The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association has announced the winners of its 2016 Silver Plate Awards.
Nine Silver Plate category winners were unveiled by 2015 Gold Plate Honoree John Miller, president and CEO of Denny’s, at the annual IFMA Chain Operators Exchange in Las Vegas.
Jeff Denton, Director of Child Nutrition for the Ponca City Public School district and Owner and Chef of TS Fork in Tonkawa, has been named as one of the recipients.
“It’s hard to believe I was this year’s recipient,” said Denton. “In the food business, this is a huge deal and an incredible honor. I am looking forward to all of the festivities in May and the video crew visiting our district.”
Silver Plate winners are nominated by IFMA members and industry leaders and then selected by a distinguished jury, including national trade press editors, food service experts and past award winners.
From the Silver Plate winners, one is chosen by the jury to receive the food service industry’s most prestigious recognition, IFMA’s 2016 Gold Plate Award.
"Much like all the accomplished honorees who have come before them, the Silver Plate Class of 2016 demonstrates the highest levels of food service excellence," said IFMA President and CEO Larry Oberkfell. "The food service industry congratulates this year’s honorees for their hard work, dedication and ongoing success."
Denton will be honored at a black tie dinner May 21 at the Revel Fulton Market in Chicago.
The Gold & Silver Plate Celebration is attended by hundreds of food service executives and their guests, as well as numerous past Silver & Gold Plate winners.
It is recognized as the premier food service awards dinner in the industry.
Denton has been the Director of Child Nutrition Programs at the Ponca Public Schools for 26 years. He is also the founder and owner of the Salt Fork Restaurant Group who operates TS Fork, Salt Fork Kitchen Market and Fork Fresh Mobile.
The Silver Plate Award is recognizing his accomplishments in the food industry and highlights his local, state and national leadership in Child Nutrition Programs, including concept development, nutrition education, program management, legislative involvement, culinary development, television production, and community involvement.
In addition to the Silver Plate event, Chef Jeff will be inducted into the Silver and Gold Plate Society on May 22 at the Renaissance Blackstone Hotel in Chicago.
In 2015, Denton was awarded the FAME Golden Food Service Director of the Year for being the top Child Nutrition Program Director in the United States.
He has also received the ASBO National Eagle Award. In the rich 62-year history of the Silver Plate Awards, Denton is only the second Oklahoman to receive the award and joins industry legends Herman Cain, Godfather’s Pizza; Ruth Fertel, Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Ronald Shaich, Panera Bread; Dave Thomas, Wendy’s; and S. Truett Cathy, Chick-fil-A.
Prior to the ceremony, IFMA will be sending a film crew to Ponca City to capture footage for a video produced to be shown at the presentation in May.
Denton graduated from Ponca City High School in 1978 and Oklahoma State University in 1982, with a BS Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration. He is married to Camille and they have two children, Jordan, Senior Product Development Scientist for Sonic and Madison, a junior at the Academy of Contemporary Music.
