Anthony Zorbaugh, Executive Director of The Source, is pleased to welcome Peter DeBenedet as Culinary Director, a newly named post for the organization’s expanded Catering program.
DeBenedet brings over 30 years of varied experience in the restaurant and food service industry from Minnesota to Orlando to Vero Beach. He possesses the ability to provide continuous education and training to ensure positive outcomes. Some of his recent experiences locally have included Head Chef at Vinz, Executive Chef for Elizabeth Kennedy Catering, Executive Chef at The Village Beach Market and as Front of House Manager at TooJay’s Gourmet Deli.
His involvement in the church for many of his earlier years, coupled with his degrees in Business Administration and graduation from the Culinary Management program at Indian River State College, set the stage for DeBenedet when he heard about the opening at The Source. “I was ready for a job that would fulfill me in more ways than my cooking and management abilities,” says DeBenedet. “I am able to intertwine my human resource skills within this position, allowing me to achieve new heights in my career. I couldn’t think of doing anything better than taking my culinary experience and making a difference in other people’s lives. This position does that for me.”
For sure DeBenedet wears many hats as the Culinary Director of an organization that has grown dramatically over the past few years. As a “Jack of all trades,” he is not only coordinating the operations of the two Dignity Food Trucks that travel throughout the area serving food at local businesses and community events, he is overseeing a full-service kitchen with a staff that cooks three hot meals a day for the clients of The Source. He and his staff are also training the clients who are students in the Dining with Dignity with culinary program, preparing them for certification in the food industry which will ultimately help them to find a job. While he is currently organizing all aspects for catering jobs for the public as well as for local organizations and businesses, DeBenedet, and staff, are creating a new Dignity Catering menu that will be ready to launch in early 2022.
As a chef, manager, trainer and problem-solver, DeBenedet takes baby steps in his position at The Source. “As this organization continues to grow and prosper, I don’t ever see a ceiling in what I am doing. The timing was right for both The Source and myself to join forces and it’s all very positive and fulfilling.”
The Source, a Christian Ministry Outreach Center, offers life-changing possibilities to residents in crisis; offers emergency shelter, hunger relief, clothing, counseling, support groups, hygiene items, laundry services and much more. For more information on Dignity Catering or to reach Peter DeBenedet contact him at 772-564-0202 or by email to Peter.Debenedet@iamthesource.org.
