StarChefs Partnership & Rising Stars Program: Strengthening Demand for American Lamb Through Culinary Leadership
The American Lamb Board has partnered with StarChefs, a leading authority in professional culinary innovation, for a year-long partnership designed to place American Lamb at the forefront of the nation’s culinary scene. Through this collaboration, up-and-coming culinary talent will gain direct access to American Lamb, inspiring creative menu development and increasing the protein’s prominence at top restaurants.
With a network of more than 1,600 alumni, the Rising Stars community is one of the most influential chef networks in the United States, making it an ideal platform to introduce and showcase American Lamb.
About the Rising Stars Awards
StarChefs’ annual Rising Stars Awards recognize exceptional up-and-coming chefs across five major markets. Honorees are celebrated for their creativity, leadership, and dedication to their communities—qualities that often lead them into national prominence.
The 2025 Rising Star markets are have already been a focus for American Lamb promotions and include:
• New York • Miami • Rust Belt (Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh) • Houston • Seattle
Chefs Drive Consumer Preferences
ALB has sought out ongoing partnerships with chefs because they are key drivers of consumer preferences. When rising culinary leaders innovate with American Lamb, they increase both awareness and demand. This partnership aims to increase the number of diners seeking lamb while elevating lamb as a signature protein.
“We’ve seen tremendous success in the past when partnering with chefs to promote American Lamb, and we are thrilled to work with StarChefs to introduce up-and-coming chefs to American Lamb as a unique and flavorful protein option for recipes and menus,” says ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert.
By partnering with StarChefs, the American Lamb Board ensures that American Lamb remains top-of-mind for the chefs shaping the future of American dining, solidifying its role as a premium ingredient on menus across the country.
American Lamb Featured at Honoree Dinner
The final Rising Stars honoree dinner of the year takes place this week in Seattle, celebrating the city’s emerging culinary talent. As part of Rising Stars Restaurant Week, Café Suliman’s Chef Ahmed Suliman is featuring his Whey-Braised American Lamb Shoulder with Hummus, Sumac, Toasted Almonds, Mint, Olive Oil, and Flatbread. This standout dish highlights the versatility and richness of American Lamb.
Key Program Highlights • Honorees Mentor Dinner: An intimate kickoff event connecting chefs, mentors, and alumni, positioning American Lamb as a premium, chef-driven ingredient.
• Rising Stars Restaurant Week: A 15-day citywide promotion featuring honorees’ signature dishes, including specially highlighted American Lamb entrées served to thousands of diners.
• Industry Late Night: A celebratory gathering for local restaurant professionals, creating another key touchpoint for American Lamb in the culinary community.
• Rising Stars Magazine: A national print publication spotlighting trends, techniques, and chef insights, featuring American Lamb in a signature recipe in every issue.
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