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Kamal Grant ’04 of Sublime Brands Delivers Commencement Keynote

San Antonio, TX – Kamal Grant, a 2004 graduate of The Culinary Institute of America’s New York campus and a U.S. Navy veteran, delivered the commencement address at the San Antonio campus of his alma mater on April 13.

Grant is the founder and creative director of Sublime Brands. What began as a small doughnut shop near Georgia Tech in Atlanta in 2008 now includes two additional locations in the Atlanta area—including one certified kosher—with two more on the way at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Chef Grant also opened a Sublime Doughnuts in Bangkok, Thailand.

He is known for his artistic presentations and creative flavor combinations such as Fresh Strawberry N Cream, Salted Caramel & Reduced Balsamic Vinegar, and Chocolate Wild Berry Fritter. Grant’s creations earned Best Doughnuts in America honors from both US News & World Report (2013) and Food & Wine (2012). Bake magazine named Sublime Doughnuts America’s Best Bakery in 2012.

“The world is big, but it is also small,” Chef Grant told 45 associate degree recipients. “By going out and immersing yourself in its many different cultures and cuisines, you will find the tiny dots that connect us all.”

Grant served in the U.S. Navy from 1998 to 2002, using his GI Bill and Navy College Fund benefits to attend the CIA. It was as a Navy baker that he realized how much his shipmates loved doughnuts. Traveling the world while in the service also exposed him to diverse ingredients and flavor and texture combinations that he has incorporated into his products.

The CIA San Antonio offers associate degrees in both Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts. Graduates can then transfer to the college’s New York campus to complete bachelor’s degrees in Food Business Management, Culinary Science, or Applied Food Studies.

Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:

Kamal Grant ’04, a U.S. Navy veteran and founder of Sublime Doughnuts, was commencement speaker at The Culinary Institute of America, San Antonio on April 13, 2017. Chef Grant’s doughnuts have been honored as the best in America by several publications. (Photo credit: Darren Abate/CIA)

Media Contact:

Jeff Levine
Communications Manager
845-451-1372
jeff.levine@culinary.edu

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food business. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

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