1995

Ada M. Brookover    Educator
Herman Cain    Owner, Manager and Director, Godfather's Pizza
Vincent S. Finocchiaro    Purveyor, Finocchiaro Wine Company
Arthur S. Kulakofsky    Purveyor, Ak-Sar-Ben Beef Company
Ross S. Lorello    Owner, Manager and Director, Ross's Steak House
Hubert Piechota   Chef, Hilltop Restaurant
Louis J. Turco   Chef, Lamplighter
Joseph A. Villella   Educator, Boys Town Culinary Arts Program

Brookover, Ada MaxAda M. Brookover
Educator

She was an educator in numerous food-related settings from 1938 to 1979. She was Chairman of the Home Economics Department of St. Benedict's College, initial Chairperson for the Hospitality Department at MCC, an Iowa Extension Home Economist in Lyon, Boone and Polk Counties and Bellevue's Person of the Year (1990).

 

 


Cain, HermanHerman Cain
Owner, Manager and Director, Godfather's Pizza

He was Vice President for Corporate Systems and Services for Pillsbury and Regional Vice President—within nine months of joining—of Burger King. He returned Godfather's Pizza to profitability within one year of assuming its presidency and received the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association's Operator of the Year/Gold Plate Award (1991). He was President of the National Restaurant Association.

 


Finocchiaro, Vincent S.Vincent S. Finocchiaro
Purveyor, Finocchiaro Wine Company

He received a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service while in the Army in the Korean War. He was President and Secretary of the Rotary Club of Omaha, President of St. Robert's Church Men's Club and a Parish Council member.

 

 


Kulakofsky, AuthurArthur S. Kulakofsky
Purveyor, Ak-Sar-Ben Beef Company 

He was President and a frequent board member of the National Association of Meat Purveyors. He received the Agricultural Achievement Award from the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and is the co-author of the industry standard The Meat Buyer's Guide.

 

 


Lorello, Ross S.Ross S. Lorello
Owner, Manager and Director, Ross's Steak House 

His first operation was Ross' Villa near 13th and Dodge in 1952. He was honored by the City of Hope National Medical Center with its Great Guy Award. He sponsored the annual golf tournament for the benefit of Christ Child Society.

 

 


Piechota, HubertHubert Piechota
Chef, Hilltop Restaurant 

He was Head Chef for Union Pacific Railroad and Kenny's Restaurant and President of the Omaha Restaurant Association. He was selected as Restaurateur of the Year (1979) by the Nebraska Restaurant Association and winner of the National Restaurant Association competitions (1964 and 1965).

 

 


Turco, Louis J.Louis J. Turco
Chef, Lamplighter

He is a member of the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque. He was President of the Omaha Culinary Association, Chef of the Year (1969) and former Chef at the Anchor Inn, Tower Inn, Lamplighter, Blackstone Hotel and Fontenelle Hotel.

 

 


Villella, Joseph A.Joseph A. Villella
Educator, Boys Town Culinary Arts Program

He is an honorable member of the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque. He was developer and Director of the Boys Town Culinary Arts Program, President of the Omaha Restaurant Association and the Nebraska Club Manager's Association, a member of MCC's Advisory Committee for Culinary Arts and author of a standard work in the field titled The Hospitality Industry.