Brookings chef wins 2016 Generation Next Award

Matt Chapman, Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef at the Swiftel Center, is one of five distinguished professionals who have won the Generation Next award granted by Venues Today Magazine.
 
Chapman, 32, competed along with 31 other young professionals for one of the coveted awards given to individuals for his/her achievement or outstanding service as a young industry leader. The Generation Next Award focuses on honoring young professionals under 35 years old who make a difference in sports, music, conventions, family shows and festivals.
 
“Coming into a job and becoming the Food & Beverage Manager I never expected to be nominated for such an award.” Chapman said, “I have always come to work every day with the goal of giving out clients and customers the best experience I possibly can.”

Chapman is the first employee at Swiftel Center to win this award. He graduated from Brookings High School and not long after was a student at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Portland, Oregon. Chapman continued to work in Portland for six months before taking his first Executive Chef position in Sioux Falls. He then returned to Brookings and helped with the opening of Old Market. Chapman started full-time with the Swiftel Center team in May 2014. 

“To be recognized for something that you are passionate about and have worked hard to excel at is a truly special feeling.” Chapman said, “I have always thought that any individual award is still a team award, I could not accomplish anything without a great team around me.” 

To learn more about the Generation Next award and Venues Today, visit www.venuestoday.com/news/detail/congratulations-2016-generation-next-award-winners 

​Chapman was featured in the May edition of Venues Today Magazine, along with the other Generation Next award recipients.