About Us - Ingenious Culinary Concepts

WHAT WE DO

Let’s Positively Impact Change…TOGETHER
Here’s what motivates us. Did you know…

Many days, the school meals provided to some students are their only guaranteed meals.

THE TEAM

KERN HALLS

Chief Innovator

US Navy Veteran and proven strategic leader with expertise in cultivating business development opportunities and launching culinary operations enabling excellence in food services. Specialized experience in leading multi-unit food and beverage operations within entertainment, education, and concession space. Inspires cross-functional teams, service staff, and culinary experts to achieve high performance in fast-paced, high-volume environments. Pilots facility transformations and modernization projects enhancing dining experiences. Provides strategic consultation to executive teams, business leaders, and food service managers delivering strategic planning and project lifecycle completion improving food service operations and achieving greater profitability.

Dream Destination: Thailand

Favorite Pastime and Hobby: Golf and Ride Motorcycles

Favorite Quote
"Pay now... or pay later. The latter is always more expensive!"

Patrice HALLS

Chief Administrator

Prior to ICC I worked for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) as a 7th & 8th grade English teacher. I later transitioned to OCPS’ district office (as a teacher coach then administrator) to support secondary schools in their college & career-readiness efforts for students.

Dream Destination: Bora Bora (an Island in the French Polynesia)

Favorite Pastime and Hobby: "Explore" (locally and internationally) with my loved ones!"

Favorite Quote
There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self." — Aldous Huxley

HEATHER LINTON

Executive Operations Assistant

Before joining the ICC team, Heather provided complex administrative and project support for multiple organizations in the nonprofit sector, including Harvard University. At ICC Heather ensures smooth communication between clients, vendors, and colleagues to provide smooth project completion and outstanding customer service. She prioritizes collaboration and attention to detail in all tasks and leads with empathy, always eager to be of service.

Dream Destination: Kyoto, Japan and Paris, France.

Favorite Pastime and Hobby: "Traveling to new places and enjoying new experiences."

Favorite Quote
“A small act is worth a million thoughts.” — Ai Weiwei

SHEREE GONZALEZ

Client Success Representative

Sheree came to ICC with a background in human resources, where she developed a strong foundation in communication, organization, and client service. In her role here at ICC, she serves as a key liaison between clients and vendors, supporting school cafeteria redesign projects through every step of the process. She values clear communication, thoughtful and detailed service, and building strong relationships to help ensure every project runs smoothly and makes a lasting impact on school communities.

Dream Destination: Maldives, Bora Bora, and Australia

Favorite Pastime and Hobby: Volunteering at the local animal shelter and rescuing dogs in need of care and a forever home.

Favorite Quote
“Be the Change that you wish to see in the world” — Gandhi

CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS

Ingenious Culinary Concepts has transformed the industry. From school breakfast to lunch, we’ve wowed everyone from the food service director to the lunch lady.

Kris Figueroa

Director of Sales

Kern is a true innovator that takes a holistic approach to school nutrition. He looks at the big picture, from cafeteria design to menus, ensuring the students receive the best experience. It is always a pleasure working with him and I look forward to seeing each new project go from concept to reality.

Carol Weekly

Kern's Client

Kern is the ultimate professional with a true passion for School Nutrition and customer service. I worked with Kern when I hired him to visit my food service program and help us elevate it to the next level. Kern was thorough, professional, and punctual. He has so many great implementable ideas that definitely helped elevate our program. Kern has an eye for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. I would HIGHLY recommend Kern to help you make a distant dream a true reality.

Raegan Johnson, PhD

Community Engagement Leader

Kern is truly an innovator. His out-of-the-box thinking, paired with his unique expertise, helped me push my project to the next level. I consider having the opportunity to work with Kern a pleasure and a significant gain for my organization.

Zenia Ventura, SNS

Nutrition Initiatives & Marketing Manager

Strategic thinker, organized and brilliant. Kern Halls and his team can help you with any project you have whether small or big. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with you and your team!

Barbara E. Martin

Trainer, Consultant and Facilitator

Kern has great marketing ideas and the data to show that they work.

INGENIOUS CULINARY CONCEPTS

When we launched our business and dove into the educational nutrition services industry, we started small — literally. Our suggestions to schools were as simple as “keeping hot food hot, and cold food cold.” The results we saw were phenomenally progressive. The simplicity of our suggestions and the impact their execution makes could not be summed up by any other description (but the final name we are proudly known by) – Ingenious Culinary Concepts.

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WHO WE ARE…