News

May 8, 2009

NRA Show to be a Greener Place

The National Restaurant Association is taking several steps behind the scenes to make NRA Show 2009 a greener event.

Among the eco-minded practices being adopted for the 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 16 to May 19 in Chicago's McCormick Place, is the posting of speakers’ presentations on the association’s Web site, instead of providing paper handouts as a matter of course. Speakers and panels will also be provided with pitchers of water instead of single-serve bottles.

The show has already been conserving through such practices as recycling signs and banners, separating recyclable bottles and cans from the rest of the trash, reusing carpets, having exhibitors scan badges instead of collecting printed information from potential buyers, and recycling cardboard.

Educational sessions presented during the show will highlight the financial advantages of operating restaurants in a greener fashion. Included are presentations from media-mogul-turned-restaurateur Ted Turner and his partner in the Ted’s Montana Grill chain, George McKerrow, the founder of LongHorn Steakhouse. The duo will talk about their concept’s comprehensive conservation program during “Join the Green Restaurant Revolution.”

Subway officials will share what the chain has learned from its model eco-store, a green lab of sorts for the world’s largest quickservice chain.

“Save Water, Save Money” will look at how restaurateurs can cut costs by conserving water.

“The Brand Impact of Going Green” will focus on sustainability’s impact on a foodservice business’ bottom line.

Restaurateurs are being invited to send any questions they may have for the presenters via Twitter, at www.twitter.com/ConserveNow.