Thanks to ECEP’s efforts, caterers are taking their place at the government table By Liese Gardner Change and upheaval can be powerful catalysts for action. This was precisely the case for the founding members of Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) as they faced the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, which brought a devastating ripple effect to their … [Read more...] about Advocating for Change
Personalizing the Big Day
Creating weddings that capture a couple’s personalities is what it’s all about for event planner Brian Worley By Sara Perez Webber Like many event professionals, Brian Worley had no idea that what started as a side hustle would evolve into a passion and a career. The creative director and owner of B. Worley Productions in Atlanta, Worley was working at a Banana … [Read more...] about Personalizing the Big Day
ECEP Caterers Are Mad for Mocha Mousse
The rich, warm hue of Mocha Mousse—Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025—is adding sophistication to both desserts and décor. Caterer members of ECEP have embraced the earthy brown tone, creating irresistible desserts in the indulgent shade: The Mocha Mousse trend also extends to event décor. “In the past, wedding color schemes were often built around classic staples like … [Read more...] about ECEP Caterers Are Mad for Mocha Mousse
Small Plates, Big Impact
How two ECEP members—Ridgewells Catering and Behind the Scenes Catering & Events—create food stations that elevate events and surpass guest expectations By Sara Perez Webber A senior event designer at Ridgewells Catering in the Washington, D.C., area, Mary Margaret Hart follows a general rule of thumb when creating a food station or buffet. “You never put anything … [Read more...] about Small Plates, Big Impact
Collective Wisdom for Catering Excellence
Five takeaways from ECEP symposiums to help you grow your business By Liese Gardner At the annual symposium for Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP), top catering business owners come together with thought leaders to exchange ideas and best practices. From HR and operations to culinary, kitchen, sales and finance, the event is a dynamic gathering of collective … [Read more...] about Collective Wisdom for Catering Excellence
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Proof of the Pudding’s LaTosha Marks describes six strategies for retaining quality employees By Sara Perez Webber It’s a conundrum for hospitality businesses. Customer service is only as good as the people providing it. Yet it’s difficult to find and keep committed employees in an industry with one of the highest job turnover rates. To find out how one large … [Read more...] about Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Progress in Cold Chain Logistics
Smart technologies are helping foodservice businesses ensure food quality and safety By Nick Fryer, Sheer Logistics When the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness is mitigated, your customers are satisfied, and your business grows. Cold chain logistics—the storing, handling and transporting of temperature-sensitive items—play an essential role in ensuring food … [Read more...] about Progress in Cold Chain Logistics
Complying with Foodservice Standards
Tech tools help businesses stay compliant with ever-complex regulations By Fred Whipp, vice president of business development at mpro5 Compliance in the foodservice and catering industry has grown increasingly complex as regulations become more stringent. With over 12 federal regulatory agencies and more than 30 laws linked to monitoring food safety, allergen labeling, … [Read more...] about Complying with Foodservice Standards
Sensational Sweets and Sips
Experts reveal the latest wedding dessert and drink trends By Sara Perez Webber Wedding receptions are a time to indulge. To help you plan your big events accordingly, we’ve rounded up some of the latest trends in scrumptious desserts and celebratory cocktails. Let’s get this party started! Desserts Extravagant Cakes While no-frills cutting cakes were in … [Read more...] about Sensational Sweets and Sips
Double the Opportunity
The co-located Florida Restaurant Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit are growing, expanding to three days in 2025 By Sara Perez Webber Pineapple on pizza—yea or nay? If you were one of the nearly 4,500 industry professionals who attended the co-located Pizza Tomorrow Summit and Florida Restaurant Show in Orlando on Nov. 6-7, 2024, which kicked off the day after the … [Read more...] about Double the Opportunity
