ShopRite of Niskayuna Head Chef Receives Award

ShopRite of Niskayuna, NY is pleased to announce that Head Chef Melissa Sheridan has received the Achievement of Food Service Excellence Award from the American Culinary Federation (AFC), Capital District – Central NY Chapter. A vote by the Capital District – Central NY Chapter members resulted in Chef Melissa being recognized as best chef in the Capital District who possesses the ability to demonstrate culinary skills and knowledge within the community and the workplace. Chef Melissa was honored with a specially engraved plaque commemorating the award at a dinner held on April 22, 2013 at Franklin Plaza in Troy, N.Y. "In addition to being a very talented chef, the way in which Chef Melissa interacts with our customers and shares her love of fine food and the art of cooking is what truly sets her apart," says Tom Urtz, vice president of Human Resources and Community Affairs for ShopRite Supermarkets. "We are so proud of her and what she has accomplished, and we are honored to call her a member of the ShopRite family." At Monday's awards dinner, the ShopRite of Niskayuna was also named by the AFC as 2013 Vendor of the Year, in recognition of its support and dedication to the organization and its Capital Region chapter. In response to receiving the award, Chef Melissa said, “This award drives me to become more successful at my craft and to continue to work harder both professionally and in the community. My goal is to continue to grow as a chef, in an industry that is constantly changing. The food service industry isn't just about restaurants anymore; retail stores, like ShopRite, have so much more to offer to both chefs and home cooks. I also feel that this recognition helps me to serve as a positive role model for women in the culinary industry.” Chef Melissa earned her bachelor of arts degree in sociology from SUNY Potsdam in 2001. After graduating, she enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Schenectady Community College, from which she earned an associate of occupational studies degree in 2003. Chef Melissa joined ShopRite of Niskayuna as Head Chef in September 2012. She is also currently an adjunct professor at Schenectady Community College, teaching Food Prep I and II and Garde Manger.