Christopher Aguillard has joined the team at United Zion as the new leader of culinary services. With over 25 years in the food industry with almost 15 years of experience in long-term care culinary services, Aguillard with the support of Forefront Healthcare is delighted to be bringing great ideas to the dining experiences at United Zion. CEO Sue Verdegem states, “I am thrilled to have Christopher’s enthusiasm and energy at United Zion. His attention to the residents and his ability to connect with them will elevate the dining experience here. His experience in senior living and restaurant industry will bring fresh ideas to United Zion’s menus and dining activities.”
Aguillard is excited to bring new ideas for the culinary department, new recipes, trainings, farm fresh ingredients for menu development. One of his favorite parts of working on senior living is interacting with residents and talking to them about their life as it creates a family atmosphere. He uses this family-like connection along with their connection to food to create positive experiences in the dining rooms.
United Zion also has promoted Chris Herman from Culinary Services Manager to Assistant Director of Culinary Services. He has been a key member of our culinary team for over 10 years. He started as dietary aide then moved to be a cook and now is assisting with daily operational duties. He continues to love learning new things especially in the hands-on, fast paced environment of the kitchen. Yet, it’s the rewarding and meaningful nature of the job with its focus on creating a home-like atmosphere, offering great hospitality and providing exceptional service to the senior residents that he loves most about working at United Zion.
There is a rich dining program at United Zion. The residential living options include Home Apron (pre-prepped meals for two that you cook at home), Grab and Go options as well as regular take-out and restaurant style dining. Personal Care and Healthcare residents enjoy three home cooked meals daily plus a snack program that helps with energy and nutrition. Residents joining for short-term rehabilitation experience hospitality attendants that help ensure that their meals match their rehabilitation needs such as lighter meals before therapy and replenishment post-therapy that includes fresh bake goods, smoothies and more.