Foodservice Cateys 2025: Chef Manager of the Year – Endang Gonzalez, Blue Apple

Endang Gonzalez, chef manager at pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) in Milton Keynes, wowed judges with her genuine love of food and people.

Gonzalez began her career with Blue Apple in 2006 as a catering assistant at the National Badminton Centre. Over the past two decades, she has worked across multiple channels at the caterer, including at the Whitbread head office campus, but has now cemented herself as an inspirational leader and role model for her peers.

Over the past 12 months alone, she has supported her teams through apprenticeship schemes and training sessions in baking, with one assistant now able to make pastries from scratch. She is known for being a constant cheerleader, always on the look-out for her team members, and shows awareness of front of house operations, making sure to remember people’s preferences and recommend dishes.

Clients have been touched by Gonzalez’s personality and discipline. Her savvy management of gross profit through waste-reduction strategies was a hit, while her attentiveness and enthusiasm to create bespoke menus for high-profile events also gained praise. One testimonial stated Gonzalez made an “immediate and positive impact” by introducing colourful dishes that celebrated cooking from scratch, a move that led to footfall increasing so much the restaurant had to extend its opening times to accommodate the influx of guests. “She is a true asset to our site,” they said.

Gonzalez’s chef manager role is crucial to Blue Apple and she played an integral role in securing a major £2m group contract through hosting a pop-up Indonesian Kitchen during a sales pitch. The concept proved so successful that it also formed the basis of a charitable event raising funds for a local hospice.

It comes as no surprise that Gonzalez is valued by the wider hospitality community for her commitment to supporting the next generation of chefs, hosting mentorship sessions with students at Westminster Kingsway College from underrepresented backgrounds to give them practical insights to the industry.

As David Mulcahy describes her, she is a “real gem and worthy winner” of the 2025 Foodservice Cateys Chef Manager of the Year.

Judges’ comments

“Endang’s role in mentoring the students, offering them a real-world insight into the industry, shows she is an inspiring role model for the next generation.” Harry Lomas

“Endang was the stand-out favourite among judges in a tough category. Her genuine love of food and people came across clearly. She is loved by her team, her client and her customers. A real gem and worthy winner.” David Mulcahy

“A thoroughly deserving winner who has shown great career progression and is clearly loved and respected by clients and customers.” David Steel

Shortlist

• David Bryant, Eurest
• Katie Forsyth, Dine Contract Catering
• Endang Gonzalez, Blue Apple
• Kate Wilkinson, Genuine Dining

See previous winners of the award