Reinhardt Food Service Expo

When food industry types get together, there’s a taste of everything. New products, edible samples, restaurant and grocery trends, cutting-edge technology, stainless-steel appliances and mascot costumes were all found at the first Tri-State Food Expo last week. Held at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, the event drew businesses from New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as well as Philadelphia, other parts of the country and abroad. Sponsored by the New Jersey Restaurant Association and produced by Diversified Business Communications of Maine, the expo gave food service and retail professionals an opportunity to network, showcase new products and services, and find ideas for growing their businesses. Kerri Tooley was greeting visitors with a display of mascot costumes representing a variety of foods, including pizza, cheeseburgers and ice cream cones. A national sales manager for WaverCostumes.com in Runnemede, Camden County, Tooley talked to visitors about how they can use costumes as marketing tools. “They’re great for grand openings and festivals,” she said. “You go to high school football games and pass out coupons.”