Gardner-Webb Executive Chef Thomas Tessneer Selected for Aramark Culinary Excellence Competition

First Round is April 22-23 in Wilmington, N.C.; Winner Moves to Nationals in Napa, Calif., in July

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Executive Chef Thomas Tessneer has been invited to participate in the 2025 Aramark Culinary Experience Competition. He will compete in the East Region cookoff on April 22-23 against university chefs from North Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Impressed by Tessneer’s passion and creativity in the kitchen, Aramark’s regional executive traveling chefs and regional managers selected him for the contest. He travels to UNC-Wilmington for the first-round event. If he wins, he will have a chance to compete in the national showcase on July 16 in Napa, Calif.

The competition utilizes American Culinary Federation (ACF) standards to celebrate and spotlight Aramark’s culinary talent. The ACE competition provides growth and development while continuing to build the global culinary culture for Aramark’s chefs.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.