Forward Dining Solutions LLC.

?? Sooo… I did a thing… ?? Remember when I became the first chef in history to earn the ACF Certified Executive Chef (CEC) title in an all-electric kitchen? Well, I wanted to push further and just achieved my Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA) as well! This year has been a whirlwind, and despite all the challenges in the world, I’ve found that focusing on goals and what truly matters is the best way to maintain a positive outlook. I want to extend my gratitude to the American Culinary Federation for making this journey possible, and a special thank you to my friend Chef Gary R. Klinefelter, CEC, WCEC, CE, CCA, AAC. I couldn't have done it without your mentorship and encouragement! 2024 isn’t over yet, and there’s more excitement to come, so stay tuned! #CulinaryLeadership #ElectricKitchen #ChefLife #ACFCertification #SustainabilityInKitchens #MentorshipMatters

Dear #linkedin family, As many of you know, the recent hurricanes have caused devastating damage across the Southeast region, leaving many communities in need of urgent relief and long-term recovery. In light of this, I am asking for your support as we come together to raise money for the victims affected by these disasters. All proceeds from our fundraising efforts will be donated to Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit disaster relief organization that provides professionally prepared meals to victims, volunteers, and first responders in the wake of natural disasters. Since their founding in 2006, Mercy Chefs has served millions of meals, bringing both sustenance and comfort to those in need during some of the darkest times. A special thanks goes to Chef Keith Coughenour for suggesting we support Mercy Chefs—an incredible organization that aligns with our values of service and care for those in need. We are proud to support their efforts, knowing the funds will go directly to disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts, helping families rebuild their lives. Please join me and the ACF Pittsburgh Chapter in supporting this worthy cause. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by these hurricanes. To donate, please click on the link below or scan the QR code below. I also encourage you to share the QR code with your audience and encourage anyone who can support to do so. Thank you for your generosity and continued commitment to making a positive impact through our profession. Let’s stand together and help those who need it most. Warm regards, Christopher A. Galarza, CEC, WCEC President, ACF Pittsburgh Chapter President, Pittsburgh Culinary Initiative #WeAreChefs #DisasterRelief #hurricane

Do we need a green certification program just for commercial kitchens? (Hint... yes!) ??? We're thrilled to have Chef Christopher Galarza, CEC and Duke Gastiger back on the Buildings + Beyond podcast to dive into #EcoChef — the first electric kitchen rating system and certification program with the goal to standardize how commercial kitchens are designed, built, and operated. Host Kelly Westby and our guests discuss the origin story of EcoChef, the structure of the program, the pilot project with Duke’s RE Farm Café, and why commercial kitchens need a dedicated certification program for electrification. If you attended the 2024 #NetZeroConference in Anaheim, CA, last week, you may have heard Chef Christopher announce new details about EcoChef. If you missed it, he's giving the full scoop in this episode! ?? WHERE TO LISTEN On our website: https://lnkd.in/e6VXG5Zm Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eYBvEdDH Spotify: https://lnkd.in/enXRkgBd #KitchenElectrification #NetZero #HealthyBuildings

If you know you know… Stay tuned for a historic announcement coming soon! #WeAreChefs #EcoChef #futureofdining

I am beyond honored and ecstatic to announce that I have been nominated for the prestigious NetZero Conference's #Trailblazer Award! ?? This incredible recognition truly energizes my commitment to advancing sustainability and decarbonization in the culinary industry. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Forward Dining Solutions and EcoChef. I'm equally excited to share that I will be speaking at the 2024 Net Zero Conference alongside my long-time friend and esteemed colleague, Pauline Souza of WRNS Studio. This event, hosted by Verdical Group, is set to be an unforgettable gathering of pioneers and experts in climate, net zero, ESG, equity, carbon, and resilience. Adding to the excitement, I will be publicly announcing the full breadth of programming and scope of #EcoChef for the first time anywhere at this conference! This is a pivotal moment for us, and I can't wait to share our vision and plans with all of you. Join us on September 17th and 18th in Anaheim, CA, for a transformative experience filled with insightful educational sessions, notable keynotes, and exciting tours. This is an amazing opportunity to learn, share, and collaborate with leaders who are shaping the future of sustainability. Don't miss out! Visit the link in the comment section to register and use code NETZERO10 for 10% off. Let's come together and make strides towards a #NetZeroFuture!

?? Exciting News for Workplace Safety! ?? I am thrilled to share that CalOSHA has made history with the passing of the Heat Illness Prevention regulation. This landmark decision marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers across various industries, including our beloved culinary field. I have spoken about this issue for years as someone who has spent countless hours in the heat of the kitchen, I understand firsthand the challenges and risks associated with high-temperature environments. This regulation is not just a win for chefs and kitchen staff, but for all workers exposed to extreme heat. It sets a new standard for workplace safety, aiming to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries that can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences. This is precisely why my partners & I founded #EcoChef. From the very beginning, we have been committed to creating safe, sustainable, and efficient kitchen environments. Our standards were meticulously crafted with regulations like #CalOSHA in mind, aiming to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries that can have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences. This new regulation aligns perfectly with our commitment to #workplacesafety, sustainability, and creating high performing/efficient kitchen environments. It's a testament to the ongoing efforts to protect our workforce and promote a culture of care and responsibility. Let's continue to advocate for and implement practices that safeguard our health and well-being. Together, we can create a safer and more sustainable future for all. Want to know more about our standards? Then come visit us at the NetZero Conference this September where we will be unveiling it to the world. 2024 has been an incredible year for sustainable hospitality and this monumental win is only the beginning! Stay cool, stay safe, and let's celebrate this incredible milestone!

?? Big Steps Towards Sustainability at Forward Dining Solutions! ?? We at Forward Dining Solutions LLC. are passionate about leading the charge in sustainable hospitality. That's why we're excited to share that we are now focusing our efforts on projects that electrify a minimum of 50% of their cook line, provided they are working towards EcoChef certification. Transitioning to a sustainable kitchen is a significant journey. While our goal supports 100% electrification, we understand and encourage gradual steps toward this aim. This is why we are creating an onramp for businesses and professionals to begin their journey towards a healthier, equitable, and higher performing culinary ecosystem. If your project is on the path to becoming EcoChef certified, we are here to support you every step of the way. ?? If you are an operator or architect with questions or if you need assistance in moving your project towards certification, please reach out. Forward Dining Solutions is committed to helping you design and implement thoughtful, sustainable culinary spaces that not only meet but exceed industry standards. There’s so much news to share this year so stay tuned as we announce new conferences, culinary experiences, education, and partnerships. This year is one of growth and we can’t wait to share what’s next with you all! Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of our industry. ?? #SustainableHospitality #EcoChef #HospitalityIndustry