Updated: 10/11/2025 20:44:40
Bon Appetit Management Company
Bon Appétit Management Company (BAMCO) is a Redwood City, California–based on-site foodservice company (founded 1987) operating roughly 1,000 cafés across 33 states. The company combines chef-driven, from-scratch cooking with industry-leading sustainability and sourcing programs (Farm to Fork), targeted campaigns on animal welfare and antibiotics, food-waste reduction and recovery, food education, and workforce equity and development. BAMCO communicates its practices through white papers, Bravo magazine, blogs and public commitments to clients and partners.
Animal Welfare & Antibiotics Stewardship
Public commitments include transitioning to higher-welfare protein standards and reducing antibiotic use in supply chains; publishes guidance and sourcing standards to implement these policies. [1]
Awards & External Recognition
Recognized by industry and sustainability organizations (James Beard Foundation, NRDC, Humane Society, Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council and others) for purchasing leadership and sustainability progress. [2]
Clients, Partnerships & Contact Channels
Partners with universities, corporations, museums and specialty venues; provides client resources, press contact pages and active social presence (e.g., Instagram) for outreach and engagement. [3]
Culinary Standards & Philosophy
Chefs are empowered to cook from scratch (stocks, sauces, soups), follow ingredient standards (no trans fats or MSG) and create plant-forward, nutritious menus tailored to client sites. [4]
Farm to Fork & Local Purchasing
Longstanding Farm to Fork program (since 1999) prioritizes direct relationships with farmers and regional producers; campaigns like the Eat Local Challenge promote 150‑mile sourcing and local procurement. [5]
Food Education & Signature Programs
Operates nationwide education and engagement efforts—Healthy Kids, performance nutrition, chef training—and annual initiatives such as the Eat Local Challenge; publishes white papers and impact reports on outcomes. [6]
Food Waste Reduction & Recovery
Provides tools and programs to reduce plate and kitchen waste, support on-site composting and diversion, and run food recovery programs that redirect edible food to community partners. [7]
History & Mission
Founded from Bon Appétit Catering and relaunched in 1987; mission centers on chef-driven menus, scratch cooking and foodservice practices that advance sustainability and social responsibility. [8]
Overview & Footprint
On-site restaurant management firm serving corporations, universities, museums and specialty venues; operates around 1,000 cafés in 33 states with headquarters in Redwood City/Palo Alto area. [9]
Publications, Media & Communication
Shares best practices and stories through Bravo magazine, company blog, white papers and social channels; uses these channels for case studies, policy announcements and culinary features. [10]
Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing
Companywide sourcing philosophy emphasizes sustainable seafood, rBGH-free dairy, cage-free eggs, humane meat sourcing (crate-free pork, verified beef), and consideration of low‑carbon choices in menus and purchasing. [11]
Workforce Development & Equity
Offers hiring and development paths including a Fellowship program and multilingual resources; has formal commitments and initiatives to increase equity, address bias and support farmworker rights. [12]
References:
Additional Sources:
13. About — Who We Are & History [https://www.bamco.com/about/#panel-who-we-are]
14. Awards & Recognition [https://www.bamco.com/about/awards/]
15. Bon Appétit Management Company — Home [https://www.bamco.com/]
16. Bravo Magazine Issues [https://www.bamco.com/bravo-magazine-issues/]
17. Culinary Standards & Cooking [https://www.bamco.com/cooking/]
18. Eat Local Challenge (Blog) [https://www.bamco.com/blog/our-21st-annual-eat-local-challenge/]
19. Farm to Fork Timeline [https://www.bamco.com/timeline/farm-to-fork/]
20. Increasing Equity at Bon Appétit [https://www.bamco.com/increasing-equity-at-bon-appetit/]
21. Sourcing — Philosophy & Programs [https://www.bamco.com/sourcing/]
22. Waste Reduction Resources [https://www.bamco.com/waste/]