Recognition from national foodservice publications reinforces the growing role of healthcare dining as a driver of patient, visitor, and team member experience. In its annual sandwich competition, FoodService Director highlighted standout culinary talent from across the country, with multiple Morrison Healthcare chefs earning recognition for their innovative creations.
This recognition reflects Morrison Healthcare’s commitment to elevating healthcare foodservice through chef-driven menus, culinary innovation, and guest-focused dining experiences. The honored programs demonstrate how healthcare dining teams continue to blend creativity, quality ingredients, and trend-forward flavors while meeting the unique needs of hospital communities.
Celebrating Culinary Excellence Across Morrison Healthcare
Several Morrison-supported facilities were recognized for their sandwich concepts, including UF Health Flagler, The Hospitals of Providence East Campus, AdventHealth, UF Health Shands, and Marshfield Medical Center. Individual recognition included Chef Matt Tennant at UF Health Flagler, Chef Jose Terrazas at The Hospitals of Providence East Campus, and Chef Jonathan Stephens at AdventHealth.
The recognition highlights a broader industry trend noted by FoodService Director: chefs are embracing global flavors, local sourcing, comfort-inspired concepts, and elevated dining experiences that resonate with today’s consumers. These same principles continue to shape Morrison Healthcare’s approach to campus and hospital dining, creating memorable food experiences that support overall satisfaction and well-being.
Healthcare Dining Continues to Raise the Bar
As expectations for food quality and variety continue to evolve, healthcare foodservice teams are demonstrating that hospital dining can rival experiences found in restaurants and other hospitality settings. National recognition helps showcase the talent, innovation, and dedication of culinary teams working every day to enhance the healthcare experience through food.
Award Winner Spotlights
To further celebrate this national recognition, we’re highlighting the Morrison Healthcare award-winning creations and chefs that were featured by FoodService Director. Each sandwich reflects the culinary talent, innovation, and diverse influences shaping today’s healthcare dining experience.
Matt Tennant, Senior Executive Chef, UF Health Flager St. Augustine Florida
Award Category: Global Flavors
Featured Sandwich: Beef Tenderloing Katsu
About the Winning Sandwich: The Beef Tenderloin Katsu combines Japanese-inspired flavors and techniques with contemporary healthcare dining innovation. Served on a sesame ciabatta roll, the sandwich features beef tenderloin katsu, Napa cabbage, daikon radish kimchi slaw, sesame-grilled red onion, and wasabi aioli for a balance of crunch, heat, and savory richness.
“As a young chef I had the opportunity to work with a traditional Japanese home cook. What started as observing her techniques eventually led to an invitation to be involved with actual meal production. I later learned that being invited to cook alongside her is considered a high honor and a sign of respect.” —Matt Tennant, Senior Executive Chef, UF Health Flagler
Jose David Terrazas, Regional Executive Chef, The Hospitals of Providence East Campus
Award Category: Global Flavors
Featured Sandwich: Borderland Pollo Al Pastor Torta
About the Winning Sandwich: Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the U.S.-Mexico border region, the Borderland Pollo Al Pastor Torta brings together bold flavors, layered textures, and regional influences. The sandwich features buttermilk-marinated chicken breast seasoned with guajillo and ancho chiles, achiote, garlic, paprika, habanero, and oregano. Served with pineapple, fresh slaw, avocado, Mexican crema, and melted Chihuahua cheese, it delivers a balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors that celebrate the culture and cuisine of West Texas and Northern Mexico.
“This sandwich starts with where I’m from. Being from El Paso, Texas, I grew up surrounded by Mexican flavors, traditions, and food that brings people together. I wanted the sandwich to have the boldness and heat of Nashville while bringing in the sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy flavors I grew up with.” — Jose David Terrazas, Regional Executive Chef, The Hospitals of Providence East Campus
Jonathan Stephens, Executive Chef, Advent Health
Award Category: Global Flavors
Featured Sandwich: Petelo’s Citrus Marinated Flank Steak Sandwich
About the Award Winning Sandwich: Petelo’s Citrus Marinated Flank Steak Sandwich is a personal tribute that combines family heritage with vibrant global flavors. Inspired by Polynesian cuisine, the sandwich features citrus-marinated flank steak infused with soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, Worcestershire, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. The grilled steak is paired with a zesty citrus aioli, fresh arugula, red onion, and shallots on a demi baguette, creating a bright and savory flavor profile that honors tradition while delivering a contemporary dining experience.
“Created in memory of my late father-in-law, Petelo, this sandwich pays tribute to his Polynesian roots and his love for soy-marinated grilled meats. The flavors are inspired by the meals he shared with family, while the chef-driven touches reflect the influence he continues to have on my life and cooking today.” — Jonathan Stephens, Executive Chef, AdventHealth
UF Health Shands Team, Gainesville Florida
Award Category: Plant-Based
Featured Sandwich: Vegan Muffuletta Sandwich
About the Award Winning Sandwich: The Vegan Muffuletta Sandwich demonstrates how plant-based dining can deliver the same bold flavors, satisfying textures, and culinary creativity guests expect from traditional favorites. Built on ciabatta bread and layered with vegan pesto, olive tapenade, plant-based sausage, plant-based cheese, avocado, arugula, and crisp vegetables, the sandwich offers a fresh take on a classic deli-inspired favorite while meeting the growing demand for vegan menu options.
“In response to growing demand for plant-based options in our retail café, this sandwich has quickly become a guest favorite and consistently delivers a ‘wow’ factor for our vegan customers. Layered with vibrant vegetables, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, it demonstrates that plant-based dining can be just as indulgent and memorable as any traditional sandwich. The combination of fresh ingredients and house-crafted flavor profiles has made it one of the most talked-about specialty offerings in our café.”
Marshfield Medical Center Culinary Team
Award Category: Chicken
Featured Sandwich: The Bangkok Banger
About the Award Winning Sandwich: The Bangkok Banger reimagines the classic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich through the lens of Thai cuisine. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Bangkok, this sandwich features crispy chicken paired with a bold Nam Jim Jaew-style glaze crafted from tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, shallots, Thai chili flakes, cilantro stems, and toasted rice flour. The result is a layered flavor experience that balances sweet, spicy, tangy, smoky, and savory notes while remaining approachable and familiar.
“Deeply inspired by a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, and influenced by a recent trip to Bangkok, I wanted to create a sandwich with Thai influence while still keeping it recognizable despite the unusual ingredients. Replacing cabbage slaw with green papaya and the Nashville hot sauce with a classic Nam Jim Jaew glaze, it’s a punch of flavor with various dimensions much like its Nashville counterpart.”
To read the full article, FoodService Director names its 16 Best Sandwiches of 2026, click here.