Michael Symon's Festive Dark Chocolate Bark Brings Chef-Driven Holiday Indulgence to Workplace Dining

Workplaces across the country are receiving a taste of chef-driven holiday indulgence through a new limited-edition creation from nationally acclaimed chef Michael Symon. The Festive Dark Chocolate Bark, crafted exclusively for Kitchen Works by Sodexo, is now available at all Kitchen Works locations nationwide, offering workers a sweet way to savor the season without leaving their workplace. This collaboration represents a significant shift in how corporate dining services approach seasonal offerings and workplace culinary experiences.

Chef Symon, deeply influenced by his Greek and Sicilian heritage as well as his Cleveland upbringing, has designed the bark to feature melted dark chocolate studded with toasted pistachios, dried cherries, and salt flakes. The creation serves multiple purposes for busy professionals seeking moments of indulgence during the workday, bringing home gourmet treats, or adding chef-inspired flair to holiday gatherings. This approach reflects the growing demand for elevated workplace dining options that go beyond basic cafeteria fare.

Joe Ganci, President of Sodexo Corporate Services for North America, emphasized the strategic importance of such collaborations. At Kitchen Works, we believe the workplace cafe can be so much more than a place to grab lunch. It's a space for connection, community, and food that fuels you. Collaborations like this one with Chef Symon reflect our commitment to transforming everyday moments into meaningful experiences for the people we serve. This philosophy aligns with broader workplace trends focusing on employee experience and well-being through improved amenities and services.

Kitchen Works has established itself as a provider of chef-driven workplace dining experiences, focusing on bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and convenient meals that keep employees energized. The Festive Dark Chocolate Bark joins a lineup of seasonal and signature items designed to make eating well accessible even during the busiest time of year. This seasonal offering demonstrates how corporate dining services are evolving to meet changing employee expectations for quality, convenience, and culinary innovation.

Chef Michael Symon, Culinary Ambassador for Kitchen Works, explained the personal inspiration behind the creation. The holidays have always been about bringing people together around the table to laugh, cook, and share a great meal. A lot of the dishes I make this time of year are inspired by those big family gatherings growing up in Cleveland. My Greek and Sicilian roots meant there was always food, loud conversation, and a lot of love. My mom makes the most incredible baklava loaded with pistachios, so I've always had a soft spot for them when it comes to dessert, and anyone who knows me knows I'm a total chocolate guy. That's where the idea for Festive Dark Chocolate Bark came from. I hope it brings that same sense of family and community to tables nationwide.

Since partnering with Kitchen Works in 2024, Symon has infused workplace dining with his signature comfort-meets-creativity style through dishes such as Smokey Cherry Pork Grits, Juicy Lucy Double Cheese and Bacon Burger, and the Symon Says Meatball. His latest offering underscores Kitchen Works mission to redefine on-site dining with chef-inspired, seasonal menus that balance flavor, wellness and convenience. For more information about Kitchen Works, visit https://us.sodexo.com/brands/kitchen-works. This ongoing partnership signals a broader industry movement toward bringing celebrity chef expertise and restaurant-quality experiences into corporate environments, potentially setting new standards for workplace dining nationwide.