Congratulations Cura Chef of the Year Chef…Executive Chef Booker Betts of Allegheny Health Network’s Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh’s (PA) second largest hospital! Chef Booker was proudly nominated by Cura Food Service Director Windy Flynn, based on criteria that includes leadership in the kitchen, culinary expertise, client engagement, and patient, guest and resident satisfaction.
Chef makes a huge impact on the hospital’s retail dining experience, which generates $1 million in transactions per year! Press Ganey, patient satisfaction score metric, continues to increase. In fact, scores last year nearly doubled! Under Chef’s direction, his team benefits from a style of coaching that encourages “OWN YOUR ZONE”- continuously coaching, encouraging, and holding team members accountable. “I could never imagine anyone else but Chef Booker at the culinary helm,” said Ms. Flynn.
We are also proud to recognize Cura Chef of the Year Nominees. Read more about these talented culinarians here!
Jessica Goodwin, director of dining services at Emporia Presbyterian Manor in Kansas kicked off Cura’s new food blog last year by creating Bierock German Stuffed Rolls for an Oktoberfest event that residents are still talking about! Jessica started at Presbyterian Manor in 2011 as the main server before advancing to prep cook and baker. As her love for culinary grew, Jessica enrolled in the local culinary school and after graduation, became the community’s head chef!
Cura Chef James (Jim) Morgan from Providence Point in Pittsburgh, PA, successfully served as executive chef when the current executive chef was on leave. Chef Jim successfully managed all aspects of dining while staying on budget. Chef Jim leads, by example, mentoring college students on serving residents and trains staff on BeWell. In fact, Chef Jim is helping to transition 20% of the menu to BeWell where foods are cooked with healthier ingredients, including fresh herbs harvested from a garden that Chef Jim introduced to Providence Point.
Executive Chef Mike Dingler, Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, was originally hired as a support chef, Chef Mike quickly rose to a leader, mentoring others. Chef Mike’s hard work, determination, dedication and loyalty to Cura and to our teams have created a top experience for patients, staff and guests. Che Mike is a great example on how empowering individuals with proper mentors can increase Cura’s retention and help team members feel valued for their contributions.
Yuleika Martinez, a production manager at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Fort Worth in Texas, enhances dining services – from retail to patient food and hospital special events! Yuleika graduated Magna Cum Laude from Johnson & Wales University with a baking and fine arts/food service management degree. She credits her grandmother as her mentor, who instilled a hard-working ethic and a “never give up attitude.”
Executive Chef Robert Grotha of Aberdeen Heights, a PMMA Presbyterian Manors of Mid America senior living community in Kirkwood, MO was nominated by Leon Paredes, Cura Area Manager who says, “Chef Robert is an exceptional team player, who always exceeds his residents’ expectations!” An accomplished culinarian who earned a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts from Johnson and Wales, Chef Robert’s Brain-Boosting crab cakes won ‘gold’ during the 2023 Cura Culinary Contest that encouraged memory function.
Chef Paul Roberts of Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA, is originally from Trinidad – he is proud to infuse his Caribbean flare into the Cajun Louisiana culinary culture! But the biggest impact Chef has made is for new moms! Thanks to Chef Paul, the 6-ounce “Patient Burger” is made-to-order for all new moms when they’re out of labor and delivery! Some say it’s the best burger they have ever eaten! During hospital week, Chef and his team prepared 2,000 free burgers for hospital employees!
General Manager Robert Huckels has also acted as the executive chef while waiting for his community to officially open. Chef Robert executes creative catering events and provides unique retail experiences for residents at PMMA Aberdeen Ridge in Colorado Springs, CO. Nominated by Cura Regional Systems Vice President for PMMA Lance Sanson, Robert works closely with PMMA senior leadership, manages front and back of the house, and is an exceptional team player by traveling and supporting other operations!
