Association. Having the confidence of top hospitality leaders elect me as a chair was pretty extraordinary and humbling. Second would be leading food and beverage for The Disney Company serving millions of guests daily. Lastly, building a small company such as HBF into a multi-million dollar major player in the industry.
How is your segment making a difference for the foodservice industry?
My segment is revolutionizing travel dining in airports, featuring celebrity chefs, popular local, regional and national brands all in the spirit of providing an elevated experience for the traveling passenger.
What advice do you have for someone new to the foodservice industry?
Focus on excellence and learning, not worrying about how much money they are going to earn. When you achieve excellence and consistently execute excellence, the money will eventually happen.
What does being an IFMA Silver Plate recipient mean to you?
It means that I am receiving tremendous recognition from my peers in the industry and entering a society of incredible hospitality leaders.
Join us at the 65th annual IFMA Gold & Silver Plate Awards Celebration as we honor Regynald Washington and the rest of the Silver Plate Class.