The history of the Research Chefs Association is marked by pivotal moments, visionary leadership, and a shared commitment to advancing the discipline of Culinology®. This timeline highlights a few significant milestones that have shaped the association’s growth and impact, alongside the Past Presidents whose dedicated, volunteer leadership has guided RCA through each chapter of its evolution.

2026

RCA Marks 30 Years of Culinology

RCA celebrates its 30th anniversary with a year-long celebration of Culinology® leadership.

2025

Momentum Builds at the 2025 Conference

RCA gathers in St. Louis, Missouri, from March 18-20, 2025, at the stunning St. Louis Union Station Hotel.

2024

RCA Revitalization Continues

Held in Quincy, Mass., the 2024 Annual Conference discovers how innovation fuels the core of Culinology® transformation.

2020

Hosted RCA Powered Up

A digital transformation of the 2020 RCA Conference leveraged innovation during COVID-19.

2019

High-Growth Trade Show Honoree

RCA is Recognized in Trade Show Executive Magazine's "Next 50 for Growth" in Louisville, Kentucky.

2019

The RCA Event in Napa

Hands-on experience for product developers at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia.

2018

First Cocktail Competition

RCA hosts its first-ever Culinology® Cocktail Competition at RCA After Dark.

2016

20th Anniversary Milestone

RCA celebrates two decades of innovation and the first-ever Culinology textbook publication.

2014

$180k Awarded

Scholarship Monies Reached

Over $180,000 awarded to date in scholarship monies by the Research Chefs Foundation.

2012

Inaugural Professional Competition

RCA hosts its inaugural Professional Culinology® Competition for industry members.

2002

Research Chefs Foundation Formed

RCF was formed to provide scholarships, and membership reached a new milestone of 1,200.

2000

Culinology is Born

The Term Culinology® is Born

"Culinology" was introduced at the first stand-alone RCA Annual Conference held in New Orleans, LA.

1996

RCA Founded

RCA is Officially Founded

The Research Chefs Association was established in 1996 to bridge culinary arts and food science.

1995

Concept Phase

Initial Concept Formulation

ACF members gather to formulate the concept of an association and elect the first board.