A Live Demonstration Offering Restaurateurs Tips On How to Market Themselves
From The Table to the Television…
NORWALK, CT JULY 15, 2008 – Attendees to the 2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will have the chance to meet Food Network Star, Guy Fieri, at 12:00 pm on Saturday, August 23rd during a special presentation on the Show Floor at the HOT SPOT CULINARY THEATRE, sponsored by Smart & Final.
Chosen among thousands of aspiring chefs, Guy Fieri was selected as the Next Food Network Star and has quickly become an over-night sensation. His shows, “Guy’s Big Bite” and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” are some of the most popular shows on the channel. Guy Fieri will share tips, techniques, and the dos and don’ts for TV interviews and live cooking segments. He will share secrets to great food photography and teach chef’s how to make a bigger impact on their restaurant brand, their guests, their community, and their sales including touching tables, creating successful tasting events and other secrets.
Linda Duke, author of “Four Star Marketing Cookbook—Recipes for Restaurateurs,” a restaurant marketing and PR expert, will be interviewing Guy and sharing what it takes to prepare for cooking demonstrations, television interviews, and other media requests. This featured segment on the show floor will be entertaining and educational – giving chefs real examples, tips, and a roadmap to successful marketing. Both Guy and Linda will sign autographs and take photos following the session.
“We’re thrilled to have such an exciting line up of chefs for this year’s Show,” commented Ron Mathews, Industry Vice President for the event. “With the rise of television celebrity chefs this is a great opportunity for our attendees to learn from the best. Together Guy and Linda will teach chefs how to market themselves, their restaurant, and menus to stand out in today’s competitive market.”
The Hot Spot Culinary Theater is an educational, interactive and entertaining area for foodservice professionals who want to say abreast of what’s hot in the food world. In addition to Guy Fieri, the Hot Spot Culinary Theater will feature Tommy Tang, celebrity chef and host of PBS’s “Let’s Get Cooking with Tommy Tang,” who, back by popular demand, will share his flair for unique and delectable Thai cuisine on Sunday, August 24 at 12:00 noon. Also on Sunday, renowned Italian chef, Leonardo Curti, will teach simple recipes using readily available ingredients at 1:30 pm. On Monday, August 25, world-renowned culinary artist, Chef Ray Duey will present “The Art of Carving,” at 1:00 pm.
In addition to the “Hot Spot,” The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will feature the second annual Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum. Nolan Bushnell, founder and former CEO of Atari Corporation and Chuck E. Cheese’s Pizza Time Theatre and CEO of uWink (OTCBB: UWKI), will be the Opening Day Keynote Speaker on Saturday, August 23 at 12:30 pm. He will focus on the state of restaurant technology and uWink, his new technology company, which has created software and hardware solutions to make restaurants faster, more fun, and much more efficient. On Sunday, August, 24 at 10:00 am, Ted Balestreri, owner of The Sardine Factory, will discuss the state of the California restaurant industry and how to survive a down economy. At 1:30 pm, Mark Sanborn, the best selling author of The Fred Factor, former president of the National Speakers, and authority on leadership, team building, customer service, and change, will speak to the restaurant industry for the first time ever. With simple stories and anecdotes, he will teach how to build strong relationships and create value. Other feature educational programs will include the Catering Symposium, presented by Catering Magazine and a one-day accelerated jump start Personal Chef Seminar, presented by the American Personal & Private Chef Institute.
The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will bring 15,000+ foodservice industry professionals together. The Expo Hall will offer 650 companies showcasing products ranging from equipment to gourmet foods. The three day event will feature the 3rd annual Ultimate Barista Challenge where professional Baristas prepare their signature espresso beverages. The 1st annual Los Angeles Wine Expo will feature wines from over 40 winemakers from around the globe. The LA Wine Expo will be located in the same exhibit hall as the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, and is open to all badged attendees on Saturday and Sunday only. View event details at www.winexpola.com
About Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo:
The 2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will be held Saturday, August 23 – Monday, August 25, 2008 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Show is produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions, and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association. For more information on exhibiting or attending the Expo, call 800-840-5612 or visit the official Show website at www.westernfoodexpo.com or www.thefoodshows.com.
