The culinary scene in Ohio was set ablaze during the IN2WORK (I2W) ACES Competition, which took place on November 13 and 14. This thrilling two-day event brought together a group of talented chefs from Aramark Sports + Entertainment, including Christopher Revercomb and Steve Boseman from the Cincinnati Bengals’ Paycor Stadium and Steve Aheimer from the Cleveland Browns’ Huntington Bank Field. Together, they showcased their culinary expertise and shared their knowledge with students from Aramark Correctional Services’ IN2WORK program.
Chef Christopher Revercomb expressed his thoughts on the event, saying, “The IN2WORK ACES competition was an inspiring showcase of talent, resilience, and potential. Beyond learning culinary techniques, the participants gained confidence and a renewed sense of possibility for life after incarceration.”
Held at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville, OH, the event offered a unique platform for incarcerated individuals to connect with professional chefs and learn valuable skills. The competition took place over two days, with Day 1 dedicated to chef demonstrations. During this half-day session, Revercomb, Boseman, and Aheimer taught the participants various culinary techniques, offering tips and tricks for creating restaurant-quality dishes.
Day 2 of the competition was when the real action began, as participants split into two teams to create their own meals. The chefs were impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication the participants put into the event. Chef Steve Aheimer shared, “It was an honor to be part of an event like this. It provided a completely different vantage point for a day in the life of an incarcerated person. It was amazing to see the level of engagement and pride that went into the food and the overall experience.”
The competition was structured around two teams, each consisting of eight participants. These teams were made up of current students, graduates, and fellows of the IN2WORK program, all working together to create delicious meals. The dishes were judged by a panel of experts from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (DRC) and Aramark.
The first meal, inspired by the Cincinnati Bengals, included Mediterranean Chicken Quesadillas filled with lemon herb chicken, roasted peppers and onions, provolone cheese, and tzatziki sauce. The dish was accompanied by Ranch Spiced Tots—crispy tater tots seasoned with ranch spice—and finished off with a decadent S’mores Brownie topped with fudge, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, graham cracker crumble, and a toasted marshmallow.
The second meal, representing the Cleveland Browns, featured Tomatillo Braised Chicken Thighs, prepared with a flavorful chipotle sauce, salsa verde, and pickled red onions. The chicken was paired with Cilantro Lime Rice and topped off with Churro Nachos—cinnamon sugar churros drizzled with maple cream cheese sauce, chocolate ganache, tart cherries, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar.
The competition’s results were based on different courses, with Team Browns taking home the prize for the entree and side round, while Team Bengals triumphed in the dessert category.
While the competition itself was thrilling, the event’s broader mission was to foster growth and provide learning opportunities for those involved. The chefs and the Department of Corrections (DOC) demonstrated a commitment to providing high-quality, nutritious meals. The two meals created during the competition will be featured as part of the iCare Fresh program—a dining initiative designed to serve justice-impacted individuals and their families with healthy, home-style meals.
Bob Barr, Regional Vice President for Aramark Correctional Services, reflected on the event’s impact, stating, “The ACES competition was more than just a culinary challenge—it was a powerful reminder of the potential within every individual, regardless of their past. The competition gave the women involved a chance to further develop valuable skills in food preparation and service alongside professional chefs from two NFL teams. The outcome of the culinary competition demonstrated that their potential is limitless, and that with the right support, there are real opportunities waiting for them on the other side.”
The IN2WORK ACES Competition not only highlighted the culinary talents of the incarcerated individuals but also emphasized the importance of second chances and providing education and skill-building opportunities to help break the cycle of incarceration. The event served as a reminder that with the right resources and support, individuals can overcome their past and move forward toward brighter futures.
