Culinary Scholarships

Investing in the next generation of culinary talent in Western New York.

Supporting Culinary Education

The Buffalo Bailliage is committed to nurturing emerging culinary talent. Through our scholarship program, we provide financial support to promising students pursuing careers in the culinary arts.

About the Program

Each year, the Buffalo Chaîne awards scholarships to students enrolled in accredited culinary programs in Western New York. Recipients are selected based on their passion for the culinary arts, academic achievement, and commitment to excellence.

Scholarships are funded through our annual fundraising dinners and the generous contributions of our members.

How to Apply

Students currently enrolled in a culinary program at an accredited institution in Western New York are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted annually.

For more information about eligibility requirements and the application process, please contact us.

Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs

Our Young Chefs on the National Stage

The Chaîne's Jeune Chef Rôtisseur competition is decided first by region, then at a national final. SUNY Niagara's Niagara Falls Culinary Institute has now sent two Northeast champions to nationals.

Devin Sierra, Antonio Cruz and Sydney Hilzendeger in chef's whites and Chaîne medals
The 2026 national winners, from left: Devin Sierra (Northeast), Antonio Cruz (Far West) and Sydney Hilzendeger (Pacific Northwest).
2026 · Northeast Champion

Devin Sierra

A first-year culinary arts student at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Devin won the Northeast regional in Newport, Rhode Island, on April 10. The format was a mystery basket: a three-course meal for four, built around a whole duck and a whole branzino. He went on to take second place nationally at the National Culinary Weekend.

Devin was prepared for the competition by Chef Scott Steiner, CCE, AAC, and Chef Jacob Rhodes of SUNY Niagara, and by Chef Geoffrey Lanez, CMC, MBA, Executive Chef of the Patterson Club.

2024 · National Champion

Jedidiah Gaskin

The first Niagara Falls Culinary Institute student to represent the Northeast at nationals, Jedidiah Gaskin won the national title in 2024. Members met the result in person this January at Fairbanks in Lewiston, where Jedidiah cooked as part of the culinary team.

The Fairbanks Dinner

Past Recipients

Our scholarship recipients have gone on to distinguished careers in kitchens and culinary institutions across the country. We are proud of their achievements.

Scholarship recipient profiles coming soon.