Applications Now Being Accepted For 2014 Kitchen Innovations Awards

Fall isn’t just time for college applications, it’s time for foodservice equipment manufacturers to apply for the 2014 Kitchen Innovations Awards. Award applications are accepted through Dec. 6 by the National Restaurant Association. The 10-year-old awards program recognizes and celebrates cutting-edge equipment and technology that specifically improve the back of the house and benefit foodservice operators. The most groundbreaking submissions will be featured in the Kitchen Innovations Pavilion, centrally located at NRA Show 2014, May 17-20 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

“We are seeking new kitchen equipment and technology innovations that deliver the most significant benefits to operators,” said Dan Bendall, principal-FoodStrategy Inc. and a KIA judge. “Our panel of judges believes continuous innovation is the life-blood of our industry growth and profitability. It’s our mission to evaluate the latest innovations and select those which are major advances in kitchen efficiency, quality, safety, conservation, integration with front of the house, and of course improving the work environment.”

All applications are judged by an independent panel of well-known industry professionals. In addition to Dan Bendall, the group includes: Martin Cowley, senior manager design and standards-Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; William Eaton, chairman of Cini-Little Int’l.; Robert Forrester, principal-Restaurant Industry Solutions; Foster Frable Jr., founding partner-Clevenger Frable LaVallee; Jim Krueger Jr., chief-Air Force F&B Research and Business Development; Aaron LaMotte, director-Sodexo Performance Interiors; Robert Marshall, v.p.-U.S. operations, McDonald’s Corp.; and Kathleen Seelye, managing partner-Ricca Newmark Design.

The application deadline is Dec. 6. To be considered, all equipment and technology innovations must be introduced within the 24 months prior to NRA Show 2014. Award recipients will be announced in February. Online applications and further details are at Restaurant.org/Show/KI, or contact Eric Rude at 312/853-2525 or erude@restaurant.org.