It’s always good to step out of your circle of comfort and learn new trends in your business. We were able to do that this weekend in Chicago when Tim Poulos, our foodservice representative, invited us to join him for a restaurant tour. Tim is with the family owned Gordon Food Service Company. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon hosted several groups throughout Chicago.
We learned some new trends hitting the Second City that could soon spread to our part of the country. One such trend that I love is comfort or peasant food. No matter the ethnicity of the cuisine, the trend is for real authentic flavor.
Communal settings are quite popular here; something the South does well with front porches, potluck dinners and such. It is now found in restaurants in the heart of the city.
We also were able to visit the National Restaurant Association’s food show held annually in Chicago. Though Andy was familiar with many of the booths, I admit much was new to me in the areas of viral marketing. I do have knowledge of many aspects of advertising and marketing, but was excited to see so many new ways to use this ever changing tool.
It’s been a great time and I truly thank GFS. They went out of their way to make this a special occasion indeed.
Needless to say, I’m stuffed and look forward to Puckett’s lighter fare when I return home. Yet Chicago is a great city and I can’t wait to come back.