We are thrilled to spotlight the journey and evolution of GSI’s Culinary Forum, a pivotal platform within our organization that fosters innovation, collaboration, and community among our chefs and food service professionals. Our Insider team had the pleasure of speaking with Russell Baratz, the leader behind the culinary forum, to delve deeper into its significance and continuous growth.
The Culinary Forum was initially established as a simple internal communication tool but has grown immensely in its scope and reach. “It’s a great platform for GSI chefs and all those associated with food service within the company to meet, engage with one another, and learn from each other’s successes,” Russell shared. The forum has successfully cultivated a community, driving engagement and knowledge sharing across the board.
As for its evolution, Russell highlighted significant growth in participation over the years. “What started as a gathering of about a dozen participants has now expanded to nearly 100 active members who contribute regularly. We have quarterly conference calls that continue to attract more chefs and food service managers nationwide,” he explained. The forum’s news feed is bustling with posts about new culinary trends, successful promotions, and innovative recipes, turning it into a dynamic exchange of culinary brilliance.
Joining the Culinary Forum is straightforward and highly encouraged for all our chefs looking to broaden their horizons. “There’s a link on the intranet page that will take you to the forum’s main page. From there, you can log in or create an account,” Russell mentioned. This access opens up a wealth of resources and sharing opportunities right at the chefs’ fingertips, including food cost tools, special promotions, and a gallery where chefs can showcase their culinary achievements.
The forum not only serves as a platform for sharing ideas but also plays a crucial role in building a closer-knit community among GSI’s culinary professionals. “It’s about creating that sense of community. Despite our busy schedules and individual responsibilities, knowing that we are part of a larger community is incredibly valuable,” Russell added.
We encourage every chef within the GSI family to explore the Culinary Forum, contribute their unique ideas, and benefit from the collective wisdom and creativity it harbors. By sharing, engaging, and collaborating, we can all contribute to a more innovative and successful culinary operation across GSI.
The Forum also gives out a prize once a quarter to those who display excellence!
Let’s keep the culinary conversation going and continue to set high standards for ourselves and our teams. Here’s to more growth, creativity, and shared success in the kitchen!
