Chartwells introduces new Revere food‑services team; superintendent says student engagement is rising

Superintendent Dr. Kelly introduced Chartwells' regional director Chris Callahan and the new Riviera food‑service team at the Sept. 9 Riviera School Committee meeting.

Callahan, who identified himself as Chartwells' New England regional director and said he has worked in school dining for 30 years, introduced Martha Franklin (director for Riviera operations), Kimberly Croconis Atkins (executive chef) and Justin Lepore (assistant director and Revere native). Callahan said the company recruited staff with experience in high‑volume feeding and culinary programming and intends to use Justin Lepore's social‑media and community ties to boost student engagement.

Callahan said the district is "off to a great start" and reported that pizza sales at the high school rose from about 20 per day at the start of the year to about 50 per day in recent weeks. "We get the students, we get our customers first," he said, and added that he will remain on site frequently during the first months to support the transition.

Dr. Kelly said students have already asked to meet with the food‑services team to discuss menus; Chartwells staff agreed to work with the high‑school administration on student menu input and a snack‑corner rebrand. No formal procurement action or vote was taken at the meeting; the presentation was an introduction and a staff update.