INTRUST Bank Arena Executive Chef Ben George Named Chef of the Year By Kansas Restaurant & Hospitaltiy Association

Ben George, Executive Chef for SAVOR… at INTRUST Bank Arena, has been named Chef of the Year by the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Association (KRHA). This annual award recognizes a working Chef who has set new or consistent standards of excellence in the Kansas food scene. Candidates demonstrate high culinary skills, are an inspiration to other culinary professionals and make a positive impact on the industry and their community.

George was honored for his multitude of accomplishments during his career as a Chef. In his time at INTRUST Bank Arena, he led the efforts to provide meals to more than 45,000 guests during the 2018 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, including creating boxed lunches for more than 4,000 students and press meals for more than 400 media personnel. Additionally. Ben has created unique and savory menus for high-profile events hosted at INTRUST Bank Arena such as Youth Entrepreneurs Biz Bang and the annual Chamber’s Luncheon. Ben also lends his knowledge and skillset to ProStart as a volunteer Instructor at Eisenhower High School, and spends time volunteering for non-profit organizations such as the Wichita Orpheum Theatre and Kansas Humane Society.

“On behalf of our entire team, we are beyond proud that Chef Ben George has been honored with this very well deserved award,” said Greg Read, SMG Regional Director of Food & Beverage at INTRUST Bank Arena. “His passion and commitment to his craft is top-notch and we are thrilled to see his creative and innovative culinary skills rewarded.”

The awards were announced Monday night during an annual event, Hospitality Night Out that benefits the professional development of youth leaders in the industry. All proceeds of the Hospitality Night Out event are donated to the Kansas Restaurant & Hospitality Education Foundation. The Educational Foundation of the KRHA promotes the importance of food safety, responsible liquor service and educating the future industry workforce with ProStart school-to-career training in 30 Kansas schools. The funds raised at this event continue this mission by providing discounted ServSafe Manager Certification, offering education opportunities for hospitality careers through ProStart, the purchase of equipment to support culinary education in Kansas High Schools and more.