NEW YORK Nation’s Restaurant News, in partnership with Technomic Inc. and The Kruse Company, is producing a new menu-focused, research-driven culinary event called Menu Trends & Directions, to be held Oct. 6-7 in Dallas.
With a powerful menu intelligence dream team at the helm, the conference is designed to deliver the best and most comprehensive look at where menus are headed in the future, according to the event’s organizers.
“Menu development professionals can’t miss at this event, where we’ll cover critical topics including menu strategies to keep offerings attractive and profitable in challenging times,” said Tom Larranaga, publisher of NRN. “Menu Trends & Directions will offer original research and actionable recommendations.”
Drawing on an unmatched wealth of expertise in trend watching, foodservice knowledge, data collection and customer insight, the teams at NRN, Technomic and The Kruse Company say they have developed a compelling program for restaurateurs in all segments.
“Attendees will be privy to research not previously released — information that can provide a significant edge in the competitive restaurant marketplace,” said Nancy Kruse, president of The Kruse Company, a firm dedicated to assessing trends and directions in food, menu and restaurant concepts.
Opportunities to network with culinary experts and peers will be plentiful during Menu Trends & Directions, Kruse said.
“You can’t put a price on time spent sharing ideas and discussing challenges with others in the industry,” Kruse said.
For chain operators, a State of the Plate report will provide an in-depth look at the trends influencing foods, flavors, presentation techniques, ingredients, ethnic accents, dayparts and healthful offerings at multi-unit operations.
In another session, culinary experts will examine some of the industry’s menu hotspots, such as sandwiches, snacks and desserts. They will also share growth data, trends to watch, updates on ingredients and look at the factors driving the popularity of these offerings.
In addition, menu doctor and author Shirley Corriher, one of today’s most popular and astute foodservice educators, will share her views on menu strategies culled from a lifetime of problem-solving in the kitchen.
Another session not to be missed given the current recession is “Creating Menu Value in Challenging Times.” The presentation will focus on consumer data, strategies, tactics and tricks of the trade. A look at best practices will deliver valuable insight into who’s doing what right.
Other event highlights include a panel of well-known chefs who will share their secrets on making menus memorable. The consumer viewpoint will also be represented as experts examine consumer trends that are impacting menu direction and consumer insight on critical culinary issues.
Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, the Chicago-based food industry consulting and research firm, said, "Technomic is excited to partner with Nation's Restaurant News and The Kruse Company to provide valuable menu trends and insights to the marketplace."
Menu Trends & Directions will be held at the Anatole Hilton Hotel in Dallas. For more information and to register, call (813) 627-6988 or email: [email protected].
