From international street food to artisan ingredients and ancient grains, Minneapolis food trends are constantly changing. This year, US Foods is making it easy for Midwest restaurant operators and foodservice professionals to keep their menus on trend and grow their businesses by hosting Food Fanatics Live, a can’t miss culinary expo, on Monday, Sept. 9 at the St. Paul River Centre.
Food Fanatics Live will feature nearly 300 vendors showcasing everything from fresh produce and meats to gourmet cheeses and craft beers. More than 100 new and exclusive US Foods products will be featured in Scoop Square and a business solutions center will help restaurant operators identify ways to help their businesses succeed.
“We are excited to invite the culinary community to check out our latest products, innovative business solutions and more at the company’s debut Food Fanatics Live Culinary Expo,” said Rob Koppenhaver, president of the Minnesota Division.
US Foods Minneapolis-based Chef John Byrne, the nation’s first Food Fanatics Chef, will host and lead the conversation with restaurateurs, operators and the foodservice industry at the expo, which is expected to attract approximately 2,000 attendees. Packed with relevant presentations and inspiring activities, attendees can view demonstrations from local chefs and restaurateurs, sample local produce, meats and cheeses and watch an exciting a Pizza Recipe Challenge featuring local pizza chefs. Stephanie March and Stephanie Hanson of the Weekly Dish on myTalk 107.1 will serve as the expo’s emcees and roam the floor talking with exhibitors, chefs and attendees.
During the event, US Foods will recognize Sue Zelickson, James Beard award winner and local food icon, as the first-ever honorary Food Fanatic based on her contributions and accomplishments to the Minnesota culinary community. Drawing on her years as host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought and columnist for Minnesota Monthly, Zelickson will also host a presentation about today’s Minneapolis/St. Paul food scene.
Also featured at the event will be the area’s semifinalist in the Next Top Product contest, Chef Barb Mackyol of the St. Croix Casino. Chef Barb’s apple barbeque sauce is one of 54 recipes vying for a spot in the contest’s final round. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Chef Barb, taste her winning recipe and vote for her recipe and others at www.usfoods.com/NTP.
“From product demonstrations to lectures and networking, Food Fanatics Live Culinary Expo is another way that US Foods is working to provide our customers with all the resources they need to make their business successful,” said Food Fanatic Chef John Byrne. “We look forward to bringing the customers who we work so closely with together to share new ideas and help foster continued innovation in the local culinary scene.”