The Green Restaurant Association helps foodservice companies reach their sustainability goals By Sara Perez Webber When Michael Oshman founded the Green Restaurant Association in 1990, he often had to explain what “greening” meant. “Everybody literally brought up Kermit the Frog,” he says with a laugh. And while it’s still not easy being green—as Kermit might … [Read more...] about Going Greener
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Reaping the Harvest
Caterers are cultivating inspired plant-based menus to satisfy the sprouting number of vegans and vegetarians By Sara Perez Webber Adherents of plant-based diets have more fast-food options than ever. Want a meat-free Whopper at Burger King? No problem—have it your way. Looking for dairy-free milk at Starbucks? You can choose from four varieties. Many caterers are also … [Read more...] about Reaping the Harvest
The Right Stuff
Your kitchen equipment can make or break your profitability, with new innovations saving time and money By Sara Perez Webber If you’re looking to save time and money in the kitchen—and who isn’t?—make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest innovations taking place in foodservice equipment. According to industry experts and manufacturers, many of the products and appliances … [Read more...] about The Right Stuff
Giving Them the World
How caterers are keeping diners happy in the age of “flavor tourism” By Connie Jeske Crane Maybe it’s a request for a frothy Peruvian pisco sour cocktail. Or Turkish eggs dotted with Aleppo pepper and mint. Whatever form it takes, one thing is clear—as virtually every food trend report has noted in 2023, modern diners are in dizzy pursuit of fresh global flavors. So, … [Read more...] about Giving Them the World
Hot Off the Grill
Tempt customers with these four sizzling barbecue trends By Connie Jeske Crane Low and slow cooking, lips and fingers sticky with fiery-sweet sauces, and a warm, communal vibe around the table. In America, there is a deep connection with and appreciation for barbecue, rooted in traditions that stretch back centuries. For foodservice professionals, too, there’s a lot to … [Read more...] about Hot Off the Grill
Picnics With Panache
Planners are taking picnics up a notch, creating picture-perfect settings for small gatherings By Sara Perez Webber In the thankfully-behind-us days of the COVID pandemic, the popularity of picnics soared. Picnics, after all, provided a way for people to socialize and enjoy a meal outdoors, without having to worry about indoor dining restrictions. “The pop-up picnic … [Read more...] about Picnics With Panache
Market Like a Pro
Experts share marketing tips you can implement to grow your business By Sara Perez Webber How are your new year’s resolutions coming along? If you’re like many business owners, you probably resolved to grow your business in 2023. Without a strong marketing plan, however, you may not accomplish your goal. “A marketing plan is not separate from your business plan,” … [Read more...] about Market Like a Pro
Station Innovation
Offering tempting dishes and creative themes, caterers serve up their best with guest-pleasing stations By Sara Perez Webber The sky’s the limit when it comes to food station variety. But which ones are most popular with clients and guests? CFE asked six caterers to share details of noteworthy station and buffet offerings. Their answers reflect the trends driving event … [Read more...] about Station Innovation
Taking the Pulse of the Industry
After years of tumult, what’s the business outlook for 2023? CFE asked experts from the catering and restaurant industries to weigh in By Sara Perez Webber The catering and restaurant industries have come a long way since the dark days of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the biggest disruption ever to the foodservice industry. And while certain challenges … [Read more...] about Taking the Pulse of the Industry
Tying the Knot in 2023
From nostalgia-themed celebrations to multi-day affairs, experts divulge 20 of the top trends influencing weddings in the new year By Sara Perez Webber Pearls A nostalgic detail poised to take center stage at weddings is the classic pearl. “If there’s one big takeaway from New York Bridal Fashion Week, it’s that pearls will dominate the aesthetic for 2023 … [Read more...] about Tying the Knot in 2023