SEPTEMBER 16 • 9AM -3PM • DEVOS PLACE
Independent Distributor,
Serving Independent Operators
FRESH IDEAS, FRESH PRODUCTS & FRESH SOLUTIONS
Van Eerden Foodservice is a fourth-generation, family owned broadline foodservice distributor in Grand Rapids, Michigan & Fort Wayne, Indiana. Our high-touch philosophy, combined with our extensive line of products has allowed us to serve businesses throughout the Midwest for over 100 years.
At the VanEerden Food Show you'll discover Fresh Ideas, Fresh Products & Fresh Solutions - and get the best deals of the year.
Live Culinary Demonstrations
Visit our Fresh Ideas Stage or Culinary Action Stations
to discover Fresh Ideas, Fresh Products & Fresh Solutions.
The Global
Flavor Formula
9:30am - 10:00am
at the Fresh Ideas Stage
Chef EJ & Chef Paige
Executive Chef, Van Eerden
Executive Sous Chef, Van Eerden
Discover how a handful of globally inspired pantry staples can help you add new flavors, create menu variety, and drive profitability - without increasing inventory. This interactive demo features flavor mapping and practical menu applications designed for real-world operators.
New Global
Bar Menu
10:30am - 11:00am
at the Fresh Ideas Stage
Chef Paige
Executive Sous Chef,
Van Eerden Foodservice
Take your bar menu beyond the ordinary with familiar favorites reimagined through global flavors. Discover how items like Butter Chicken Naanchos, and Provoleta Spinach Artichoke Dip can help you create craveable, trend-forward offerings that drive guest interest and check growth.
Dough on
the Go
11:30am - 12:00pm
at the Fresh Ideas Stage
Chef EJ
Executive Chef,
Van Eerden Foodservice
See how one pizza dough SKU can do much more than pizza. Learn how to transform a single dough into globally inspired handhelds and flatbreads -griddled, stuffed, fried and breaded, to expand menu variety, maximize inventory efficiency, and drive profitable innovation.
From Street Food to Shareables
12:30pm - 1:00pm
at Ajinomoto Booth, #TBD
Ajinomoto Team
Explore how globally inspired flavors can elevate familiar favorites into craveable appetizers that deliver bold taste, standout presentation, and strong menu appeal. Discover practical ways to introduce global trends while keeping execution simple and operations efficient.
Around the World
in One PSMO
1:30pm - 2:00pm, at
Copper Creek Booth, #TBD
Copper Creek Team
Follow the journey of a single Black Angus PSMO as it’s transformed into globally inspired dishes. Learn how whole-cut utilization, strategic fabrication, and international flavors can help maximize yield, reduce costs, and create distinctive menu offerings from a single premium cut.
-NEW-
Fresh Solutions Stage
Speaker Line-Up
Catch live, interactive sessions at the Fresh Solutions Stage focused on
Marketing, HR & Staffing, and Operations & Profitability.
MARKETING
Clicks to Covers
Turning Online Views into
Dining Room Visits
10am -10:30am
Marcus Drenth
Managing Director & Marketing
Strategist, NineTen Media
Digital marketing strategies that drive location traffic, increase sales, and create lasting results.
POLICY
Industry Update
MRLA Reviews Key Labor Law & Regulatory Changes
11am -11:30am
Michigan Restaurant
& Lodging Association
A discussion on recent and upcoming changes in labor laws, regulatory updates and what they mean for Michigan operators.
STAFFING & HR
Staffing Solutions
Recruiting in a Competitive Restaurant Market
12pm -12:30pm
Elnian Gilbert,
Trainer & Keynote Speaker
Zingerman's Training
Proven methods for finding great
talent, from job postings to onboarding
and beyond.
PROFITABILITY
Know Your Numbers
Simplifying Food & Labor
Cost Tracking
Amy Emberling
Managing Partner,
Zingerman's Bakehouse
Exploring practical systems and formulas
to stay on top of key costs.
1pm -1:30pm
OPERATIONS
Kitchen, Simplified
Efficiency tips to streamline your operation
Kieron Hales
Managing Partner and Executive Chef at Zingerman's Cornman Farms
Tools, layouts and time savers to make your back-of-house run smoother & faster.
2pm -2:30pm
Other Activities
Visit all four of our Culinary Action Stations throughout the show
floor to gain recipe inspiration and learn about new products & trends.
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Passport to Flavor
The World at your Fingertips
Show Floor, All Day
Use your Passport to Flavor as your guide to fresh ideas & global inspiration throughout the Food Show. Visit featured stops to connect with vendor partners, discover products and programs built for real operations, collect stamps & turn in your completed passport at the VE Info Booth for a chance to win prizes.
Global Mocktail Bar
Global Flavors, Zero Proof
American Beverage Marketers, Booth #TBD
Explore global beverage trends through an interactive mocktail experience. Sample unique recipes from around the world or craft your own creations using RE'AL and Finest Call products. It’s a fun way to inspire beverage ideas and bring on-trend offerings to your menu. Taste, experiment & discover your next signature sip.
Global Spice Exchange
Explore a World of Flavor
McCormick,
Booth #TBD
Explore global flavors by building your own custom spice blends using a wide range of McCormick products. Follow a few globally inspired recipes or create something entirely your own. It’s an immersive, practical experience designed to spark new ideas and bring fresh inspiration to your menu.
Tour a VE Trailer
Ride along, no seatbelt required.
VE Trailer,
Booth #TBD
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the delivery process that supports your operation every day. Walk through a Van Eerden trailer, step into the cab, and experience what a day in the life of our drivers really looks like. It’s a hands-on, real-world way to understand the people, precision, and care behind every delivery.
Red Bull Experience
Red Bull gives you Wiiings
Red Bull,
Booth #TBD
Fuel your day with Red Bull through refreshing mocktail samples and high-energy inspiration throughout the show. Explore creative beverage ideas, discover new ways to elevate your drink menu, and experience the energy of Red Bull's signature trailer on the show floor, serving up great drinks and great vibes all day long.
Vote for your Favorite Vendor
Click below to vote for your favorite vendor in three unique categories:
Best Booth Design, Best Taste & Best Overall Experience.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE
