This is the first story of a four-part series about how restaurants can improve sustainability practices.

Going green isn’t exactly an easy process for restaurants, but those that make the investment – from finding ways to reduce energy use to sourcing local or organic produce – can reap significant rewards with customers and in cost savings.

“Culinary arts is a mix of art, science and commerce that occasionally brings about greatness,” said Chris Keating, associate publisher of Nation’s Restaurant News, which joined Ventura Foods in honoring excellence in menu development during their annual MenuMasters celebration.


Nearly 400 people gathered for the event, which was held at the Drake Hotel in Chicago on May 22, during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. Prior to the awards ceremony, attendees sampled the winning fare as they networked.