GUELPH, Ont. — The stakes have been raised for the upcoming Frankie Tomatto’s Restaurant Innovation competition, with more prize dollars and an extended deadline for submissions to Jan. 26.
The competition, hosted by The School of Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management at the University of Guelph in Ontario, is geared towards post-secondary students enrolled in hospitality programs. Meant to inspire innovation among its students, the competition attracts new foodservice ideas related to products, technology, sales, service, concept, equipment or financial model. “Students are the future of the industry and are full of ideas. Creativity is often stifled as careers progress … hence students will often have newer, more innovative ideas than experienced operators,” the press release reads.
Preliminary proposals are due Jan. 26; on Jan. 30, the judging committee will announce which teams will be invited to submit a complete proposal. On Feb. 12, the complete submissions are due. On Feb. 21, the top eight teams will have the opportunity to meet with other students and industry experts at the University of Guelph as well as present their ideas. Each team in the top eight will receive an award plaque.
The final three teams will compete at the Restaurants Canada show on March 2 at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto. The first-place winner receives a $3,000 cash prize, followed by $2,000 and $1,000 for the second and third place, respectively.
