The 2026 inductees include David Burke, Mario Carbone, Andrew Carmellini, Maneet Chauhan, Michael Cimarusti, Scott Conant, Cat Cora, Mark Erickson, Jennifer Jasinski, Michael Mina, Enrique Olvera Figueras, Alfred Portale, Michael Symon, Rich Torrisi, and Geoffrey Zakarian. The institution also honored the late Anne Burrell, who was represented by her family at the ceremony. CIA President Michiel Bakker noted that these individuals have fundamentally altered how the public experiences hospitality, setting benchmarks for future generations of students.

Beyond the induction ceremonies, the college unveiled permanent tributes to two other industry icons. Thomas Keller was honored with a statue near the campus entrance gate that bears his name, while Roy Yamaguchi, a 2025 inductee, was celebrated with the dedication of the Yamaguchi Family Lanai. These events coincided with a busy week on the Hyde Park campus, which hosted the college’s Board of Trustees meeting, the annual Chili Cook-Off, and Family Weekend, drawing over 1,200 guests to the campus.