NATION’S RESTAURANT NEWS’: 2007 MenuMasters AwardsNATION’S RESTAURANT NEWS’: 2007 MenuMasters Awards

In the decade-long tradition of the MenuMasters Awards, this year’s winners represent a well-deserving slate of research and development executives, leaders and influential restaurant companies. In the past year, the honorees played crucial roles in the introduction of creative, delicious dishes. Aside from demonstrating quantifiable results—a number of the winners recently have posted double-digit sales increases—the honorees raised the bar for R&D industrywide with new menu items, limited-time offerings, line extensions and menu overhauls.

These individuals have demonstrated leadership qualities as corporate chefs while building highly profitable and popular foodservice companies.

A ceremony formally awarding this year’s winners will take place May 19 in Chicago at the Drake Hotel during with the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. The MenuMasters Awards are produced by Nation’s Restaurant News and sponsored by Ventura Foods LLC.

Special Report

CHEF/INNOVATOR: Clifford Pleau

HEALTHFUL INNOVATION: Chartwells School Dining Services

INDEPENDENT OPERATOR MENU: The Inn at Little Washington

LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Golden Corral

MENU/LINE EXTENSION: Jack in the Box

MENU REVAMP: Captain D's Seafood Kitchen

SINGLE PRODUCT ROLLOUT: Dunkin' Donuts

HALL OF FAME: Bert P. Cutino