Mark Brandau examines the growing use of authenticity in advertising and the potential pitfalls of such claims. Bret Thorn looks at the wealth of seasonally driven, protein-less items designed to appeal to both vegetarians and those who simply love to indulge in the results when chefs unleash their creativity on readily available produce. As previously announced, NRN has entered a strategic partnership with the National Restaurant Association. As part of that, we are unveiling a page called NRA Insights, which will contain columns, stories and informational tidbits intended to give you an insider’s look at some of the initiatives underway at the Washington, D.C.-based trade group. We also introduce a new column called “The Contrarian,” penned by Ron Shaich, executive chairman of Panera Bread. The column, which will appear monthly, has one goal: to make people think. And, if you enjoy thinking, there’s much to ponder in the second installation of this year’s Top 200 special report, which reveals the heavy blows the economic downturn dealt to the sales and unit growth of some of the country’s largest foodservice players.
