NRA Show Blog

Brewing the American dream

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

We’re so excited about the flavors of fall, we couldn’t stop at yesterday's blog entry about pairing the right glass with your beer.

Samuel Adams, an exhibiting company at the 2011 International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event at the NRA Show, has also done a bit of matching up recently. The company teamed with their favorite baker, Carlene O’Garro of Delectable Desires bakery in South Boston, Mass. to create Samuel Adams Harvest Pumpkin Ale Pumpkin Bread – the recipe taps Samuel Adams' first-ever pumpkin beer.

VIDEO: Restaurant industry update with Hudson Riehle

Watch this month's restaurant industry update video with the National Restaurant Association's Hudson Riehle, talking about the August Restaurant Performance Index, international tourism and how weather affects restaurant sales. 

 

You can also watch previous restaurant industry update videos in our research section.

Reposted from NRA News blog

Fast-casual operators to meet Oct. 10-12 in Chicago

Senior-level executives at fast-casual restaurant companies that belong to the National Restaurant Association are invited to register as complimentary guests at the Fast Casual Executive Summit Oct. 10 to 12, in Chicago.

The two-and-a-half-day summit examines the trends shaping the fast-casual segment. Highlights include a keynote speech by Ed Rensi, former president and chief executive officer of McDonald’s USA, who is now developing a new gourmet hamburger restaurant called Tom & Eddie's. The summit also includes networking sessions and interactive presentations on digital marketing, brand leadership, money management for brand expansion, sustainable sourcing, hidden revenue channels, and menu strategies.

Perk up your day with a cup o’ Joe

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Do you need coffee to perk up your workday? You’re not alone. Fifty-six percent of Americans drink at least one cup of java a day says the National Coffee Association.

In fact, forty-three percent of coffee drinkers report they are less productive without their caffeine fix, according to a new survey released by Dunkin’ Donuts and CareerBuilder, just in time to celebrate National Coffee Day today.

Raise the right glass to beer

 
Photo by Brewers Association

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

National Drink Beer Day may have come and gone yesterday, but beer-soaked Oktoberfest festivities remain in full swing across the country.

For all you suds lovers out there, the Brewers Association offers this easy-to-follow beer and glassware guide. After all, pairing the right glass with your beer of choice will not only enhance the aromas and flavors, you'll impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. Be a beer expert!

Get your fresh produce fix through Foursquare and CNN

 
Farmers' markets have been around for ages, but growing interest in nutrition and where our food comes from has created renewed interest. Restaurants are ramping up their use of locally sourced, fresh produce and many chefs are visiting market stalls on a regular basis.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s survey of more than 1,800 professional chefs (American Culinary Federation members), locally grown produce is the No. 1 trend on restaurant menus this year.

This weekend, CNN and Foursquare launched a new collaboration on the geo-location service. Users can unlock a “Healthy Eating” badge when checking into farmers' markets nationwide. According to CNN’s Eatocracy blog, users may also receive discounts or gifts when showing the badge to vendors at participating markets. CNN also encourages people to share tips on Foursquare, some of which CNN may use in news stories.

Coca-Cola announces "5 BY 20", aims to empower more women entrepreneurs

Photo by Michael Pugh/The Coca-Cola Company

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The Coca-Cola Company pledges to empower 5 million entrepreneurs throughout its global business system by 2020.

Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer of Coca-Cola wants to grow its "micro distribution centers," an independent network of entrepreneurs who distribute Coca-Cola's beverage products to retailers often by bicycle or pushcart (yes, it's very eco-friendly).

"We need to increase awareness that better societies can be created as a result of empowering women," Mr. Kent said in a statement.

Render me this

 
By Chef Jeremy Hanlon
Food & Trends Contributor and NRA Show 2010 Hot Chef Challenge winner

Whenever I discuss duck, I always get a variety of reactions. Some eyes light up, similar to when people think of bacon (hmm...bacon) and others cringe at the thought of the taste or even trying it! Well, it's one of my favorite proteins to cook, particularly the breast. It's one of the true arts of cooking because it's a slower process that requires patience in order to accomplish two important things.

1. The rendering of the large amount of fat in order to obtain a crispy skin.
2. A medium temperature, which I think makes duck taste best. Everyone has his or her temperature preferences so please, do not let me speak for you, god for bid, I learned that lesson in the restaurant world!

New industry of opportunity video shares success stories

Reposted from NRA News Blog

Did you know that nine in 10 salaried restaurant industry employees started their careers as hourly staff? Or that 80 percent of restaurant owners' first job in the restaurant industry was an entry-level job?

It’s all true, according to research from the National Restaurant Association. Restaurants provide jobs for nearly 13 million people in the United States, and the industry is the nation’s second largest private-sector employer. It also has one of the most diverse workforces in the country.

To illustrate the abundant opportunities for advancement and entrepreneurship that restaurants provide, the NRA created a new video that highlights some of the many success stories in the diverse and unique restaurant industry.

International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event video nominated for award

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau’s annual, black-tie fundraiser gala will host the “Burnham’s Best Awards” on Friday, October 1 at Navy Pier.
 
CCTB members were asked to submit videos nominating their organization for the best TASTE, SIGHT, SOUND, SMELL, and TOUCH. Two finalists were selected in each category.

Voting is now open. Click the links below to watch the videos, and then cast  your vote for your favorite in each category by Monday, September 27!

Best Chicago Taste
National Restaurant Association’s International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) at NRA Show 2010 or Chicago Food Planet Food Tours. Cast your vote. 

While you're at it, catch some dance fever by checking out the NRA Show's first-ever foodie flash mob set to Lady Gaga's song "Just Dance".