Catering Award - Chartwells

Catering Special Event of the Year

University of Miami Centennial Celebration

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Table of Contents A Curated Overview of the Experience A Century of Hurricanes

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Culinary Experience – A Menu as Bold as the U

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A Classic Miami, Reimagined

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Culinary Integrity – Safety & Dietary Excellence

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Theme Development – Designed to be Unforgettable

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Execution – A Full-Scale Experience

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Presentation – Elevated & Intentional

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The Intention Behind Every Detail

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Impact & Collaboration – Goals, Partnerships, and Sustainability

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More Than a Meal

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A Century of Hurricanes Celebrating Legacy Through Culinary Experience In 1925, visionary developer George Merrick and a group of dreamers imagined an institution that would shape and energize the evolving city of Miami. Fueled by optimism, bold ambition, and a spirit of innovation, the University of Miami was born, defined by a culture that is fearless, vibrant, and ever-evolving.

That same spirit continues to define the University one hundred years later. InStyle Catering played a key role in delivering three signature campus events: Homecoming, the President’s Celebration, and the Centennial Celebration, bringing together more than 27,000 guests to honor a century of progress.

Together, these moments culminated in a once-in-acentury celebration that paid tribute to Miami’s legacy while setting the stage for its next chapter.

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Our goal was to create an experience that united students and alumni while celebrating a century of Hurricane spirit, brought to life through Miami’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Through this vision, InStyle Catering shaped a cohesive culinary journey, where each menu reflected the University’s bold identity and offered a dynamic range of options for every guest.

From the energy of the Canes Homecoming parade to the dynamic atmosphere of the President’s Celebration, each event carried its own distinct character while remaining connected through a consistent culinary experience. Every flavor, color, and presentation paid tribute to Miami’s roots and vibrant momentum, creating a seamless and memorable Centennial celebration.

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Culinary Experience A Menu as Bold as the U

The menus reflected Miami’s diverse and vibrant culinary identity, bringing together bold flavors and globally inspired dishes that resonated with both the University and the city it calls home. From Mediterranean bowls to Cuban fritas and birria street tacos, each offering contributed to a dynamic and engaging culinary experience.

Across the Centennial series, the experience extended beyond the plate. Branded desserts, signature mocktails, and the Volunteer Leadership Lounge reinforced a cohesive identity, allowing each moment to feel distinct while remaining connected. Each menu served a greater purpose, connecting guests to the spirit of Miami and the legacy of the University through flavor, presentation, and shared experience.

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Across the Centennial series, InStyle Catering developed distinct menu concepts that brought each event to life, from the President’s Celebration to Homecoming and the Centennial Carnival. Each menu reflected the unique energy and identity of its setting.

The culinary approach captured Miami’s vibrant character, balancing bold, slow-braised flavors with fresh, bright, and refreshing elements. Guests moved naturally between stations, creating a dynamic experience that reflected the city’s diversity and rhythm.

Careful attention to dietary needs and preferences ensured that every guest could fully participate, resulting in an inclusive and memorable experience across all events.

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A Classic Miami, Reimagined Creativity was expressed through every element of the culinary experience. Signature UM orange and green mocktails, Century Sunrise and 100 & Guava, were crafted specifically for the Centennial, pairing tropical flavors with a bold expression of school spirit.

Chef-driven interpretations such as Jerk Chicken Mac & Cheese and the Cuban frita reimagined familiar favorites through a Miami lens, blending Caribbean and Cuban influences with elevated execution. Each event brought guests together through food, culture, and community, allowing the Centennial to be experienced through every bite.

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Culinary Integrity Safety & Dietary Excellence The menu was developed to accommodate a wide range of dietary needs while maintaining the overall culinary vision. Vegan and vegetarian offerings such as the Veggie Frita, Chipotle Mushroom Tacos, and Five Cheese Truffle Mac & Cheese ensured that plant-forward options were as compelling as traditional selections. Glutenfree items, including the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl and corn tortilla street tacos, allowed guests to participate in the experience with confidence.

Ingredient versatility and thoughtful cross-utilization supported inclusivity and responsible sourcing, reinforcing the University’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining consistency across the culinary program.

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All food for the Centennial Celebration was prepared with strict adherence to HACCP and ServSafe standards.

Hot items were held above 135°F and cold items below 41°F using industry-standard equipment, hot boxes and refrigerated transport. Temperatures and inventory were monitored and logged throughout production and service, enabling seamless replenishment while maintaining quality and safety.

Clear staff training on handwashing, glove use and sanitation supported a safe, efficient operation at every event, even at peak volume.

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Theme Development Designed to be Unforgettable By layering the Centennial theme into every element, dining became a meaningful part of connection and community. The culinary experience reflected the University of Miami’s legacy, drawing inspiration from iconic campus traditions such as the Rathskeller (“The Rat”) and the Orange Bowl (OB), and translating them into modern hospitality moments.

Each station reflected these influences, from the nostalgic and communal energy of the Rathskeller to the bold, high-impact atmosphere of the Orange Bowl. Menu composition, décor, and spatial design worked together to create a sense of familiarity and pride for alumni while introducing a refreshed and elevated experience.

Menus were developed to highlight Miami’s influence in each dish while maintaining a cohesive journey across every event. From branded mocktails and interactive stations to consistent menu displays, each element reinforced the Centennial identity and created a connected guest experience.

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Building on this approach, the experience unfolded through a series of distinct yet connected moments designed to engage the University’s diverse audiences, including students, alumni, faculty, and donors.

Student energy came to life through festival-inspired street food, grab-and-go offerings, and interactive elements such as a custom candy bar, where guests could personalize flavors and textures. In contrast, the President’s Celebration introduced a more refined experience with passed hors d’oeuvres, composed plates, and a polished dessert reception, creating a balance between high-energy engagement and elevated hospitality.

Guests felt that impact. As sophomore accounting major Alejandro Hernandez shared, “It’s important to have traditions like these. It’s so easy to get lost in college, but having events like the Centennial that bring us together, where we’re all here to celebrate the same thing, is rare.”

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Theme Execution Full-Scale Fanfare To deliver the Centennial experience at scale, the culinary program was executed with precision, coordination, and consistency across every event.

Thirteen distinct food and beverage stations featured 23 unique menu offerings, ranging from signature mac and cheese bowls and street tacos to hot dog wagons, sweet carts, luxe popcorn, and kosher selections. Each station supported both variety and efficient service.

Execution was led by 10 chefs on-site, supported by a coordinated front-of-house team that managed guest flow, line efficiency, and continuous replenishment. This structure enabled seamless service for more than 12,000 guests while maintaining quality, consistency, and energy throughout.

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Across the Centennial celebration, the Miami campus transformed into a vibrant and immersive festival environment filled with energy, movement, and discovery.

Carnival rides, arcade-style games, live performances, and culinary activations created a dynamic atmosphere that reflected the spirit of Miami and brought thousands of guests together in a shared celebration.

Guests moved through the experience with curiosity and momentum, exploring stations, engaging with activations, and connecting through food, music, and shared experiences.

Each moment encouraged interaction and discovery, creating an environment that felt expansive, cohesive, and well designed.

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Presentation Strategy Making it Special Presentation was designed to feel approachable, vibrant, and reflective of the energy across campus.

Food was served in formats that encouraged movement and interaction, from handheld offerings to festivalstyle stations, allowing guests to engage naturally while exploring the event. Bright, familiar flavors and casual presentation styles made each moment feel effortless and inviting.

The result was an experience that felt social, energetic, and distinctly Miami, where guests could connect, celebrate, and enjoy the moment together.

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Branded elements were thoughtfully integrated throughout the experience, creating moments that felt both personal and memorable for guests.

From U100 desserts and custom mocktails to curated menu displays and InStyle branded lattes, each detail reinforced the Centennial identity in a way that was both visible and engaging.

These elements extended beyond presentation, allowing guests to interact with the brand in tangible ways and creating a lasting impression across the event.

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Food was designed for both visual impact and ease of service, allowing guests to explore a variety of offerings without interruption.

Bite-sized portions, layered presentations, and interactive elements, such as a popcorn wall lined with mini cones, encouraged variety while maintaining a steady flow throughout the event. Stations balanced efficiency with presentation, allowing guests to move seamlessly while engaging with each offering.

This approach supported high-volume service without sacrificing quality or visual appeal, creating an environment that felt dynamic, efficient, and engaging.

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Enhanced Design Intention Behind Every Detail The service style translated the Centennial aesthetic into tangible, guest-facing moments, where culinary presentation and environment worked in harmony.

Natural textures, warm wood tones, and lush greenery framed each station, while bold UM colors and clean signage maintained a consistent visual identity across spaces. Concepts like the Cane Shack brought a relaxed, tropical energy to life, blending campus spirit with a modern Miami aesthetic.

Food presentation mirrored this approach, with composed dishes and layered elements that felt both elevated and approachable, reinforcing a cohesive experience that was as visually engaging as it was inviting.

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Service adapted seamlessly across a wide range of event formats, from high energy student activations to refined, large scale receptions.

Chef attended stations and customizable elements encouraged interaction, while grab and go offerings and strategically dispersed layouts maintained flow and accessibility. Signature moments such as the President’s Celebration introduced a more elevated service style, blending Miami’s bold flavors with polished, hospitality driven execution.

Behind the scenes, a centralized production model and coordinated station strategy ensured consistency, efficiency, and quality at scale, allowing the team to deliver a seamless experience for thousands of guests across campus.

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Goals, Collaborations & Sustainability Measuring Impact To solidify its place as a university ready for its second century, the Ever Brighter campaign raised more than $2.6 billion, surpassing its goal and becoming the largest fundraiser in Hurricane history.

With over 472,000 gifts, 443 donors contributing more than $1 million, and 564,000 square feet added to campus, the campaign represents a transformational investment in the University’s future.

One of its most meaningful outcomes was welcoming 107,255 first-time donors to the Canes family, each representing a renewed belief in the University’s mission to drive innovation, discovery, and impact for generations to come.

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A defining priority of the Ever Brighter campaign was investing in the future of the University, expanding endowed positions and supporting the next generation of Centennial Talents. Through this effort, 112 new endowed positions were made possible.

As the University celebrated this milestone, the Centennial Culinary Program, led by InStyle Catering, played a key role in shaping the guest experience, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and donors through moments that reflected the energy, culture, and spirit of Miami.

Through thoughtful design, dynamic service, and a shared sense of celebration, the culinary experience helped transform the Centennial into something felt, not just attended.

The result was a program that not only supported the campaign, but contributed to its impact, creating a lasting impression across the University community.

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Sustainability was embedded into every aspect of the operation, supporting high volume service without compromising quality or guest experience.

Batch cooking and strategic replenishment reduced waste while maintaining abundance. Reusable serviceware, paired with recyclable and compostable materials, supported responsible practices across all events. Cross utilized ingredients further minimized excess while preserving variety and consistency.

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Chefs

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30+

Menu Items

35,000+ Attendees

The “Wow” Factor More Than a Meal The “wow” factor came to life through immersive, unexpected moments that invited guests to engage, explore, and interact.

Interactive elements like the candy wall transformed simple indulgences into personalized experiences, blending playful design with bold visual impact. Throughout the event, familiar concepts were reimagined into vibrant, shareable moments that captured the energy and creativity of the Centennial.

From dynamic food displays to activation driven stations, each experience was designed to surprise, delight, and leave a lasting impression.

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A Taste of Miami: Century Celebration Edition Through thoughtful menus, immersive design, and hospitality driven service, the Centennial Culinary Program allowed guests to not only celebrate 100 years of Hurricane pride, but to experience it, taste it, share it, and carry it forward into the century ahead.

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