An Aberdeen chef has been named among the best in Britain after scooping one of the UK’s most prestigious hospitality awards.
Mario Sanchez, who leads the catering team at NeoNext+ in Aberdeen for hospitality business BaxterStorey Scotland, has been crowned Chef Manager of the Year at the 2026 Foodservice Cateys - widely regarded as the Oscars of the hospitality industry.
The national award recognises Mario’s outstanding culinary talent, innovative approach to sustainability and commitment to developing the next generation of chefs.
Since joining BaxterStorey in March 2025, Mario has made a remarkable impact, leading a team of 12 and overseeing the daily catering operation for around 600 people at the NeoNext+ Aberdeen location.
He has transformed the workplace dining experience through creative menus, imaginative food concepts and an unwavering commitment to reducing food waste.
His approach includes transforming surplus ingredients into delicious new dishes, championing seasonal produce and introducing innovative sustainability initiatives that have also earned recognition from NeoNext+ at a European level.
Mario also mentors aspiring chefs through BaxterStorey’s Chef Academy and works with The King’s Trust to provide hospitality work placements, helping people develop valuable skills and secure employment.
His achievements have already seen him crowned BaxterStorey’s Regional Chef Manager of the Year for Scotland in 2026, with his Foodservice Catey win marking another milestone in his career.
Mario said: “I couldn’t believe it when they announced my name. Being shortlisted was incredible, but seeing my photo up on the big screen and hearing I’d won was something else. I nearly collapsed!
“Winning means everything to me, but this award belongs to my team just as much as it does to me. They’re an amazing group of people who are always willing to learn, develop and push themselves, and I wouldn’t be here without them.
“I started working as a chef when I was 16 and I’ve never looked back. I’m 44 now and I’m still learning something new all the time. That’s what I love about this industry. There’s nothing better than seeing customers enjoying your food or watching someone in your team grow and achieve something they didn’t think was possible.
“For me, it’s about continuing to learn, developing the people around me and making great food. That’s what it’s all about.”
Mark McCulloch, managing director at BaxterStorey Scotland, said: “Mario is an exceptional chef and leader who brings incredible passion, creativity and energy to everything he does.
“What makes him so special is that he combines outstanding food with a genuine commitment to sustainability and developing people. He’s made a huge impact in Aberdeen in such a short space of time, and we couldn’t be prouder to see him recognised on the national stage. This award is thoroughly deserved”.