Metz Culinary Management (Metz) is now providing culinary, environmental, and transportation services for Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, VA. Metz brings to CHKD a combination of specialized expertise gained in serving several pediatric hospitals, its hospitality-bred commitment to guest-centric service, and its management focus on creating meaningful working partnerships that go beyond the usual client-provider relationship.
Metz inaugurated service on February 2, following 90 days of preparation. “Metz took time to understand CHKD’s operational and clinical needs before tailoring services to meet the expectations of young patients, their families, and hospital staff,” said Mary Rohde, Metz Vice President of Business Development for Culinary Management and Environmental Services.
Virginia’s only freestanding, full-service pediatric hospital, CHKD serves children across Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina through a comprehensive network of medical, surgical, and urgent care services.
A Seamless but Snowy Launch
The transition to Metz services went smoothly, even in the face of a major snowstorm. “Service transitions are inherently complex, and hospitals demand absolute reliability,” said Maureen Metz, Executive Vice President. “Our team met the challenge and excelled, ensuring a smooth experience for patients and staff alike.”
CHKD leadership took notice. “The Metz team shined in how they responded during our snowstorm,” said Kamil Cak, CHKD’s Vice President, Experience of Care. “They not only showed up, but they also coordinated and communicated exceptionally well. We truly appreciate their commitment.”
Culinary and Nutrition Services for Children and Families
At CHKD, Metz’s culinary team serves more than meals; they contribute to the patients’ healing experiences and to the peace of mind of their families. “Food is medicine, and our patient menus are designed not only to appeal to children but also to meet their therapeutic needs,” Rohde said. “Our culinary team works to make patient meals approachable, comforting, and even fun.”
On the retail side, Metz has elevated the dining experience for family members, caregivers, hospital staff, and visitors through thoughtfully designed menus and retail spaces. Menu items include both adult and child-friendly options. The latter include whimsical items like sandwiches shaped like dinosaurs or Mickey Mouse ears, intended to encourage kids to explore new foods. Chef Fresh Child’s Snack Boxes were added to the grab and go options recently and have been a big hit. They contain cheese cubes, fruit, peanut butter & jelly flower-sandwiches, and other treats.
Metz also ensures food safety by clearly identifying potential allergens and gluten content on all menus. In addition, all Metz culinary staff receive comprehensive, industry-standard allergy training and certification.
Creating Safe, Child-Friendly Environments
Metz has implemented pediatric-specific cleaning protocols designed to support infection prevention while promoting peace of mind. Their approach considers the psychological impact of the physical environment, helping children and families feel more at ease during their hospital stay.
“In pediatric care, a clean room isn’t just a matter of hygiene; it’s a matter of trust and emotional safety,” Rohde said. “In a children’s hospital, our environmental services team has to think about all the little hands and curious minds exploring their environment. That means paying attention to details others might miss—cleaning low surfaces, high-touch areas, and all the nooks and crannies kids are likely to find. ”
Bringing Comfort and Connection to Patient Transport
Inside a children’s hospital, moving patients from one area to another often involves not just the patient but also parents or caregivers. Metz transport team members are trained to engage with the whole family, offering empathy, calm, and a sense of confidence as they accompany children through what can be an unfamiliar and anxious experience.
“Our transporters aren’t just moving patients; they’re creating moments of connection,” Rohde said. “Whether it’s a quick conversation, a reassuring smile, or even wearing a clown nose, we aim to bring a warm, personal touch to each interaction.”
“At Metz, our company culture is rooted in hospitality,” said Maureen Metz. “That desire to serve informs every service we deliver, whether it’s through food, a clean space, or a reassuring presence. Our goal is to brighten the day of everyone we serve—patients, their families, hospital staff, and visitors.”