Plenty of choice and an eye to what sells in the commercial restaurant world keep the school meal program at the Westhampton Beach School District in New York popular with students, even to the point where they want the cafeteria to stay open longer.

The chicken and rice concept pioneered by entrepreneurial alum.

The small Maine school won gold by emphasizing local procurement and environmentally sound waste management.

Training, rewarding and just plain being kind are some tactics being used.

The company’s commitment to reducing calories, saturated fat and sodium by 20 percent while increasing fruits, vegetables and whole grain by 20 percent by 2020 saw more than expected gains in its first year.

Technology that quickly IDs and processes diners gives Fresh Ideas Food Service Management a platform that resonates with college-age customers.

Three experienced foodservice professionals share insights for finding and keeping good talent.

Repurposed dining rooms are now pop-up buffet-style restaurants in the evening where groups and individual meal plan holders can reserve space and avoid the lines and crowds at the regular dining halls.

Best of Show winning UNC REX Healthcare is a trendsetter with its focus on serving chef-driven fresh, healthy fare with commercial flair.