January 1, 2003

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Cuisine Conscious
Be prepared for an even faster pace to the menu evolution that began with the rise of comfort foods. Watch for debate over the nutritional value of foodservice fare to spawn more dishes that readily are perceived as healthful. Flavors will boldly announce themselves and be increasingly global in origin. Look for presentations to be less staged, however, reflecting the more casual tone dining experiences have assumed.

Flight School
Wine industry experts offer 10 tips for boosting sales.

R&I EXCLUSIVE

Waiting to Exhale
Past uncertainty about the economys intentions has given way to the realization that a dramatic recovery isnt likely in the near term. Yes, 2003 is forecast to be more profit-friendly for foodservice, but inflation-adjusted growth for the industry overall is projected to be minimal. Instead of plotting expansions, both commercial and noncommercial sectors are charting strategies that maximize returns from existing business.

BUSINESS

Growing Against the Grain
Building business in difficult times is never impossible. Here are examples of operators in a variety of business segments who have found ways to get better without necessarily getting bigger.

Hot Spots: Casual Cachet
The first in a new series of intelligence reports on category trends spotlights distinctive concepts and fresh ideas in casual dining, the industrys hottest segment over the past decade.

OPERATIONS

Taking Stock of Inventory Software
New technology helps operators cut costs and save time by better tracking supplies.

State Budget Woes Hit Restaurant Inspections
Rhode Island’s hospitality association fights back with education programs.

DEPARTMENTS

Food for Thought
Julia Child turns burger smuggler; Aramark brings a new format, Real Food on Campus, to higher education; the California Restaurant Association provides its members a cost-saving benefit; two U.S. foodservice contractors cross the pond to land major sporting-venue clients....More

EDITORIAL

Viewpoint
Annual Checkup

The Editors
Competitive Edge