Carson-Newman’s Chef Matt takes gold at national culinary competition

Chef Matt Kuver, who serves Carson-Newman University via Aramark, earned the Gold Medal at 2023 Aramark Culinary Excellence (ACE) Collegiate Hospitality and Harvest Table Competition.

Kuver joined Chef Franco Lussio, James Madison University and Chef Jessica Paulson, Boston University as medalists of the event, which was held in Hyde Park, New York.

“Culinary excellence is core to our brand and these chefs are shining examples of how we deliver on the hospitality promise to our clients and customers every day,” said Jack Donovan, president and CEO of Collegiate Hospitality. “Their talent, creativity and hospitality spirit inspires us all.”

Heather Griggs, Carson-Newman Dining’s general manager said the honor speaks to an overall desire to provide a great campus dining experience.

“We are beyond proud of Chef Matt bringing, not only the gold, but first place title, back to Carson-Newman,” said Griggs. “We are excited to have him as part of our Carson-Newman Dining Services team. We know that he will continue to bring new and innovative culinary solutions to campus, which has become an essential part of our Carson-Newman dining program.”

Kuver earned top honors in March when he competed and won first place at the ACE Southeast Regional Competition at the University of South Carolina. He advances to Collegiate Hospitality’s enterprise competition in October hosted at the organization’s headquarters in Philadelphia.