NAFEM Unveils Professorship In Culinary Arts

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers and The Culinary Institute of America have announced that Brad Barnes, the CIA’s associate dean for food production, is the first recipient of the NAFEM Professorship in Culinary Arts.

The new post is dedicated to specialized research in foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturing, curriculum development and industry education. Barnes, a Certified Master Chef, participates in designing the CIA’s kitchen classrooms and conducts equipment research, evaluating emerging technology to meet the demands of the industry for quality volume production. “NAFEM has created an information pipeline to fully understand how a chef thinks about equipment,” he said. “This is urgently needed to equip for success in today’s kitchens.”

NAFEM, whose membership comprises more than 530 E&S manufacturers, has enjoyed a decade-long relationship with the CIA, according to NAFEM Exec. V.P. Deirdre Flynn, CFSP. “By expanding the existing relationship and establishing the NAFEM professorship, we open doors for collaboration to better serve the needs of our respective communities. We’re excited for the opportunity to work closely with Chef Barnes to expand our members’ knowledge of the equipment and supplies challenges and opportunities for culinarians worldwide.”