LCS is proud to announce that John Pietrangelo, Vice President of Food & Beverage, has been named to the inaugural DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2025 by WTWH Healthcare. The awards program recognizes visionaries in senior living who are reimagining the future of dining with creativity, passion, and forward-thinking leadership.

In his current role, John oversees dining operations for 130 LCS senior living communities. His leadership is focused on elevating resident satisfaction, ensuring quality standards, and pushing the envelope of what’s possible in senior living dining.

Notably, John also co-developed and co-chairs the annual LCS Chef of the Year (COTY) competition, a “chopped style” showcase of culinary talent across LCS senior living communities.  The competition brings finalists to the Sysco Test Kitchens in Houston, Texas, to compete in front of a live audience for a chance at a $10,000 grand prize.

“The Chef of the Year competition has become a stage where senior living chefs are celebrated,” said two-time COTY celebrity chef and Food Network champion, Christian Gill. “This event is built on integrity, no shortcuts, no fluff. Just high-level culinary execution in service of a higher mission: to elevate the role and visibility of senior living chefs.”   

In his tenure with LCS, John has launched robotic service solutions in 55 communities; led standardization through change management initiatives to improve operational consistency and outcomes; pioneered future-forward dining concepts, including healthier, customizable menus, tech-enabled ordering, and immersive dining experiences; and advanced sustainability efforts, such as locally sourced ingredients, aeroponic gardens, local honey harvesting, composting, reusable to-go containers, and upcycling initiatives.

“Over the past two years I’ve witnessed the dedication John brings to inspiring chefs across the country. He has challenged the perception that top culinary professionals must work in high-end restaurants to find success and recognition,” said Rob Roedel, Sysco’s Vice President of National Accounts. “Instead, he has championed a powerful message: chefs can achieve professional excellence while enjoying meaningful work, creative freedom, and a healthy work-life balance within the senior living industry.”

“The innovators we’re recognizing with these awards demonstrate what senior living can be at its best,” said Tim Mullaney, VP and Editorial Director at WTWH Healthcare. “They create menus and experiences that nourish the body and soul, while also delivering business value — from building occupancy to elevating the public perception of our industry.”

John will be recognized during the 2025 Senior Housing News DISHED Conference, on September 3-4, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. Click here to view the complete DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards Class of 2025.