A chicken sandwich that broke the internet, a plant-based burger that swept the nation, and a chain that made hot dogs sexy will join legendary chef Thomas Keller as recipients of the 2020 MenuMasters Awards, presented by Nation’s Restaurant News and sponsored by Ventura Foods.
So will the weekly specials of a taco chain, a casual-dining concept that revamped its menu, a fast-casual giant that made it easier for customers to stick to their diets and a Chicago-based pasta maven.
All the winners have made innovations or created menu items that NRN’s editors have judged to have a significant impact on the foodservice industry.
They will be honored at this year’s MenuMasters gala at the Drake Hotel in Chicago on May 16.
“The 2020 MenuMasters honorees exemplify the restaurant industry’s passion for providing customers with innovative, exciting and crave-worthy menu offerings,” said Jim Goggin, senior vice president of Ventura Foods. “We are proud of our ongoing sponsorship of the Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters Awards and look forward to celebrating these culinary masters.”
“This year’s awardees have not only made great contributions to foodservice, but they touch on the big stories and major food trends of the year,” NRN senior food & beverage editor Bret Thorn said. “From plant-based protein to diet-specific menu items to great chicken sandwiches, not to mention innovative tacos, burgers and hot dogs, we have an incredible lineup of winners.”
Click through to see the awardees, and learn more about these MenuMasters winners on Friday, February 28, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, in a Facebook Live presentation by NRN publisher Sarah Lockyer and senior food editor Bret Thorn.
MenuMasters is an invitation-only event for foodservice executives. Follow #MenuMasters on social media to join the excitement, and get more information on the gala and how to attend at informaconnect.com/menumasters/.