Contract Catering Chef Award sponsored by AAK Foodservice

Winner - Derek Reilly Sodexo

Since taking the helm at Sodexo’s Hibernian Aviva contract in Dublin two years ago, executive chef Derek Reilly has made a significant positive difference to the business, increasing gross profit from 45% to just under 60%.

He has improved the food offering using local produce where possible and changing menus frequently, and he has developed a range of concepts to satisfy the client’s diners – from a quick service pasta bar and gourmet sandwich bar to offer healthy, tasty grab and go options to reduce queuing times, to a high quality seasonal fine dining menu to suit the business and entertaining carried out on this site.

A keen competitor himself, representing Ireland at many culinary competitions, Reilly’s strong mentoring skills have also helped his brigade to achieve a host of medals and awards, and improve their skills. He has also encouraged workshops and field trips to further develop his team.

As chairman of the Irish Craft Forum, he is a member of the Sodexo National Craft Forum that enables him to have access to all development and support programmes. Recognising the wealth of skill in Sodexo’s business, he has also set up the Sodexo “swap shop” whereby businesses needing support in developing skills or an opportunity to see another operation could come on site and reap the benefits of such an experience.

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