MAYS LANDING— Save the date for Atlantic Cape Community College’s 43rd Annual Restaurant Gala, which will be hosted by Platinum Sponsors Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Tropicana Atlantic City, on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6-9:30 p.m. at the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City.
The evening’s Groovin’ at the Gala theme will throwback it back to the fun and funky spirit of the 1970’s complete with the glamour of disco nightlife, lava lamps, bohemian energy, bright fashion patterns, bell bottoms and unique food flavors.
This year’s event will recognize Community Honoree Gary Musich, President and CEO, Visit Atlantic City and Academy of Culinary Arts Honoree Chef Giancarlo Generosi ’99, Executive Chef, Bally’s Atlantic City.
As the head of Visit Atlantic City, the City’s official tourism organization, Musich oversees the promotion of leisure tourism, conventions, sporting events, film production and group tourism. Musich, who was elevated to this role in 2025, has more than 25 years of experience in sales and hospitality, brings an extensive background in driving business growth and fostering key relationships across the tourism sector.
With over 28 years in Atlantic City, Chef Generosi, who graduated from the Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) in 1999, has become a cornerstone of Bally’s culinary team, renowned for crafting dishes that blend classic flavors with modern flair. Chef Giancarlo was part of the ACA apprenticeship program with the Claridge Casino. He has worked in many culinary outlets and rose through the ranks and honed his skills in various gourmet kitchens, buffets, commissary kitchens and coffee shops. Chef Generosi has led kitchen teams across Bally’s signature restaurants, mentoring countless aspiring chefs along the way.
The Annual Restaurant Gala, which is highly-regarded as the premier food and beverage fundraising event in the Atlantic City area, annually attracts 1,000 community and business leaders, government officials, food enthusiasts and friends of the college. This year’s event will begin at 6 p.m. with a lavish cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvres prepared by the students of the Academy of Culinary Arts. A formal dinner will follow at 7 p.m. in the ballroom complete with sample signature dishes, desserts and some of the finest libations from more than 50 South Jersey establishments. A 50/50 raffle drawing, five destination experience raffles, open bar, photo booth and live musical entertainment will round out the evening’s festivities.
Since its inception in 1984, the Restaurant Gala has raised more than $4.6 million for scholarships benefiting students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs, a student emergency fund and Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation operations. We are grateful for every contribution that helps the ACA provide quality educational and training opportunities, and ensures the continued success of our students.
View a photo gallery from the 42nd Annual Restaurant Gala.
For more information about the 43rd Annual Restaurant Gala, please visit atlanticcape.edu/gala or contact Kristin Jackson at kjackson@atlanticcape.edu or (609) 463-3621.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
