April 25, 2020
Dear Chef,
I hope you are all doing well with this pandemic. The coronavirus has taken over our lives in the past six weeks. It has forced closures of or placed many restrictions on all foodservice operations. Not just here in Rhode Island but all over the world.
There is no better time than now for thought leadership, communication and helping each other. I encourage each of you to reach out and just send a kind hello or thinking of you to a colleague during these times. Conversations like this, bring people together to enable short term aid. The world is a different place now. We are facing new realities.
But, if there is one sure bet, you can count on Chefs to be the most resilient. Our industry is made of people with strong stuff. It is in our nature to find a way.
Our ACFRI board is committed to helping our members through these turbulent times and look forward to positive days ahead. Because we are all in this together. We are committed to you. Especially at a time when we cannot shake hands and meet face to face.
As of today, we have postponed the following events until further notice: • 45th Anniversary & Chef of the Year Awards Ceremony • D Strong Fundraiser • 29th Annual Golf Tournament • May Meeting with the Epicurean Club of Boston • End of the Year BBQ
Some good News. During the coronavirus health crisis, The American Culinary Federation is offering free online CEH’s. Visit the following link for more info: https://www.acfchefs.org/ACF/Certify/CEH/CEHOpportunities/ACF/Certify/CEH/Opportunities/Free/
The National Restaurant Association is offering free access to its ServSuccess Restaurant Professional and Restaurant Supervisor learning suites, in addition to ServSafe courses and training videos. https://www.restaurant.org/Home
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute offers Supervisory Skill Builders; Hospitality Manager: Leadership; and Certified Hotel Administrator Review courses. https://www.ahlei.org/
All are free for the month of April.
In closing, to those on the front lines, we salute you. Stay Safe and wash your hands……
Sincerely,

Ray McCue, M.Ed., WCMC, CEC, AAC, CHE President American Culinary Federation Rhode Island Chapter