Welbilt’s Andy Coniglio receives Chef of the Year Award from the American Culinary Federation, Tampa Bay

New Port Richey, FL. – Welbilt, Inc. is delighted to announce that Andy Coniglio, the company’s Corporate Executive Chef, has received Tampa Bay’s Chef of the Year from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Over 100 industry professionals gathered for the ACF annual awards ceremony held in the Fort Harrison Hotel, Clearwater, FL on September 9 to recognize culinarians who demonstrate continuous commitment to the food service industry through personal and professional development, leadership and education support to fellow culinarians.

Chef Kim Miller-Boivin, Director Culinary of Welbilt commented: "We are so proud that one of our own chefs received the most prestigious award – Chef of the Year. This recognition of skills, industry knowledge and true professionalism is the result of Chef Andy’s hard work and his passion for creating amazing food, as well as his commitment to educating and mentoring the next generation of chefs through his active work at the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter."

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Andy Coniglio has been working in the food service for over 20 years.  He is a 1997 graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Norfolk, Virginia, and while enrolled, he interned at Kingsmill, a 4-Star, 4-Diamond Resort in Williamsburg, VA.  In 1998, Andrew moved to Dublin, Ireland, and worked at the Award Winning Roly’s Bistro and then was Head Chef of FXB Steak and Seafood Restaurant.  Moving to the Tampa area in 2004, he was Sous Chef at Bon Appétit in Dunedin, Chef de Cuisine at the Belleview Biltmore Resort, Sous Chef at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and Executive Chef at Innisbrook Resort. Andy joined Welbilt in April 2016 as the company’s Corporate Executive Chef. In his current role, he provides expertise in R&D, culinary support, develop menus, and review existing and future kitchen designs for optimal efficiencies. Andy Coniglio is a Certified Sous Chef (CSC) with the American Culinary Federation, as well as Education Chair on the ACF Tampa Bay Chapter Board.