speaker on stage at 2023 restaurant show

Exploring Innovation, Trends, and Foodie Culture at the National Restaurant Show

The 2023 National Restaurant Show, held at McCormick Place in Chicago, brought together over 50,000 food service professionals and restaurateurs from around the world. This annual event showcases the latest products and innovations from global businesses to boutique brands, and is the best place to see emerging trends, and immerse yourself into the vibrant foodie culture shaping the culinary landscape.

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Healthier Dining Habits Drive Menu Innovation

Health has never been more important. The world is talking about coronavirus, how to prevent it, how to treat it, and the lifestyle diseases that worsen its effects. These conversations have reignited the need for healthful eating because it is one of the most important ways to improve our overall health and well-being.

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4 Ways to Appeal to Your Target Market

To identify a target market, operators often look to specific generations. Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, Millennials, and Gen Z customers all have different food and dining attitudes, habits, and preferences. What we’re finding now is that many macro trends are shared across generations. They might just manifest in different ways in terms of specific needs and operational executions, but the trends are very applicable across almost all demographics. Once operators have a grasp on overarching themes, they can develop their menus, strategize, and market more effectively. Continue reading…

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Episode 32 – C-Store Foodservice, Food News and New Products!

When it comes to food from “c-stores” – even with convenience foodservice sales exceeding $34 billion dollars a year – negative consumer perceptions still exist around the category. Recent research has shown that there is plenty of room for continued innovation when it comes to foodservice in c-stores, and that putting quality first in certain areas can have a positive impact on food sales.

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Episode 28 – The Story of Deb the Innovator

In this inspirational episode of Dennis Knows Food, we’re sharing the story of a small town foodservice innovator who kept her business running, growing and adapting through all of the changes and challenges that were thrown at it. You won’t want to miss this one – so, connect your bluetooth devices, plug in your headphones and turn up the volume – it’s story time!