From creativity-filled chefs to advocacy-driven executives to forward-thinking founders, these food and beverage experts are using innovation to elevate the event goer experience.
“Food and beverage are the heart of the shared experience, and there’s no better way to foster connection than through a great dining experience,” says Dana Pellicano, president of Patina Restaurant Group and one of our 2023 Industry Innovators.
It’s a sentiment shared by everyone we featured in this story, who spoke passionately about using innovative thinking to elevate events of all types. These chefs, executives, and company founders are tirelessly advocating for the multi-faceted F&B industry, searching for new flavors and presentations, and bringing event goers experiences they’ve never seen before.
Click through the profiles below to learn what drew them to the food industry, how they define “innovation,” their all-time favorite foods (some of them may surprise you!), and much more.
Adam Noyes
CEO, Proof of the Pudding
Amy Brown & Heidi Andermack
Co-Founders, Chowgirls Catering
Cade & Ingrid Nagy
Owners, Catering by Design
Dana Pellicano
President, Patina Restaurant Group
Kabrel Geller
Founder, This Messy Table
Manal Kahi
Founder & CEO, Eat Offbeat
Mary Giuliani
Founder & CEO, Mary Giuliani Catering & Events
Matthew Landes
Founder & Creative Director, Cocktail Academy
Ron Ben-Israel
Chef & Owner, Ron Ben-Israel Cakes
About the list: Our Industry Innovators features are compiled by our editorial team using a variety of resources. The idea is to go beyond the biggest names in the biz—though it has plenty of those too—and dig deep into the industry professionals who are using truly innovative thinking to push the boundaries of live experiences.
If someone has previously been named a BizBash Innovator, they are not eligible for the list.
These food and beverage experts, from creative chefs to advocacy-driven executives and forward-thinking founders, are leveraging innovation to enhance the event goer experience. According to Dana Pellicano, President of Patina Restaurant Group and one of the 2023 Industry Innovators,
“Food and beverage are the heart of the shared experience, and there’s no better way to foster connection than through a great dining experience.”
This sentiment is echoed by all the individuals featured in this story, who are passionate about using innovative thinking to elevate events of all types. They are tirelessly advocating for the multifaceted F&B industry, exploring new flavors and presentations, and delivering unprecedented experiences to event goers.
These industry innovators are constantly striving to take the dining experience to the next level, with an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable moments. Their passion for the industry is palpable, and their dedication to innovation is transforming the food and beverage landscape in exciting ways.
Whether they’re creating bespoke menus, experimenting with new culinary techniques, or using technology to enhance the event experience, these industry innovators are at the forefront of the F&B industry. Their creativity, passion, and tireless work ethic are inspiring others in the industry to push the boundaries of what is possible.
As the events industry continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, the role of food and beverage is becoming increasingly important. These industry innovators are not only shaping the future of F&B, but they’re also driving innovation across the entire events landscape.
So the next time you attend an event, take a moment to appreciate the work of the talented chefs, executives, and founders who are using their creativity and innovation to make your experience unforgettable. They are the unsung heroes of the events industry, and they deserve our recognition and appreciation.