Inspiration and Information for your Tabletop

According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA), 48% of all cups of coffee ordered in the United States are perceived as being "specialty" in nature, and this figure totals nearly 55% of the overall coffee market share, which is estimated to be at $48 billion.

As food and beverage consumers become increasingly sophisticated, flavor trends continue to get more exciting. Diners are looking for new and notable experiences when they dine out, and they are choosing complex flavors in all kinds of settings, from fast casual to fine dining.

Color plays a huge role in our dining experiences.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Restaurant Association Show, where top brands showcase their innovations for the restaurant industry. As always, the show will highlight some of the most exciting chef-driven trends that diners can expect to find in the coming year. The National Restaurant Association surveys chefs leading up to the show to learn first-hand about the trends they are popularizing in their kitchens. Here are a few of the hottest developments for 2019:

There's little in life more stunning than sitting in a tiny café on the island of Santorini, or along Portugal's Algarve coast, or the ancient shorelines of Israel.

Perhaps it's the type of people who travel and stay in hotels, maybe it's the overall nature of the industry, or it could be a simple shift in demographic preference. The reality is, more and more consumers are demanding sustainable and eco-friendly practices in hotels, including in buffet and banquet-type services.

All across the foodservice industry, operators are looking for new ways to express their sustainability. In many cases, consumers are demanding this shift in ethos and are willing to pay more to the operations that can provide it.

Every year, a panel of judges reviews tabletops from across the country to determine the Performance in Tabletop Awards from Foodservice Equipment & Supplies. These recognitions are the result of excellence in a variety of criteria including four main factors.

People love positive experiences -- a personal touch, a one-on-one conversation, or even an added layer of hospitality.