Food Code Changes: New Challenges for Restaurants & Inspectors
A look at the recent changes to the food code through the eyes of an operator faced with the challenges it brings. As health scores take some heat, County Health Inspectors share their perspective and the future for food safety.
Moderator
Adam Dietrich
Culinary Arts Instructor – Myers Park High School
After over 20 years of experience in Hospitality Management, including Harpers Restaurant Group and as Food & Beverage Director for Holiday Inn / Center City Charlotte, Adam Dietrich decided to share his passion and experience for the Hospitality industry with the future food service Professionals we all want to work with. Since 2014, he’s been a Culinary Arts Teacher at Myers Park High School – covering the basics of the industry, including ServSafe Food Safety and basic culinary techniques.
Adam also teaches ServSafe certification classes to restaurant professionals in the food service industry in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
Panelists
Sarah Makres
Inspector – Mecklenburg County Health Department
Sarah Makres attended Indiana University and graduated with a BS in Medical Technology, later earning a specialty certification in clinical chemistry. After attending graduate school and working in the IU Medical Center system for several years, Sarah moved to NC and was employed by both Duke University and Durham County General hospital. As a Senior Environmental Health Specialist for Mecklenburg County, her duties include training new interns, helping with standardization of field inspectors, reviewing HACCP plans, helping with FDA Voluntary Program Standards, permitting food service facilities, and of course conducting routine sanitation inspections.
Jessica Perry
Inspector – Mecklenburg County Health Department
Jessica Perry is originally from Northern Pennsylvania but relocated to North Carolina with family while in high school. She attended UNCW and graduated with a BS in Biology. Jessica began her career in Environmental Health at the Davie County Health Department in Mocksville, NC. She transferred to Mecklenburg County in 2009. Jessica has twelve years of experience in Environmental Health with seven years as a Senior Environmental Health Specialist. Her duties include conducting sanitation inspections, reviewing and permitting food service establishments such as restaurants, mobile food units and caterers, and training staff.
Chris Coleman
Director of Culinary Experience – Marriott City Center
As the Director of Culinary Experience, Chef Chris Coleman oversees Stoke Restaurant, Stoke Bar and coffeehouse Coco and the Director. He brings a rustic yet refined take on seasonal American cooking that showcases high quality, meticulously sourced ingredients, while he continues to work with local farmers, producers and artisans.
Salem Suber
Culinary Services Director – Southminster
A native Charlottean, Salem Suber grew up a few blocks from his Grandfather’s Townhouse Restaurant on the corner of Queens and Providence, in Myers Park. Today, he is the Director of Culinary Services at Southminster Retirement Community, Salem has focused on replacing traditional, institutional foodservice, with creative culinary talent, and a strong emphasis on local farm foods.