culinary & hospitality innovation
Elevating dining to a signature experience
Boomers are redefining what it means to age well, and they’re bringing bold new expectations for food, service, and lifestyle. Yet recent research by Age of Majority revealed a striking gap between what today’s older adults expect from dining experiences and what senior living communities currently deliver.
This wake-up call inspired the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), in collaboration with CrossCheck and Restaura, to address this issue. Together, we’ve created the first comprehensive framework to elevate dining and hospitality in senior living, not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them. Because we know that good food and great company are not luxuries—they’re essential to well-being, connection, and quality of life.
The ICAA Culinary and Hospitality Standards of Excellence initiative is a first-of-its-kind, three-part program designed to inspire innovation, raise expectations, and provide a clear roadmap to excellence in senior living communities.
Step 1: Set the standard
The ICAA Culinary and Hospitality Standards of Excellence are your foundation for creating best-in-class dining experiences. Far beyond routine service, these standards position culinary and hospitality offerings as central to wellness, social connection, and quality of life. They challenge communities to move beyond the basics—championing meals that are not only nutritious but also culturally meaningful, delicious, and joyfully experienced. Rooted in dignity and engagement, the standards encourage a holistic approach that celebrates food as a daily opportunity to foster inclusion, spark conversation, and elevate the overall resident experience.
Learn more
Step 2: Assess your progress
With the ICAA Culinary and Hospitality Self-Assessment, you’ll gain a clear picture of where your community stands. This powerful tool helps you identify strengths, reveal gaps and growth opportunities, and benchmark your performance against peers across the industry. It’s your starting point for planning, improvement, and alignment.
Available May 19, 2025 Learn more
Step 3: Earn a Plate of Distinction
Once you’ve laid the groundwork, take the next step toward national recognition with the ICAA Plate of Distinction. This prestigious honor recognizes communities that go above and beyond in delivering an exceptional dining and hospitality experience. Through a trusted onsite validation process led by CrossCheck, qualifying communities may earn Bronze, Gold, or Platinum status.
Think of it as the Michelin star of senior living—a visible, credible sign of excellence that builds pride among staff and trust among residents, families, suppliers, and future employees.
Coming soon Learn moreBy participating in the ICAA Culinary and Hospitality Standards of Excellence initiative, your community joins a movement to transform dining from a service into a signature experience—one that enhances wellness, connection, and quality of life.
Are you ready to raise the bar?
Start your journey toward culinary and hospitality excellence today. Contact us at info@icaa.cc or 866-335-9777.
The ICAA Culinary and Hospitality Standards of Excellence were established in conjunction with Restaura and CrossCheck.
