Increasingly popular specialty coffee drinks could give your menu a jolt By Sara Perez Webber Have you tapped into the brewing demand for specialty coffee? If not, the robust revenue stream may be just the jolt your menu needs. As of 2024, 45% of American adults reported consuming specialty coffee in the past day—an 80% increase since 2011, according to a report from … [Read more...] about Pouring Profits
Spotlight
The Danger of Nuclear Verdicts
In an era of huge jury awards, it’s imperative for hospitality businesses to understand the risks and take precautions A $10 million lawsuit would be the nail in the coffin for nearly every hospitality business. However, the number of nuclear verdicts continues to rise. Recent data shows that U.S. juries awarded more than $14.5 billion in nuclear verdicts in 2023—a 15-year … [Read more...] about The Danger of Nuclear Verdicts
A Toast to Collaboration
ECEP attracted its best turnout yet at its fifth annual Symposium in Napa Valley By Sara Perez Webber Photos by Jkapture Studios When the leaders of Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP) chose the location of the group’s recent annual meeting, they knew what would appeal to their audience. After all, what better place for a group of foodies to come together … [Read more...] about A Toast to Collaboration
Food Packaging Strategies
How caterers can satiate consumer and regulatory hunger for eco-friendly options By Alexus Medina, Sabert Today, all aspects of foodservice operations are under scrutiny, from sourcing to water conservation to food waste. Consumers and lawmakers are increasingly pushing the foodservice industry to adopt practices that will get us closer to creating a sustainable food … [Read more...] about Food Packaging Strategies
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
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
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
