Acorn Awards 2026: Robbie Owen, Thomas Franks

Position Chef manager, Thomas Franks 

Age 29

Nominator Ben Weston-Conway, group director of marketing and communications, Thomas Franks 

Robbie Owen has led a rapid turnaround at Thomas Franks sites, restoring performance through food innovation and strong commercial focus.

Owen joined the family-owned contract caterer in 2023 as chef de partie at a leading independent Oxfordshire school. After demonstrating innovation in education catering and educating students on healthy eating, he was promoted to junior sous chef.

Owen rose again to be promoted to chef manager in 2025 at one of the caterer’s underperforming sites, where he took on a contract at risk of tender. There he led a full reset of the offer and service standards within six months, delivering a 150% increase in daily revenue through a refreshed street food concept, improved hospitality and stronger customer engagement. Due to his drive to improve culinary standards and client relations, Owen’s food offer has also gained wider recognition across the business, positioning the site as a showcase location for the caterer. 

Owen’s impact extends beyond sales. Aware that catering can be a great industry for neurodiverse people and, drawing on his own experience, Owen places strong emphasis on an inclusive working environment, creating kitchens where energy, creativity and unconventional thinking are welcomed. He mentors apprentices through structured one-to-one sessions, building technical skills and confidence. 

Beyond the kitchen, he supports the wider industry through school outreach, masterclasses and charity work with the Thomas Franks Foundation, helping deliver meals to those at risk of food poverty.