We are excited to share this Q&A series, dedicated to showcasing Cassia’s talented executive chefs who transitioned from the bustling world of hospitality to the impactful realm of healthcare.
In this installment, we have the privilege of featuring Chef Ryan Schmitt, the distinguished director of culinary services at Elim Shores in Eden Prairie, MN. Dive into the culinary journey as we explore his passion, expertise and the unique fulfillment he finds in the healthcare industry.
Q: What inspired you to become a chef? Tell us a little about yourself.
A: “I have always loved to eat, but growing up I never learned how to cook. My mother was a wonderful cook and always made homemade comfort meals from scratch, but I never helped her in the kitchen. After high school, I worked a couple warehouse jobs which were unfulfilling, so I decided to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu at Brown College with a previous co-worker.
Q: What led you to become a chef at Elim Shores?
In March 2022, I was hired as a full-time evening cook at Elim Shores, and after a couple months the Director of Culinary Services position opened up. I felt this would be a great opportunity to share my vision and talents with the Elim Shores community.
Q: Why did you decide to transition from the hospitality industry to healthcare?
After culinary school, I worked at several restaurants and I really enjoyed the fast-paced atmosphere, but as I grew older, I liked the more balanced lifestyle and more laid-back environment. I found the benefits to be better, too.
Q: How is working in healthcare different from working in hospitality?
Working in healthcare gives me the power to really make an impact on someone’s life every day. I could not think of a better way than through food. Also, I’m very fortunate that at Elim Shores the kitchen staff has the freedom to create tasty dishes with only a few restrictions.
Q: What are some unexpected benefits of working in healthcare?
Seeing and engaging with the residents daily builds long-lasting relationships. We are such a small community so everyone knows everyone. Having the support from the Cassia home office gives me relief knowing I have an outlet to go to.
Q: What is your specialty, and what motivated your choice? Do you have a signature dish you are known for?
I love fried chicken and lately we have been serving it monthly. We always get a lot of compliments from the residents and the staff. We strive to make meals from scratch as much as possible.
Q: How do you get residents excited about food at Elim Shores?
We ran several promotional menus throughout the year to introduce new items to the residents. The feedback was positive and successful. I hold food meetings every other month to talk about the daily menus, upcoming events or anything food related.
Q: Share how you collaborate with other departments for your culinary events?
For the past two years, we have had a friendly competition called the “Burger Battle.” The competition consists of four teams of two people. The teams are composed of staff from all departments willing to participate. The goal is to create a burger to wow a panel of judges and all the residents. This event has been a major hit here at Elim Shores.”
Thank you, Chef Ryan, for everything you have done for our residents, their families and our staff at Elim Shores!