NRA Show Blog

Better-burgers biz beefs up

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief


Photo by Dr. Wolf Wagschal

The limited-service burger segment is the largest menu segment by revenue in the restaurant industry. With more than 1,000 stores and 2012 projected top $1 billion, Five Guys dominates the “better burger” category. But competitors with new ideas are closing in.   

Technomic reports that these fast-casual burger spots grew sales by 20.8 percent last year, while all limited-service burger chains grew 3.7 percent. And with that, plenty of room for continued growth, as fast-casual sales make up currently only 3.2 percent of LSR burger-segment sales.

Better-burger concepts have a lot going for them: they have the benefit of a basic and beloved menu focus. Raising the quality of the protein, bun, toppings and sides has been a winning formula. And a number of celebrity chefs have opened concepts that focus on burgers made with premium ingredients, helping to elevate their profile.

“The segment includes some of the rising stars of the industry overall. For example, Smashburger grew sales by more than 71 percent in 2011, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries increased sales by 24 percent,” said Technomic Executive Vice President Darren Tristano.

Tips to becoming a burger king:

NRA Show launches "Follow Friday Frenzy" Facebook sweepstakes

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The National Restaurant Association's NRA Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event announced the new "Follow Friday Frenzy" sweepstakes, which kicks off today and will take place weekly on the NRA Show Facebook page. All foodservice professionals and food lovers alike are encouraged to submit their answer to this simple question:

QUESTION: What celebrity chef do you want to see at NRA Show 2013 (May 18-21 at Chicago's McCormick Place)?

Anyone interested in receiving a $10 iTunes gift card should submit their answer to that question by Sunday, October 14 at 12 p.m. CST. The winner will be announced on Monday, October 15. 

Homaro Cantu blows minds and taste buds with flavor tripping

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

 
iNG Restaurant's B.O.C. Flavor-Tripping Godzilla Course

The laws of taste are being changed. And legendary molecular gastronomist, Moto and iNG chef/owner Homaro Cantu is out front leading the charge. This is flavor tripping, part of Cantu's molecular gastronomic wizardry that uses Miracle Berries to break — no shatter flavor realities. The culinary star is on a mission to bend the world's hearts, minds and taste buds...forever.

ABC World News' Diane Sawyer described the flavor-changing experience at Chicago's iNG restaurant as "something that will change the world of gastronomy forever."

Cantu introduced the restaurant industry's elite to the unique psychedelic, scientific, gastronomic journey at this year's National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in May in Chicago. And he's inviting you to join him on Tuesday, October 23rd for the re-broadcast of his World Culinary Showcase all about flavor tripping. 

NRA Show 2013 accepting speaker proposals

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief



The 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show — will be held May 18-21 at Chicago's McCormick Place — is currently accepting proposals for education sessions. Experts and trend-setters from both within and outside the foodservice and hospitality industry who can present progressive takes on key industry issues are encouraged to share their expertise and best practices. Topics should be timely and relevant to the attendee audience conveying an ability to attract and engage show-goers.  

Steps to submitting a proposal guaranteed to be reviewed:  

• Include basic information for the session leader such as name, title, mailing address, email address, telephone number and organization
• Add a concise (100-word limit) description of your session including presenter names, titles and organizations
• Complete a signed recording waiver
• Submit a signed "terms and conditions" agreement

Five $150 winners, three to go

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Congratulations to our October 5th winner, Nancy Elsworth! That now makes five lucky 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show attendees who have already won a $150 American Express Gift Card. With three weeks left, there's only three more chances to win...by registering now. It's your move. 

Five $150 winners...three weeks to go. 

• Hattie Roberson
• Rocco Zaccardi
• Rocco Agostino
• Gian Ricco
• Nancy Elsworth 

Small Bites: Restaurants asked to take Kids Recipe Challenge

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The National Restaurant Association is now accepting submissions for its Kids Recipe Challenge, a fun, new initiative aimed at showcasing restaurants’ culinary ingenuity of creating healthful menu options for children. Kids Recipe Challenge, created with founding partner McCormick For Chefs, a 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show exhibiting company, will celebrate delicious and nutritious recipes from children’s menus at restaurants and foodservice establishments nationwide. The contest takes an “industry tested, kid approved” approach, with a panel of industry professionals selecting finalists and elementary school students choosing the winners.

Want to participate in the Kids Recipe Challenge? Here's how:

• Restaurant and foodservice operators should submit one or more recipes from their children’s menus that meet the nutrition guidelines from Kids LiveWell and MyPlate. 
• Operators/chefs may participate in four categories:
      > Independent restaurant or company with fewer than 20 units
      > Multi-unit company with more than 20 units
      > Contract Managed Food Service
      > Independent Noncommercial Food Service.
• Deadline to submit recipes is January 7, 2013. 

What do the winners get?

• $1,500 cash prize
• All-expenses-paid trip to Chicago, IL, where they will be honored at a high-profile awards ceremony during NRA Show 2013 (May 18-21 at Chicago's McCormick Place)
• Widespread recognition through the NRA's public relations and marketing efforts

Four $150 winners so far, four winners to go

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

What are you waiting for? Four lucky 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show attendees have already won a $150 American Express Gift Card. It's time to make your move — with four weeks left, that's four more chances for you IF you register now. 

“We are bringing back all the excitement of our popular celebrity chef culinary demonstrations, learning opportunities and insight into the hottest trends, as well as some brand new features and events,” said National Restaurant Association Executive Vice President, Convention & Strategic Alliances Mary Pat Heftman. 

Four $150 winners so far...four weeks to go. 

• Hattie Roberson
• Rocco Zaccardi
• Rocco Agostino
• Gian Ricco

National Restaurant Association offers new toolkit on ADA compliance

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The National Restaurant Association has released “Americans with Disabilities Act: Toolkit for Restaurant Operators,” an information-rich resource that helps restaurateurs comply with updated accessibility guidelines and welcome guests with disabilities to their restaurants. 

“Restaurants invest millions of dollars every year to increase their accessibility to all guests,” said Jack Crawford, chairman of the NRA Board’s Jobs and Careers Committee and president & CEO of Ground Round IOC, Freeport, Maine.

Crawford also added, “They do so not just because it’s the law, but because it’s the right thing to do. We hope this toolkit makes it easier for NRA members to navigate the ADA’s complex requirements.” 

The 80-page toolkit includes:

• A general overview of Title III of the ADA, and a
• Checklist that restaurateurs can use at their operations to evaluate: dining areas, self-service counters and children’s play areas, as well as
• A chapter on what restaurateurs should do if they are sued under the ADA, plus
• Information on revised Title III regulations on “service animals” and the use of mobility devices

New Belgium Fans Enjoys the Ride

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event exhibiting company New Belgium Brewing’s “Enjoy the Ride” campaign recently wrapped after a summer full of bike love and storytelling. The campaign, which started Memorial Day weekend, awarded 2,500 highly coveted Fat Tire cruisers and the three-month campaign grew fan engagement by tens of thousands, making it the largest social media experience to date for the brewery. 

The Enjoy the Ride campaign was a blend of Fat Tire love, the enjoyment of life, passion for bikes and socializing. Social media highlights include:

NRA Show, International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event Extend Run in Chicago Through 2021

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

The National Restaurant Association was joined today by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and industry leaders in announcing that the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event will remain in Chicago through 2021. After thorough review of options, the Association signed a new five-year agreement with the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) and Choose Chicago to keep the restaurant and hospitality industry’s largest trade show at McCormick Place. 

Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO, announced the future plans of the Association’s annual NRA Show at a news conference earlier today at McCormick Place.

“The restaurant industry is a large, dynamic, creative and generous collection of businesses that serve every community in this nation. Therefore, it’s important to us that we hold our industry’s premier trade show in a location that embodies so many of our industry’s unique qualities and values,” said Sweeney.