HotelsMag May-June 2024 | Page 92

F & B
Lobby farmstand at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay , operated by SH Hotels & Resorts .
MENU ITEMS HAVE UNDERGONE NOTABLE CHANGES , WITH AN EMPHASIS ON WELLNESS AND CUSTOMIZATION . WE ARE CONSISTENTLY SEEING AN INCREASE IN CLIENTELE SEEKING ALTERNATIVE OR RESTRICTED MENUS AND DON ’ T WANT TO COMPROMISE ON TASTE
– NICHOLAS DEMASI , SVP OF RESTAURANTS , NIGHTLIFE AND F & B , SH HOTELS & RESORTS
or configure a full dish by themselves .
The kitchen assistant can churn out up to 150 meals per hour , giving the host the opportunity to offer preproduced meals like salads , fruit bowls and porridges , along with a variety of à la carte meals during the event , said Kevin Deutmarg , COO and cofounder of Goodbytz .
SUSTAINABILITY Additionally , there ’ s been a continuing interest in sustainability efforts . Sustainability is taking center stage in service trends , with a growing focus on eco-friendly
practices , such as reducing food waste and sourcing local , seasonal ingredients , offering diverse flavors , while ensuring food waste remains minimal compared to traditional buffets .
Launched in 2023 , Hilton ’ s Meet with Purpose Checklist provides planners with a range of ideas on how to integrate sustainability in conferences , with a section dedicated to F & B .
“ Some of these items include exploring locally sourced food options , identifying opportunities to reduce waste and partnering with local food and other agencies for donation opportunities ,”
Wexler said . Additionally , Hilton ’ s sustainability experts host training to ensure team members are educated on how they can create more sustainable events .
1 Hotels , which is operated by SH Hotels & Resorts , has been collaborating with local farms and focusing on seasonal ingredients . Prioritizing seasonal ingredients not only delivers fresh food but also contributes to a sustainable dining experience .
Through its eco-conscious planning initiative , Certified Sustainable Gatherings , 1 Hotels enables guests to plan events while minimizing the
environmental impact . With third-party certification from Foodprint Group , all events are rooted in sustainability , from sourcing sustainable materials , reducing single-use plastic waste , cutting carbon emissions and diverting at least 90 % of all waste generated through the event lifecycle .
The future of conferences and banquets looks promising , planners predict . As planners continue to stress the importance of face-to-face connections , meetings and events will remain an integral part of the business . While there will continue to be challenges related to cost management and
92 hotelsmag . com May / June 2024