SBU Eats Chef Appreciation Week: Honoring the Talent and Teamwork Behind Every Dish

SBU Eats Executive Chef Kevin Kenny

Behind every meal is a talented group of hardworking chefs who work long hours in a fast-paced environment to provide culinary creations that meet the nutritional needs of the SBU community. From early morning preparations to late-night cleanups, the SBU Eats chefs ensure that students, faculty and staff enjoy delicious meals that fuel their daily activities. As we celebrate Chef Appreciation Week, it is important to recognize these individuals for their dedication, creativity and the vital role they play in campus life. It's an opportunity to honor their commitment to delivering high-quality meals and to acknowledge the passion and expertise that goes into every dish they serve.

Executive Chef Kevin Kenny is instrumental in shaping the culinary experience at Stony Brook University. With expertise in hospitality management, menu development, catering, and the training and development of chefs, Kenny brings a well-rounded approach to his role. His leadership goes beyond crafting exceptional meals; he designs comprehensive culinary programs, overseeing catering, concessions, dine-in and retail restaurant operations. Renowned for his ability to thrive in dynamic environments, he ensures that every dining experience on campus is memorable and meets the highest standards of quality and service.

Playing a pivotal role in guiding the next generation of culinary talent, Kenny mentors Chef Evin Aviles, a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, offering invaluable advice for culinary success. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, patience, and resilience, urging this young chef to stay focused and work hard to achieve results. Kenny encourages embracing challenges, using common sense in decision-making, and continuously evolving with culinary trends. He highlights the significance of collaboration in the kitchen: "Success in the culinary world demands not only skill but also the ability to adapt and work effectively with diverse team members."

Chef Evin Aviles began his journey on campus two years ago as a supervisor at Dunkin'. Recognizing his talent and passion for the culinary arts, the SBU Eats team quickly elevated him to a chef position, where he now oversees food production at both East Side and West Side dine-in locations and supervises culinary catering operations. He played a key role in launching the new café at the School of Dental Medicine. "I truly enjoy my role because it's not just about serving delicious food; it's also a chance for me to unleash my creativity in an inspiring and supportive environment," stated Aviles. "I'm fortunate to work in a place that values innovation and collaboration in the kitchen, and I've learned to take criticism and advice while still having fun every day at work."

SBU Eats Chefs Kevin Kenny and Evin Aviles

With the successful pairing of Executive Chef Kevin Kenny and Chef Evin Aviles, SBU Eats is excited to announce the development of an internship program for aspiring culinary students. This program will offer hands-on experience, allowing interns to work closely with seasoned chefs in a professional kitchen environment. Through mentorship, students will gain valuable insights into the culinary arts, learning everything from kitchen operations and menu development to evolving industry trends. By working alongside experienced chefs, interns will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to pursue successful careers in the culinary field. "When students graduate, they are bursting with knowledge, but they really need the hands-on experiential learning opportunity to thrive and flourish, and I want to offer them a supportive environment where they can apply what they've learned, develop their skills, and gain confidence to succeed in the culinary world," explained Kenny.

"Our campus chefs go above and beyond when preparing the food served on campus. They create memorable dining experiences that are both comforting and inclusive of all dietary needs. They build a sense of community and make every meal a meaningful part of the day," stated Diana Kubik, executive director, Auxiliary Services Association.

Chef Appreciation Week is a significant time for the campus community to show gratitude. It's the perfect opportunity to thank our talented chefs for their hard work in creating delicious meals for thousands of people every day. Your recognition can make a meaningful impact, whether it's a simple thank-you note, a social media shoutout, or just a kind gesture of saying thank you after receiving your meal. Even the smallest gesture can help the SBU Eats chefs feel valued and appreciated.

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