The Blue Apron Award: Building a Culture of Excellence Through Recognition

At the heart of every great kitchen lies more than fresh ingredients and stellar techniques—there’s a team driven by purpose, camaraderie, and recognition. For Joshua Ingraham, a chef with a lifelong passion for crafting healthy meals and nurturing talent, this is the philosophy that inspired the creation of the ‘Blue Apron Award’.

Inspired by the popular TV show The Bear (where a literal blue apron is part of the uniform, based on the infamous blue apron of French Laundry fame (yes, like the meal-prep company!) the Blue Apron Award brings the idea of tangible achievement to life. Joshua Ingraham was immediately drawn to the series, which captures the intensity and dedication of kitchen life in a way that felt true to his own experiences. “[Watching,] it felt like I was back in a kitchen brigade,” he shared. In the show—and in real life—the Blue Apron represents high standards, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Motivated by this, Ingraham adapted the concept to create a meaningful way to celebrate team members who exemplify exceptional skill and character.

Making Recognition Tangible

Ingraham’s idea isn’t just about handing out aprons; it’s about what the apron represents. Team members start with a standard black apron, but earning a blue apron is a visible and tangible symbol of achievement. This concept also has roots in Ingraham’s martial arts background, where belts signify progression. “Instead of a belt change, it was an apron change,” he explains. “It becomes tangible—now you’re feeling it and wearing it.”

It’s more than just a uniform; it’s a badge of honor, a symbol of growth, and an inspiration for others to reach for.  Recognition has a powerful impact on morale, and the Blue Apron Award is no exception. By making achievements visible, Ingraham creates a sense of pride and motivation within his team. “One person said, ‘I’m going to get that next month,’ and I thought, ‘That’s exactly what I wanted!’” he recalls.

The process also encourages accountability and fosters engagement, as those who receive the blue apron help nominate and mentor the following awardees, creating a ripple effect and helping the team grow as a whole. As more team members earn their blue aprons, the desire to achieve becomes contagious. This peer-driven motivation is crucial in a demanding industry like food service, where teamwork and mutual support are the keys to success.

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes

One of the most compelling and important aspects of the Blue Apron Award is its inclusivity. The recognition isn’t limited to top-tier cooks; it’s open to anyone who exemplifies dedication, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Whether it’s a cook who consistently delivers quality meals or a front-of-house ambassador who transforms the dining space with attention to detail, the award highlights those who do great work.

For example, Ingraham recounts the story of Maria, a front-of-house ambassador who revamped the doctors’ lounge in just two days. “She didn’t physically change anything—she just rearranged and cleaned things up—but it looked like a completely new space,” he shares. Moments like these showcase the power of individual effort and how it contributes to the bigger picture in more ways than we think.

Mentorship as a Growth Pathway

A cornerstone of the Blue Apron Award is mentorship. Each recipient becomes a mentor, tasked with guiding others toward the same standard of excellence. Ingraham compares this to the “push-pull” dynamic he learned in martial arts: “If you’re only pushing people, you’ll wear out. But if they start pulling for themselves, it’s a game-changer.”

By encouraging team members to mentor others, Ingraham strengthens the value of the award and creates a cycle of growth and improvement. This mentorship builds confidence and skills, helping team members see themselves as leaders and setting the stage for long-term success.

Elevating the Dining Experience

The Blue Apron Award isn’t just about internal recognition; it also enhances the guest experience. Ingraham envisions creating a “blue wall” in the dining areas, showcasing the awardees and their accomplishments. “When patients and customers see that wall, they’ll realize we have real culinarians here,” he says. By highlighting the expertise and dedication of the team, the award bridges the gap between quality food and meaningful storytelling, creating a deeper connection with guests.

Passion Meets Purpose

Joshua Ingraham’s passion for food goes far beyond the plate. His dedication to healthy, fresh meals and his commitment to cultivating talent are evident in every aspect of his work. From his martial arts-inspired approach to mentoring and his creative initiatives like the Blue Apron Award, Ingraham is building more than just meals—he’s building a culture.

Through tangible goals, peer-driven recognition, and a focus on mentorship, the Blue Apron Award is transforming the kitchen into a space where excellence thrives and everyone has the opportunity to grow. It’s a reminder that recognition isn’t just about the moment; it’s about the movement it inspires.

With leaders like Ingraham at the helm, the blue wave of excellence is only just beginning.