Food for Thought: Chipotle’s Partnership with Huffington Post

Two days ago Huffington Post launched Food for Thought, Chipotle’s latest brand marketing strategy. Food for Thought is a HuffPost section dedicated to promoting awareness about healthful habits and sustainability practices. Contributing writers from all walks of life including doctors, lawyers and food authors discuss everything from food legislation to finding seasonal produce. This strategic move on Chipotle’s behalf is timely considering the recent shift of priorities since McDonald’s was its major investor. Now more than ever Chipotle is making efforts to be an industry leader in sustainable, GMO-free fast food chains.

Mark Crumpacker, Chipotle’s Chief Marketing Officer, writes that “people are more aware than ever of the impact that food has on people, animals and the environment.”

Through this partnership, Chipotle hopes to change customers’ perceptions of them as the burrito joint that’s owned by McDonald’s, to the Mexican fast food chain that genuinely cares about the sourcing of its ingredients and our affect on the environment.

Restaurant Inspection Letter Grades Become Ubiquitous Online

Thanks to a savvy coder, the public no longer has to rely on only one source to view restaurants’ letter grades. Health department inspection grades and points are now available on several popular restaurant-targeted sites including MenuPages, Yelp, Seamless, GrubHub, Zagat and Delivery via Google Chrome. In just one click, viewers get the insider’s scoop on the most recently updated restaurant grade, last inspection date and score while simultaneously making reservations or ordering delivery online. The pressure for restaurant owners, chefs and management to comply with health department standards has never been greater since the launching of Google Chrome’s latest extension.

New York Hospitality Group Event: Tuesday November 12th

The New York City Hospitality Group  will host “A Taste of New York” with Chef Marc Murphy at Landmarc on November 12th.

Murphy will lead an all-star panel of New York food and wine producers for a Q & A session along with a uniquely curated drink and tasting menu featuring food and wine from New York State.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with hospitality industry leaders to celebrate and discuss the importance of utilizing local products and supporting New York farmers, distillers and winemakers.

Buy tickets here.