On The Menu
This week’s highlights from the restaurant biz.
As we kick off the new work week, enjoy a serving of all things restaurant biz. with this week’s enticing roundup. From The Spoon’s report on key takeaways from the Food Robotics Summit, to the Association’s upcoming seminar on the future of the industry, and Ashok Selvam, Editor at Eater Chicago’s article detailing the effort of Indian restaurants from around the world to raise money for COVID-19 relief in India through 1 Billion Breaths — there’s a lot to digest.
Let’s tuck in…
1 Billion Breaths
Ashok Selvam of Eater Chicago begins his piece by introducing Basu Ratnan, the New York-based restaurateur and owner of Inday, who has assembled a group of about 30 Indian restaurants from around the world to raise money for COVID-19 relief in the subcontinent. The initiative, led by some of the best Indian restaurants in the world to raise money and awareness in support of the country that got us here, will see establishments offer special meals — 100% of the proceeds of which will go to partner foundations, Oxygen for India & Give India Oxygen.
Already, 1 Billion Breaths has pulled together individuals from across the continents. There are several New York restaurants involved, including Baar Baar, Amma, and Proper Indian. Elsewhere, participants include Badmaash in LA, Besharam in San Francisco, Superkhana International in Chicago, Chai Pani in the Atlanta area, and Ghee Indian Kitchen in Miami. Beyond the states, restaurants from Canada, Peru, and England have also joined, including London heavyweight Gymkhana. The restaurants will prepare special meals — for some, dishes that remind them of family — and from Sunday, May 23, to Sunday, May 30, proceeds from the sales of those meals will go to Oxygen For India, a nonprofit that distributes oxygen canisters across the subcontinent.
—Excerpt via chicago.eater.com
Bringing dutiful awareness to the dire situation in the subcontinent, the article also captures the sentiment and essence that drive this initiative. “The pandemic has forced restaurants to find new and more meaningful ways to serve their communities. Some began cooking meals for front-line workers, while others have distributed meals to those in need. It’s more complicated for the Indian community in America with the worry of multiple communities and several oceans separating them,” explains Selvam. With quotes from those driving the campaign and a thorough overview of happenings, this article is a must-read.
A list of participating restaurants can be viewed below.
To donate, click here.
Upcoming Webinar from the National Restaurant Association
The National Restaurant Association has yet another engaging discourse in the pipeline. To hear Hudson Riehle, Senior Vice President of the Association’s Research & Knowledge Group speak on where the restaurant industry is headed in late 2021 as the pandemic ebbs, make sure you register here.
With topics spanning what the future will hold for restaurateurs in 2022, the latest data on current and upcoming trends reshaping the industry and its segments; as well as insights on everything from hiring trends, sales and technology to operational and off-premise developments — you don’t want to miss this one.
Key Takeaways From ArticulATE: The Spoon’s Food Robotics Summit
Chris Albrecht’s highlights of the jam-packed day, with nearly 20 sessions and a host of cutting-edge startups from around the world in attendance, show that the future is here — and about to get a whole let better!
Our robot future is actually happening now. Robots are no longer the stuff of science fiction. Autonomous, semi-autonomous and teleoperated vehicles are on our roads and in our skies right now.
Adding Robots isn’t just about labor. Human labor shortages was an issue brought up throughout the day (though the reasons behind our current labor shortage are not so cut and dry), but automating work isn’t just about labor.
Just wait for 5G. As cool as robots and autonomous vehicles are now, they will seem tame compared with what happens when 5G networks become the norm.
—Excerpts from https://thespoon.tech/top-three-takeaways-from-our-food-robotics-summit/
Read the full article, here.
Please reach out to aman@dashin.in for any feedback or clarifications regarding the content of this article.
