During NATSO’s Food and Fuel Study Tour 2017, July 18-20 in Chicago, attendees will get an in-depth look at two of the hottest food service locations in city, Revival Food Hall and Eataly, but even more learning opportunities exist during the trip.
Darren Schulte, NATSO’s vice president of membership, and Ed Burcher, an industry leader principal at Burcher Consulting, will lead members on a self-guided walking tour of some of the most popular quick-service restaurants and grab-and-go spots in Chicago’s Loop area.
Attendees will walk the locations at their leisure and take in the sites at these five innovative locations.
Native Foods Café: Native Foods Café is changing the way the world eats by offering uniquely crafted plant-based foods. The business was founded in 1994 in Palm Springs, California. Today, Native Foods Café has grown to become America’s premier fast-casual vegan restaurant group spanning coast to coast. The quality and flavors attract all types of customers and only a small percentage of them are vegan. QSR Magazine has called it one to watch. The locations operate in LEED certified stores, use biodegradable and recyclable packaging, and furnish with eco-friendly fixtures, that include repurposed cardboard boxes, and hand-crafted community tables out of reclaimed Oak trees.
Protein Bar: Another one of QSR Magazine’s hot concepts to watch, The Protein Bar offers fast casual foods, including healthy bowls, shakes and more. It started as a post-workout location, the menu has grown and the Protein Bar now offers a full menu that is high in protein and fiber, while low in saturated fat and refined sugar. The carryout as well as catering menu has grown
Wow Bao: Wow Bao serves up hot steamed buns, pan-seared potstickers, rice and noodle bowls, salads and soups in just 300 or 350 square feet and has been building its footprint largely through nontraditional spaces, including airports, university campuses and sports arenas. Wow Bao has opened locations in Chicago O’Hare and Reagan National Airports, the University of Vermont, Kent State, and Indiana State, Marriott Renaissance hotels in D.C., U.S. Cellular Field for the Chicago White Sox and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Naf Naf Grill: Middle Eastern cuisine is hot and Chicago-based Naf Naf Grill, which has 30 units in five states, there is nothing Mediterranean about Middle Eastern’s signature items, including falafel, hummus, shawarma, baba ghanoush, and specific sauces and spice combinations. QSR Magazine has called Naf Naf Grill one to watch. Diners choose a fresh-baked pita to stuff or a bowl to fill with basmati rice, romaine lettuce or hummus. Then they can add chicken, steak or house-made falafel and add a variety of toppings and sauces.
Although other locations on the tour will included inside insights from managements, the stops on the walking tour are self-guided and attendees will get to experience them at their own pace. Schulte and Burcher will draw on their decades of industry experience to help attendees make the most of the stops.
// Registration for the event is $1,000 for members and $1,500 for nonmembers. See the full schedule and register at https://www.natso.com/foodandfuel.
For more information, contact Schulte at dschulte@natso.com or (915) 526-5820 with questions.
Photo credit: Christine Schoessler/NATSO
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