he National Restaurant Association has announced the winners of the second annual Operator Innovations Awards, with Kennesaw State University taking home the prestigious Innovator of the Year award. Selected by an independent panel of expert judges, the winners were recognized for their achievements in driving advancement in the foodservice industry. The innovative restaurant operators were revealed live last night at Destination: Celebration, the gala event for the 2013 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, in each award category of: Food Safety,
Health & Nutrition, Menu Development, Sustainability, and Technology.
“These restaurant operators have found solutions for their businesses with programs and initiatives that combine creativity and hard work,” says Jeffrey W. Davis, Convention Chair for NRA Show 2013 and IWSB and CEO of the United States Beef Corporation. “The 2013 Operator Innovations Awards winners redefine how the industry views innovation, and will serve as the benchmark for other operators to apply the same innovative spirit within their own operations.”
The 2013 Operator Innovations Awards winners are:
Food Safety
Ninety Nine Restaurants (Woburn, Mass.)
An allergy alert system that combines staff training and involvement with clear communications via ordering, display systems and tracking, ensuring awareness and proper preparation for everyone who touches a guest’s food and minimizing risk for all.
Health & Nutrition
United States Air Force (San Antonio, Texas)
Food Transformation Initiative (FTI), revolutionizes Air Force food selections, cooking methods, meal availability, and merchandising to guide customers toward healthier choices. When comparing participating with non-participating operations, performance metrics confirm FTI elevates healthfulness, energy and alertness through optimal nutrition, without sacrificing flavor, taste and satisfaction.