“We are open for business and NYC has its groove back,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams noted last week as he announced several changes to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
With a goal that will continue to protect the health and safety of all New Yorkers, while simultaneously boosting the city’s economic recovery and in the face of quickly declining COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations and more than 17 million doses of vaccines administered, Mayor Eric Adams announced major changes.
As of March 7th, Key to NYC rules will be suspended. Indoor venues, including restaurants, fitness facilities, and entertainment spaces will no longer be required to check for proof of vaccination before customers enter. Businesses previously covered by Key to NYC rules will still have the flexibility to require proof of vaccination or masking indoors if they choose.
To celebrate, Mayor Adams will be on hand (TODAY, MARCH 7th at 3:30pm) to welcome contestants to the annual Rapid Fire Challenge sponsored by Total Food Service (TFS). The winner will be crowned the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York Rapid Fire Champion, receive $1,000, and bragging rights.
Mayor Adams, a noted vegan, is set to make the opening remarks at this year’s event on that is focused on is plant-based meals. Chefs are encouraged to get creative with their favorite dishes minus the meat and be ready for your one shining moment!
The event will be moderated by Mareya Ibrahim. “The Fit Foodie” is a natural products industry expert, chef, holistic nutrition coach, award-winning entrepreneur/ inventor, and author of The Clean Eating Handbook, along with the #1 best-seller Eat Like You Give a Fork: The Real Dish on Eating to Thrive (St. Martin’s Griffin). She will be joined by celebrity panelists Gennaro Pecchia, the Co-Host of SiriusXM’s Ronald’s Food Court, Maria Loi, Corporate Executive Chef of Loi Estiatorio and the Loi Brand and Tao’s Executive Chef Stephen Yen. For more information on the Rapid Fire Challenge, click here.
The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York runs through Tuesday, March 8th at the Jacob K. Javits Center. The event is sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association and managed by Clarion Events.
In addition to these workshops the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show will offer four new Education Summits focused on the most important issues including business solutions, marketing tips, operational efficiency and staffing solutions. Attendees will also have access to all of the events on Center Stage including the presentation of the new Humanitarian Spotlight Award, The Torch Award and the Beacon Award as well as the Hip Sip Battle of the Modern Bartender Competition and the Rapid Fire Challenge Plant Based Competition. For information about exhibiting, sponsoring, or attending, visit www.internationalrestaurantny.com.
Clarion Events produces 37 events across 13 sectors of both trade and consumer events. The Clarion Events Food & Beverage Group include the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, Coffee Fest and The NGA Show. Clarion Events acquired PennWell in early 2018, bringing 4 Tradeshow 200 events into the U.S. portfolio and super-charging the already rapid growth. Clarion Events has offices in Trumbull, CT; Kennesaw, GA; Boca Raton, FL; Tacoma, WA, and Fairlawn, NJ.
