NRA Show Blog

Nominations sought for 2013 Faces of Diversity Award

2012 Faces of Diversity Award winner "Queen of Creole Cuisine" Leah Chase

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) encourages restaurant operators nationwide to apply or nominate a fellow industry professional for its 2013 Faces of Diversity Award. 

The Faces of Diversity Award is sponsored by PepsiCo Foodservice (a 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show exhibiting company) and celebrates the diversity of the restaurant industry by honoring individuals who have achieved the American Dream.

Application/nomination forms are accepted online at Restaurant.org/Diversity until January 7, 2013.

“As one of the most diverse industries in America, the restaurant industry is full of success stories of people of all cultures and backgrounds who have achieved the American Dream,” said Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO. “Our Faces of Diversity Award celebrates the unique stories that make up our industry, and highlights that diversity strengthens the fabric of the restaurant community.”

Special hotel rates, promotions now available for 2013 NRA Show and IWSB

The simple reality is this: booking through NRA Show Official Housing will get National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Events attendees and exhibitors a better rate and a better stay than anywhere else. The team at the NRA Show and IWSB offices know this because they negotiate hard to arrange deals exclusively for attendees and exhibitors, featuring:

Restaurant operators mobilize to aid Hurricane Sandy victims

Restaurateurs are mobilizing to raise funds for the Red Cross and other relief organizations as well as offer food and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

In the aftermath of Sandy, which made landfall Oct. 29, many suffered property damage and millions on the East Coast lost power. New York and New Jersey were among the states hardest hit. Since then, companies and individuals have been coming together to offer assistance.

Nationally, Starbucks said it is donating $250,000 to the American Red Cross and $250,000 to United Way. The company acknowledged the millions of people affected by the storm and also thanked the many first responders who aided victims of the disaster.

O'Hare sees green with first-ever airport aeroponic garden

By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief



HMSHost Corporation (a National Restaurant Association member) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) have developed the world's first airport aeroponic garden producing local, all-natural, pesticide free produce.

The cutting-edge, environmentally friendly 928-square-foot O'Hare Urban Garden is located at the intersection of Terminals 2 and 3 in the mezzanine level of O'Hare International Airport's Rotunda Building. 

Aeroponics is a method of growing plants in a water and mineral nutrient solution without soil. Compared to traditional soil gardening, O'Hare's aeroponic garden: 

• Provides year-round cultivation
• Produces a higher yield per square foot
• Requires no weed pulling
• Uses about two-thirds less water
• Towers are 8 feet tall with a 30-inch diameter base
• Grows swiss chard, sweet basil, purple basil, dill, cilantro, parseley, chives, bibb lettuce, gourmet lettuce mix, habanero peppers, thyme, edible flowers, oregano, red lettuce and green beans

Similar to hydroponic farming, aeroponic is becoming increasingly popular around the world for farming in limited space.

The O'Hare Urban Garden supplies freshly grown produce to several airport restaurants located inside the terminals, including: