THE HEART OF THE HOUSE
Every memorable hospitality experience across FLIK Hospitality Group begins with people — and so many of those experiences begin in the kitchen.
During this Chef Appreciation Week (September 14–18), we’re celebrating the chefs and culinary teams whose talent, creativity, innovation, and care bring FLIK Hospitality Group to life.
Across our cafés, dining halls, conference centers, athletic facilities, lounges, and workplaces, our culinarians do far more than prepare great food. Behind the scenes, they lead teams, mentor rising talent, solve problems, strengthen communities, inspire innovation, and create moments our guests and associates will remember.
Culinary excellence has been at the heart of FLIK since the very beginning.
Our founder, Rudi Flik, was a chef whose passion for food and hospitality helped shape the company we are today. Alongside his wife Julie, he created a culture of service and established a culinary philosophy that continues to serve as a pillar of our organization today. Their legacy remains through each of our associates and influences how we lead — the discipline, collaboration, creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The kitchen is where ideas become experiences. It’s where ingredients are transformed, teams find their rhythm, and care becomes something guests can feel.
Our chefs bring that experience to life every day. Whether they’re developing an innovative new menu, serving as allergy experts, supporting a local farmer, collaborating with our RDs, teaching students about new foods, or mentoring an associate, chefs are at the heart of what makes FLIK tick.
This week, we’re proud to celebrate every member of our culinary community and recognize two outstanding leaders whose work exemplifies what it means to be a FLIK chef.
FLIK’s 2026 Chef of the Year: Tom O’Grady
As Chef Manager at Mindray, Chef Tom O’Grady demonstrates that culinary leadership reaches well beyond the plate.
“Chef Tom wears many hats: chef, operator, leader, client partner, mentor, problem-solver, and ambassador for the FLIK brand. He does it all with humility, professionalism, and a smile.”
Chef Tom’s ability to balance culinary excellence, operational leadership, client partnership, and team development reflects the tremendous impact our chefs make across the business. His recognition as FLIK’s 2026 Chef of the Year celebrates not only what he accomplishes, but also the character and care he brings to every part of his role.
FISD’s 2026 Chef of the Year: Patrick Kennedy
At Brunswick School, Executive Chef Patrick Kennedy has made an extraordinary impact on both the culinary program and the broader school community.
“Chef Kennedy has completely transformed our culinary program and proven himself to be an extraordinary leader, a master organizer, and an invaluable asset to our institution. He consistently rises above and beyond his standard duties as a chef. He treats his position not just as a job, but as a calling to serve our school. He embodies every quality of a culinary champion, and I can think of no one more deserving of the Chef of the Year Award.”
Chef Patrick’s leadership is a powerful example of how dining can become an essential part of a school’s culture. Through his dedication and service, he has created a program that nourishes students while strengthening connection, trust, and community across campus.
A Celebration of Our Culinary Community
While Chef Appreciation Week gives us a special moment to recognize our culinary teams, their impact is felt every day.
It’s in the new associate who gains confidence because a chef took the time to mentor them. It’s in the guest who feels cared for because someone remembered their favorite dish. It’s in the community partnership that supports a local organization, the menu innovation that becomes a new favorite, and the countless behind-the-scenes decisions that make exceptional hospitality look effortless.
Our chefs and culinary teams are the heart of the house. They carry forward Rudi Flik’s culinary legacy while continually reimagining what food and hospitality can mean for the people and communities we serve.
To Chef Tom, Chef Patrick, and all the talented culinarians across FLIK Hospitality Group: thank you for your leadership, creativity, resilience, and care. This week — and every week — we celebrate you.