Giraffe partners with Heinz on cooking competition

Boparan Restaurant Group's casual dining chain Giraffe has joined forces with Kraft Heinz Foodservice to launch of a cooking competition. 

At a time when nearly 40% of hospitality businesses are facing skilled worker shortages (ONS), and where Sommet Education's The State of Hospitality 2022 report points to a potential 13m–14m talent gap over the next five years, the recruitment and retention of hospitality professionals has never been more important. 

With this in mind, it is hoped that the partnership will boost morale among staff at Giraffe. Workers are encouraged to enter the competition to be in with the chance of winning one of three coveted spots on the brand's nationwide menus in 2023. 

In a cook-off finale held on 19 October, 10 shortlisted finalists went head-to-head in front of a panel of industry judges at Giraffe's Birmingham Grand Central site. The event followed a month-long selection process in which chefs of all levels were challenged to whip up their own breakfast, small plate or main dish using Heinz Professional Mayonnaise as the hero ingredient. 

Adam Ardour's truffalo loaded fries

Head chef Raf Zielinski of Giraffe London Victoria, sous chef Adam Ardour from Birmingham and chef de partie Safia Stewart, also from Birmingham, were all crowned the winners on the day.

Zielinski came first with the spicy chicken brunch muffin, followed by Adour in second with his truffalo loaded fries and Stewart in third with her brisket filled dumpling. 

Helen Nelson, central operations director at Boparan Restaurant Group, comments: "Our business is about passionate people and a passion for food. Today's event highlighted both in abundance. We are currently navigating a turbulent economic climate in the UK and hence, it is imperative that we ramp up team engagement, enhance and further develop the skills of our team, and remind ourselves and young professionals that hospitality is a rewarding industry for both personal and career growth. I am immensely proud of our entire team today."

Giraffe will unveil the three winning dishes across all eight restaurants in 2023 as a special edition launch.

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