According [image-nocss] to Paul Reuter, CEO and editorial director of CSP Information Group, "One of the key things we learned when we launched FARE this past August was that there is a void in the marketplace with regard to this growing, dynamic category." Reuter added, "More than 300 retailers and foodservice operators attended FARE and their feedback was extremely positive not only in terms of the value they derived, but also their plans to attend again."
CSP's research has shown that the on-the-go food industry has been growing as traditional restaurant sales continue to slow and consumers look for more value-driven options. "Each level of dining is trading down to the next level-fine dining to casual, casual to fast casual and fast casual to fast, prepared food," commented Dean Dirks of Dean Dirks Associates, a consultant advising the c-store industry. "Retailers that are filling this growing niche with more menu options and good value may be the big winners in the trade-down game."
"We are honored to have such a diverse board of advisors who share common interests and concerns relating to foodservice," said Reuter. "The advisory board will ensure that we deliver relevant educational sessions across retail channels and they will serve as a sounding board as we move forward to make FARE a 'must-attend' event for the retail foodservice industry."
Members of CSP's 2009 Foodservice at Retail Advisory Board: Joseph Bona, CBX. Robert Buhler, Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin. Ira Blumenthal, CO-OPPORTUNITIES Inc. Joseph Chiovera, 7-Eleven Inc. Keith Clark, Kum & Go LC. Lou Cooperhouse, Rutgers Food Innovation Center. Jack Cushman, Nice N Easy Grocery Shoppes Inc. Brad Duesler, Food Concepts Inc. Jay Ellingson, Kwik Trip Inc. Julie Gazdik, The NPD Group Inc. Elaine Gartner, Schnuck Markets, Inc. Deborah Holand, b2b Solutions LLC. Dan Leto, Kings Super Markets. Tom Newbould, TravelCenters of America. Ron Paul, Technomic Inc. David Prentkowski, The University of Notre Dame. Scott Ramminger, American Wholesale Marketers Association. Bill Reilly, Retail Consultant. Jerry Ryker, Piccadilly Circus Pizza. Michael Sherlock, Wawa. Tom Terlecky, BP Americas Inc. Jennifer Vespole, Quick Chek Corp. Jerry Weiner, Rutter's Farm Stores. For information on attending or exhibiting, go to www.cspfare.com.
CSP Information Group, publisher of CSP, CSP Independent and Fare magazines, is a business-to-business communication company specializing in the convenience retailing and on-the-go food industries. In addition to its print products, CSP Information Group's other business units include the CSP Daily News email newsletter, CSPNetwork CyberConferences, CSPTV, CSP Leadership Conferences& Events, 24-7 Connect Virtual Expo and CSP Consulting. Please visitwww.cspnet.com for more information.
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