Brian Frakes, executive chef at Marcus Hotels & Resorts' Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, received the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s Salute to Excellence Mentor Award at the industry’s Celebration of Excellence dinner. He was honored for his dedication to excellence in foodservice and his passion for educating and training the future leaders of the industry.
“Brian Frakes spends countless hours sharing his expertise to help students learn and grow their culinary skills and hospitality knowledge,” said Connie Fedor, executive director of the WRA EF. “His involvement as a ProStart mentor at Greendale High School has made a positive and meaningful impact on students.”
Frakes is currently a member of the WRA EF board of directors and was honored with the WRA EF Salute to Excellence Chef award in 2014.
He has earned many other awards including Fort Lauderdale/Sun Sentinel’s Top 10 Best New Chef in 2000, a Milwaukee Business Journal Forty Under 40 in 2007 and the American Liver Foundation Silver Cleaver in 2015.
Frakes also volunteers for several charitable causes including the American Liver Foundation - Great Lakes Division, Wisconsin March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Hope House, Hunger Task Force, the Catholic Archdiocese and others.
He is a volunteer advisor for Milwaukee Area Technical College, Culinary Institute of America, Le Cordon Bleu, Johnson and Wales University and Kendall College.
Passionate about sustainability and the use of local Wisconsin products, he is a recognized public spokesperson on these topics.
The WRA EF recognizes six individuals and one company for dedication and commitment to education in the restaurant industry as Salute to Excellence honorees. Other 2017 Salute to Excellence honorees include: RC Schroeder, Jr. (Fox Valley Technical College), Glee Brechler (James Madison Memorial High School), Trey Hester (Rocky Rococo Restaurants), Chris Roderique (Piggy’s Restaurant), Tom Surwillo (Milwaukee Area Technical College) and Gordon Food Service.