WASHINGTON —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
While the 2008 MUFSO summit drew leading foodservice executives to the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center for three days of educational sessions, panel discussions, networking and idea sharing, few conversations escaped the drama of the unfolding economic crisis and nonstop election-year politicking. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
Keynote speaker Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” echoed many speakers when he told participants that while this was indeed a historic election, the economy would dominate the nation’s agenda for months to come. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
“The economy is the box this election came in,” Matthews said. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
Under the theme “Capital Ideas in Challenging Times,” the 2008 MUFSO conference drew more than 500 foodservice executives to the nation’s capital from Oct. 12-15. They addressed such key industry concerns as unionization, health care and immigration reform, rising costs, labor issues and nutrition menu labeling over the course of the event. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
Conferees also listened as speakers and panelists offered tips on how to pilot multiunit brands through these challenging times, harness rapidly evolving food trends, and locate and tap into new sources of business. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
At the same time, industry operators came together to pay tribute to their own. The event culminated in the MUFSO Awards Banquet, sponsored by American Express, which honored Taco Bell founder Glen Bell as Pioneer of the Year and David Pickens, president of Olive Garden, as Operator of the Year. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
Pickens was selected from a field of six Golden Chain winners that was also made up of Jerry Deitchle, chairman and chief executive of BJ’s Restaurants; James A. Flynn, chief executive of Wingstop Restaurants; Kenneth L. Pendery Jr., president and chief executive of First Watch Restaurants; Andrew Puzder, president and chief executive of CKE Restaurants; and Joseph V. Tortorice Jr., founder and president of Jason’s Deli. —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
MSNBC’s Matthews offers insights on election, economy —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Buckingham: Nurture employees’ strengths to build successful teams —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Kruse: Innovation key to taking business back from supermarkets —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Berman urges MUFSO attendees to fight union expansion efforts —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Experts expect pols to table industry issues, focus on economy —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Hot Concepts! honorees find innovative ways to do business —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Supporters make case for McCain, Obama at MUFSO —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. ‘Capital Ideas’ panel points out importance of operational excellence in rough economy —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Author Shechtman: Young staffers need tough love —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Presidents’ Panel focuses on improving margins amid economic slump —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. SPIRIT Award honorees feted for hiring, retention practices —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Restaurant Advertising Awards honor excellence in TV, radio spots —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently. Gala banquet honors Pioneer, Innovator and Golden Chain winners —The international economic meltdown and U.S. presidential election were never too far off the radar screen during the 49th annual Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference held here recently.
