Categories
In partnership with The National Restaurant Association, this award will celebrate exceptional innovation in the foodservice industry. If your product is helping restaurants work smarter, safer and more sustainably, enter the awards today!
Sustainability Solutions
Products in this category could include but are not limited to:
- Front-end sustainability (plastics, disposables, etc.)
- Food waste reduction
- Back-end sustainability (production systems)
Technology Solutions
Products in this category could include, but are not limited to:
- Delivery management systems/online ordering for takeout and delivery
- Workforce management tools
- Convenience technology (contactless ordering, payment, etc.)
Health & Safety Solutions
Products in this category could include, but are not limited to:
- Food safety sanitation
- Employee hygiene



Judges
Winners are selected by a panel of judges comprised of SmartBrief editors and executives of well-known organizations and brands in the foodservice industry.

Nitin Malhotra
Senior Director of Enterprise PMO
Chipotle Mexican Grill

Jorge Hernandez
VP, Quality Assurance
The Wendy’s Company

Shannon Tolliver
Social Responsibility and Environmental Sustainability Manager
White Castle

Laura Abshire
Director, Sustainability Policy and Government Affairs
National Restaurant Association

Kevin Steele
CIO
National Restaurant Association

Amy Sung
Director of Content
Food & Travel, SmartBrief

Janet Forgrieve
Writer & Editor
Food & Travel, Retail, SmartBrief

Tricia Contreras
Editor
Food & Travel, SmartBrief
If you have any questions about our categories, judges and criteria, check out the FAQs.