Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. For many of us, it’s also a time to recharge after weeks of planning, prepping, and pulling off one of the most demanding holidays of the year. To the chefs reading this, I know that as your members gather around their tables today, you’ve already spent countless hours preparing hundreds of turkeys, sides, and desserts to make their celebrations special. That work doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.
The hospitality industry demands heart, dedication, and an incredible ability to juggle logistics, creativity, and member expectations. And yet, at the core of it all is a deeper “why” that fuels what we do: creating spaces where people connect, celebrate, and feel cared for. As club chefs, you’re not just feeding people; you’re crafting experiences that will live in their memories long after the plates are cleared.
This year, I’ve seen the club and resort industry take bold steps forward in meaningful ways. PlateCraft brought chefs together to share ideas, explore trends, and collaborate on what’s next. The upcoming Chef to Chef Conference promises to be our most dynamic yet, with sessions tailored to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s culinary leaders. We also told Scott Craig’s story in a way we never have before, with a profile and our first-ever documentary, All Ships Rise, showcasing how mentorship and leadership shape not only a chef’s career but an entire community. And with the launch of our 40 Under 40 program, we’ve begun celebrating the next generation of culinary leaders, with nominations now open for the Class of 2025. Watching chefs like you lead these transformations with such passion and creativity continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
I’m incredibly grateful for this platform and for the opportunity to share your stories. To celebrate your wins, address your challenges, and help you find new ways to thrive. The trust you place in us to provide content that inspires and informs is something I will never take for granted.
I’m also thankful for my team—Isabelle Gustafson, Erin Canetta, Rob Thomas, the sales team, the events team, the web team, the contributors, and all the administrative professionals at WTWH—who pour their energy into helping us bring your stories to life. Their dedication to supporting our missions drives everything we do at Club + Resort Chef.
As you reflect on your own “why” this Thanksgiving, know that your work has ripple effects far beyond the dining room. What you do matters. It fosters connection, strengthens communities, and, most importantly, reminds us all of the importance of shared moments and shared meals.
Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. I hope you can take a well-deserved moment to relax and recharge.
