A Taste of Success: Chef’s Night Out 2026

More than 50 local restaurants and vendors came together on March 2 at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena for the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools’ Chef’s Night Out, an evening celebrating culinary talent, community partnership and workforce development.

Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione, liaison to Business Development and Tourism, and Commissioners Robert S. Arace and Frank Sadeghi, liaisons to the Vocational Technical Schools joined community leaders, educators and local business owners for the event. Supporting local businesses and workforce education helps build a strong economy and prepares students with the skills they need to succeed, creating clear pathways from classroom to career.

Also in attendance were State Senator Carmen Amato Jr. of New Jersey’s 9th Legislative District and Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy.

Proceeds from the annual event benefit the Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education, helping to enhance programs and provide critical resources for students pursuing careers in the culinary arts and technical fields.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners is proud to support initiatives that invest in workforce development, strengthen partnerships between education and industry, and celebrate the talent, dedication and creativity of our students and local business community.