NORWALK, CT MARCH 2, 2007 – Attendees at the 14th Annual International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York will have a chance to hear from Danny Meyer, President of one of the world’s most dynamic restaurant organizations, which includes 11 unique dining establishments, at a newly added keynote presentation that will take place on Monday, March 5th at 2:30 p.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.  
 
When Danny Meyer opened New York’s Union Square Café in 1985 he helped pioneer an exciting new breed of restaurant, pairing excellent food and wine with warm hospitality and outstanding value.  He went on to open some of NYC’s most beloved restaurants including Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Tabla, Blue Smoke, Jazz Standard, Shake Shack, The Modern, Cafe 2, Terrace 5 and Hudson Yards Catering.  Most recently, Danny released his bestselling book Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business.
 
Danny, his restaurants and chefs have earned an unprecedented 17 James Beard Awards. All five of Danny’s fine dining restaurants have earned three stars from The New York Times, and for the past decade, Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern have vied for #1 and #2 among Zagat Survey’s Most Popular Restaurants in New York.  In addition to Setting the Table, Danny co-authored the Union Square Cafe Cookbook (HarperCollins, 1994) and Second Helpings from Union Square Cafe (HarperCollins, 2001) with his partner, Chef Michael Romano. 
 
“We are so excited to welcome Danny Meyer to the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York,” said Ron Mathews, Event Director for the Show.  “Mr. Meyer is much more than a restaurant owner, he has developed a winning recipe for success and the restaurant and foodservice professionals who attend his presentation will be thrilled to hear from this icon.”  Mr. Meyer will also be available to sign copies of his book “Setting the Table”.
 
In addition to Mr. Meyer’s speech and autographing, 18,000+ food industry professionals will experience everything from the Ultimate Barista Challenge to the brand new Japanese Demonstration Theater sponsored by JETRO, the 18th annual US Pastry Competition and the Nation’s Restaurant News New Product Gallery.  There will also be a special appearance by Vinny Pastore from the Sopranos and his gang from The Wise Guys satellite radio program at the 3rd Annual New York Pizza Show which is co-located with the restaurant show.  And, a prestigious panel of industry experts including the Commissioner from the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene will discuss “Going Trans Fat Free” at a seminar sponsored by DOW AgroSciences. 
 
The 2007 International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from Sunday, March 4 through Tuesday, March 6, 2007. The Show is produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions, the world’s leading organizer of trade and public shows and owned and sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA).  For more information visit, www.internationalrestaurantny.com.