Celebrating the Heart of Our Kitchens: Meet our Chefs of the Year | Part 3

September 10, 2025
At Compass Group, we believe food is more than a meal; it’s a way of connecting people, uplifting communities, and creating lasting impact. Our chefs bring this mission to life every day. From crafting memorable dining experiences to championing sustainability, they embody the values that define who we are. Their influence goes far beyond the plate as mentors, innovators, and leaders who inspire the next generation of culinary talent.
For the 8th year in a row, we’re proud to celebrate their unique backgrounds, talent, and passion during Chef Appreciation Week.

Ramin Coles

Executive Chef
Restaurant Associates

Chef Ramin champions continuous learning through mentorship, hands-on training and collaboration. Creating empowerment through visibility, Chef actively features team members in cultural programming, giving them a platform to shine at the National Museum of African American History & Culture.

 

Neil Christman

Regional Executive Chef
TouchPoint Support Services

From his first day with Compass Group on the very day TouchPoint was founded, Chef has advanced from hourly line cook to Regional Executive Chef, now overseeing multi-state operations. Today, Chef Neil is the cornerstone of culinary excellence for TouchPoint’s Tennessee market — driving innovation, fostering talent and delivering outstanding business results.

 

Nimal Amarasinghe

Executive Chef
Bon Appétit Management Company

Chef Nimal launched the First Foods Station, believed to be the first of its kind! This menu showcases the ancestral foods of Indigenous tribes from the region. With respectful collaboration, he trained on traditional harvesting methods and fire-based cooking techniques to create meals that are living history lessons.

 

Tom Fetters

Campus Executive Chef
Flik Hospitality Group

Chef Tom is guided by three clear priorities: safety, people and great food. A respected regional expert and trainer, he takes pride in helping cooks grow into chefs. His passion for food and service remains as strong as ever, and his joy in seeing others succeed fuels his daily work.

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: