WESTERN FOODSERVICE & HOSPITALITY EXPO 2022 PREVIEW

One of my favorite things about the world starting to get back to normal a bit is that the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is back! The fabulous and educational extravaganza returns to LA on August 28th for three days at the LA Convention Center.

I’ve been gushing over that event not only in this e-zine for over a decade, but even before that on my former TV show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, so I have a feeling that all of my readers, followers, and viewers already know just why I’m so thrilled about its return.  And I suggest that everybody in the entire West Coast restaurant and hospitality industries attend, as well, because the experience is invaluable to their businesses. We’re all privileged to have this very worthwhile opportunity. [Note: It’s not open to the public, but no worries–you know I’ll share my findings with you in the coming weeks.]

I love discovering new culinary and related products to tell you about. That’s right–it’s not just food at the Expo; so much more goes into owning and running any type of eatery. I expect to find all kinds of wonderful beverages, cutlery, furniture, tablecloths, teapots, to-go containers, and even footwear and sponges!!! And there are often many surprises, such as neon signs and colorful patio umbrellas. You never know what treasures will pop-up at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo.

As someone who became a really good cook during the pandemic, (even Mr. X, who took one bite of my lasagna when we were first together and asked me to never cook again, loves my meals now!,) I’m even more interested than usual in all the information available at the Expo. I feel like I’ll understand much of it better than I ever have before.

In addition to all the vendors on the convention floor, each of the three days features a whole line-up of special events.

Of course, being the rabid sports fan that I am, I’m the most excited to see/hear former Chicago Bulls star, Scottie Pippen. Why would a basketball World Champion (six times over, to boot!,) speak at a foodservice event, you may ask? It’s because he will be joining a wine expert from Napa, Dave Phinney, on a panel entitled Wine, Whiskey, & Winning, which will take place on the first afternoon of the convention. I knew Scottie is an expert at winning, but I had not even an inkling of his booze knowledge! And after that panel discussion, he’ll stick around to help judge the Hip Sip Competition: Bourbon Edition. That almost makes me wish I imbibed!

There will also be several award presentations throughout the event. The most important one, in my opinion, is The Humanitarian Spotlight Award. It will be presented to Restaurants Care, a non-profit that “provides financial relief year-round to food and beverage workers across California.” That’s welcome news to the industry after the pandemic hiatus negatively affected so many people’s lives.

Then there’s the Torch Award, which “honors talented chefs and/or restaurateurs for the brilliance of their careers and the impact they have had on the industry and their surrounding community.” It will be presented to Jet Tila, an internationally-celebrated chef and best-selling author.

Lastly, the Beacon Award, which “recognizes female leaders who have truly served as a beacon in the industry through their leadership, contributions, and inspiration,” will be presented to Jennifer Stojkovic, a leader in the vegan food-tech field.

As if all that isn’t enough, The Food & Beverage Academy will offer fifty free education sessions, in addition to a few that are available for a small fee each. I think the one of most interest to the masses will be Starting a Successful Restaurant, with information that every potential owner will no doubt appreciate.

For my fellow party people, there’s usually a special themed soiree, of sorts, at the end of the first day. One year, it was all about Mexican food, with chefs cooking all the specialty items right there, along with entertainment by a mariachi band. I can’t wait to see what the theme will be this year.

There will also be two new sections: the Healthy and Wellness area, which highlights foods that are both good for you and delicious, (I barely knew such magical things exist!,) and the very important Technology Pavilion, which, trust me–I feel I need to visit first!

And let’s not forget all the cooking demonstrations, which, no fooling, I could really do now, due to all my newfound skills—we could call it Cooking for Lazy People. (I guess I’ve come a long way since my days of guest-cooking on TV shows, when everything that happened in the pan took me by surprise.)

Whew—that’s a lot going on in just three days! After SoCal restaurants being closed or downsized for about two years now, I suspect that all owners and other foodservice personnel will be uber-excited to refresh their knowledge and make new contacts in the industry right about now. I know that I for one can’t wait to see how upbeat everyone will be to be back at the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo after such a long break. I’m anticipating experiencing much buzz and seeing many happy faces.

And, as always, in the months ahead, I’ll be sharing the lowdown on the best and most fun items that my team and I unearth there.

But to all Southern Cal foodservice and hospitality peeps, I implore you to not miss this Expo! I suggest you register this very second.  The site to use is below.  I hope to see you all there. You’ll recognize me because I may be the only one still wearing a mask. And chowing down at the same time! You’ll be amazed at how I accomplish it all.

The 2022 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo on
August 28-30, 2022
L.A. Convention Center
For all the official information, and to register: www.westernfoodexpo.com