Rene Marquis (Left), ACF National President, and Ryan Marquis (Right), CCF President.
Two Cousins, Two Countries, One Passion for Culinary Leadership
Chef René Marquis serves as National President of the American Culinary Federation , representing thousands of chefs, culinary educators, and industry professionals across America. His journey includes graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, serving more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, competing internationally with military culinary teams, judging competitions around the world, and ultimately rising to lead one of the most respected culinary organizations in the nation. Meanwhile, Chef Ryan Marquis has served as National President of the Culinary Federation , Canada's leading professional chefs' association. Under his leadership, the organization has focused on strengthening membership, mentoring young culinarians, and creating partnerships that support the future of Canada's foodservice industry. What makes their story truly compelling is not simply their family connection. Both men chose careers In the culinary world, it is rare enough for one person to rise to the top of a national professional organization. What makes the story of Chef René Marquis and Chef Ryan Marquis so fascinating is that two cousins achieved that distinction at the same time—one leading the largest chefs' organization in the United States and the other leading its counterpart in Canada .
centered around service, education, mentorship, and advancing the profession. Both earned the trust of their peers. Both became advocates for culinary excellence. And both accepted the responsibility of leading their respective national organizations during times of significant change in the hospitality and foodservice industries. The Marquis cousins demonstrate that leadership in foodservice is about far more than cooking; it is about building communities , developing future talent, preserving professional standards , and inspiring the next generation of chefs. For young culinarians entering the industry, their story offers a powerful lesson: a career that begins in the kitchen can lead to national influence . For the hospitality industry as a whole, it is a reminder that passion, dedication, and a commitment to helping others can create an impact that extends far beyond the plate. Perhaps the most remarkable part of this story is that while René Marquis was leading chefs across the United States and Ryan Marquis was leading chefs across Canada, both were carrying the same family name and the same commitment to elevating the culinary profession . That is a rare achievement, and one well worth celebrating.
Hospitality News / August 2026 / Page 05
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