Among this year's notable chef winners were:
- U.S. Chef of the Year, sponsored by Unilever Foodsolutions: Michael Matarazzo, executive chef, Bear Mountain Inn, Bear Mountain, N.Y.; ACF National Chapter
- ACF National Pastry Chef of the Year, sponsored by Splenda: Andreas Proisl, executive pastry chef, Isleworth Country Club, Windermere, Fla.; ACF Central Florida
- Chef Professionalism Award, sponsored by Minor’s: John Reed, CEC, CCA, owner, Customized Culinary Solutions, Skokie, Ill.; ACF Windy City Professional Culinarians Inc.
- Hermann G. Rusch Chef's Achievement Award: Americo "Rico" DiFronzo, CEC, AAC, executive chef, American Food Systems, Inc., Burlington, Mass.; ACF Epicurean Club of Boston