Moments That Matter
Spotlight - Chef Margaret Occhipinti
This article was republished with permission from the National Culinary Review®, July/August 2021, Volume 45, Issue 4, 2021 by The American Culinary Foundation. All rights reserved. For more information on this or any other ACF publication, please call (800) 624-9458 or visit www.acfchefs.org.
Women Who Lead
In her role, Chef Margaret Occhipinti oversees business dining, on-site restaurants and food halls across the country and is responsible for all aspects of culinary, including concept and recipe development, identifying product specs, hiring and training, guest experience, food quality, food safety and more. She manages three senior executive chefs and 14 executive chefs and their teams across seven campuses.
With so many different people to manage, Chef Occhipinti takes a personalized approach to leadership. “In my experience, the more that you invest in your team, the more you get back in terms of quality, drive and productivity,” she says.
Chef Occhipinti does this by meeting regularly with her team members — having coffee or lunch one-on-one before COVID-19 (and hopefully again soon when safe to do so) — to discuss challenges and opportunities.
“I make it a priority to know everyone’s name and care about their lives and their goals,” she says. “It’s also important to give honest feedback, both positive and constructive.”
By getting to know her team well, Chef Occhipinti is able to approach tough topics with ease. She approaches everything with honesty, whether it’s being empathetic toward others when it comes to fears about COVID-19, dealing with a performance issue or encouraging safe kitchen practices.
It’s not all tough stuff. Chef Occhipinti tries to create a culture that is upbeat, fun and creative.
“An atmosphere that is fun and whimsical helps to keep the creative juices flowing and the energy high,” she says. “I encourage our team to take a risk, to go with that crazy idea — you never know what is going to be the next great thing.”
Chef Occhipinti also makes sure to involve everyone in the menu creation process.
“I typically work with the executive chefs to set the structure and talk about what is trendy, seasonal and a good fit for our restaurants,” she says. “The chefs have autonomy to write their menus and recipes, and I review and oversee implementation.”
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What's your favorite way to warm up on a cold winter day? We recommend a cup of our toasted coconut hot chocolate with house-made whipped cream. I already feel toastier. 😊 #foodie #healthyfood #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
Today we honor the legacy of Dr. King by connecting our actions with our beliefs, being of service, and seeing firsthand what we can accomplish together and in the communities that we serve. Let us reflect upon and honor Dr. King’s legacy by engaging others in the spirit of humanity which is rooted in his legacy.
Thank you to all who honor the essence of community service this day commemorates. #MLKday #volunteer #MondayMotivation
Nachos like you've never had them before! 😍 Crispy fried wontons, fresh soy jalapenos, tangy-sweet pineapple, fresh cilantro, seared sesame ahi tuna, and roasted red bell peppers. Yum. Pass the chopsticks! #foodie #healthyfood #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
Bacon truly does go with just about everything! What's your favorite way to enjoy bacon? #nationalbaconday #foodie #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
Our Kwanzaa wishes to everyone beginning their celebrations today are peace, community, and family!
Holiday cookies make our hearts sing! We know it's #nationaluglysweaterday but we think these sweaters are just plain adorable! #foodie #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
Where are our sweet tooth people at? 🙌 Today is National Brownie Day and our teams are ready to celebrate with you! #nationalbrownieday #foodie #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
Sending warm wishes for a Happy Chanukah to our clients, guests, partners and team members as they begin their celebrations this evening!
Did you know Lifeworks supports small businesses by partnering with community based businesses for necessary ingredients and products? To ease your holiday shopping stress, we’ve even teamed up with the @TexasFoodWineAlliance to make an artisan holiday gift box. Filled with delicious items from smaller Texas-based food suppliers, a portion of the proceeds support culinary innovation grants and educational programs. Check out the link in bio to learn more and order one today! #smallbusines #supportlocal
It has been said, “It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.” With that in mind on this Thanksgiving, we say to all of our clients, guests, partners, and team members thank you for the joy you bring us every day!
Cold weather means hot soup and we understand the assignment. Creamy broccoli with sriracha cream! #foodie #healthyfood #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
LifeWorks & Aramark are proud to announce our commitment to set enterprise-wide science-based targets, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more in the link in bio! #AramarkBeWellDoWell
We are excited to announce our partnership with the Texas Food and Wine Alliance (TFWA), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering awareness and innovation in the Texas culinary community through grants, educational programs, and events. As our first unique opportunity, we’re collaborating with TFWA and @munch_mail to bring gift sets made from small-batch producers in the Texas community straight to your doorstep in time for the holiday. To learn more, check out our link in bio (link to press release)
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do at LifeWorks. This means we our sites use more glass and aluminum because they are infinitely recyclable and reusable. What is something you’re doing to build a more sustainable future? #americarecyclesday #foodie #healthyfood #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
Today, and every day, we salute our Veterans who made the choice to put everything on the line for our freedom. Thank you for everything you have done. #veteransday
Our Tastemakers love preparing dishes that celebrate different cultures and traditions. What’s one of your favorite types of food to eat? #foodie #healthyfood #foodlover #foodstagram #Catering #Culinary #LoveOfFood #FoodTrends #InTheKitchen #HospitalityIndustry #sustainability #foodmanagment #LifeWorksRestaurantGroup
To all our clients, customers, and team members celebrating Diwali, may your Diwali be free from darkness and abundant with light!
It’s #NationalSandwichDay! What sandwich are you going to have today? How about this Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken on Texas Toast? It’s no ordinary sandwich, but ordinary isn’t good enough for our Tastemakers!
#WorldVegan Day is a great time to think about your well-being. We always keep your diet top of mind and offer our plant-based alternatives every day. Give some a try, and you won't be disappointed! #worldveganday2021 #vegan
Have a safe and happy Halloween! Interested in making a ghoulish green smoothie to get into the Halloween spirit? Check out the recipe (link in bio).
