Robert J. Darrah, CDM, CFPP, CHC
Legacy Retirement Communities
Robert has dedicated his career to improving self-operated healthcare foodservice. As an accomplished public speaker, he has served on several national boards and is currently serving his 11th term on the AHF National Board of Directors, this year as President. Darrah has served on the AHF National Board of Directors for the past eleven years in multiple roles on the board, delivering value to both operator and business members.
Robert is the Director of Dining Services for the Legacy Retirement Communities located in Lincoln, Nebraska. He oversees the operation of four communities, with an operating budget of 7+ million dollars serving over 50,000 meals per month with a culinary team consisting of 45 full-time & 224 part-time employees. Under his direction, he’s re-engineered the Legacy Dining Service program taking it from banquet style to full, five-star restaurant-style dining. Robert celebrated his 23rd year with the organization on March 15th, 2022.
Accomplishments
In March of 2008, Darrah received the National Good to Best Gold Medal for his efforts in reducing his operating costs by a remarkable $120,000 without cutting food quality or staff. In September of 2008, Food Service Director Magazine recognized him for his accomplishments as “Food Service Director of the Month”. In March of 2009, Don Miller & Associates awarded him the “Destination Success Story” for his outstanding achievements & contributions to the food service industry. In 2010 the AHF presented him with the “Partnership in Leadership Award.” In 2019, the Senior Dining Association presented him their inaugural “Humanitarian Award” for all of his work and contributions to not only the industry but to his community as well.
In February 2021 Darrah and his team were again recognized by Food Service Director Magazine as “Food Service Operation of the Month.” Over his 35-year career, Darrah has gained valuable experience & knowledge working in restaurant, hospital & Senior Living foodservice settings, all in a leadership capacity.