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

Workplaces across the country are experiencing elevated holiday dining through a new limited-edition creation from James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Symon. The Festive Dark Chocolate Bark, crafted exclusively for Kitchen Works by Sodexo, represents the latest collaboration in a partnership that began in 2024 and continues to redefine workplace culinary experiences.

The holiday treat features melted dark chocolate studded with toasted pistachios, dried cherries, and salt flakes, drawing inspiration from Symon's Greek and Sicilian heritage. Chef Symon explained the cultural influences behind the creation, noting how his mother's baklava loaded with pistachios inspired his dessert preferences. The bark is designed to provide busy workers with moments of indulgence during the workday, serve as a take-home treat, or add gourmet flair to holiday gatherings.

Joe Ganci, President of Sodexo Corporate Services, North America, emphasized the broader mission behind such culinary 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.

The Festive Dark Chocolate Bark joins a growing lineup of chef-inspired offerings at Kitchen Works locations nationwide, building on previous Symon creations including Smokey Cherry Pork Grits, Juicy Lucy Double Cheese and Bacon Burger, and the Symon Says Meatball. These dishes showcase Symon's signature comfort-meets-creativity style that has characterized his partnership with the workplace dining brand.

For more information about Kitchen Works, visit https://us.sodexo.com/brands/kitchen-works. The brand is known for its chef-driven workplace dining experiences that focus on bold flavors, nourishing ingredients, and convenient meals designed to keep employees energized throughout their workday. This seasonal offering underscores how workplace dining is evolving beyond basic sustenance to become an integral part of employee experience and workplace culture.

The introduction of premium, chef-crafted items like the Festive Dark Chocolate Bark signals a broader trend in corporate dining services toward elevated culinary experiences. By bringing restaurant-quality creations directly to workplace settings, companies like Sodexo are addressing the growing demand for convenient yet sophisticated food options that accommodate busy professional schedules while enhancing overall job satisfaction and workplace community.