THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
THE HOTCHKISS SCHOOL
Everything you need to bring Ready. Set. Serve. to life—scan here.
The Showcase is more than a display of programs and products—it is an opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and celebrate the innovation and dedication that define CulinArt’s approach to school dining. Every station has been thoughtfully designed to highlight concepts that are practical, scalable, and relevant to today’s students while reinforcing the operational excellence our teams deliver every day.
As you explore the Showcase, you’ll experience innovative culinary concepts, proven operational best practices, student engagement initiatives, retail merchandising strategies, wellness programs, and valued vendor partnerships. From emerging food trends and interactive dining experiences to efficient service solutions and merchandising techniques, each exhibit is intended to spark new ideas that can be adapted to schools of every size and style.
We encourage you to take your time, ask questions, share your own successes, and connect with colleagues and partners throughout the day. The best ideas often come from collaboration, and this event is designed to inspire meaningful conversations that strengthen our programs across the country.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
BREAKFAST STATIONS AND MID-MORNING SNACK TRENDS
CHECK OUT WEBTRITION FOR RECIPES!
Menus can be found in your Webtrition accounts Master Menu section under
Together, we can continue raising the standard for school dining—creating experiences that nourish students, build community, support wellness, and make our cafés and dining halls destinations students look forward to visiting every day.
Wake up and experience breakfast like never before. The Hotchkiss School Dining Hall has been transformed into an immersive showcase of inspiring breakfast concepts designed to energize students from the very first meal of the day. Explore globally inspired entrées like Shakshuka, Chilaquiles, Morning Bee Hoon, Tex-Mex Breakfast Bowls, and Beef Bulgogi Breakfast Bowls, alongside an Allergy Aware Breakfast Buffet, an elevated oatmeal bar, creative bakery innovations and new grill-to-go options. The salad bar takes on an entirely new identity with vibrant Aloha Bowls, artisan breakfast toasts, overnight oats, and smoothie sips, while EggCraft, our interactive self-cook omelet station, puts students in control of creating breakfast exactly the way they like it. Discover fresh ideas, trending flavors, and engaging concepts designed to increase participation, enhance the breakfast experience, and inspire students to start their day well.
TODAY’S FEATURED CONCEPTS
GLOBAL BREAKFAST
Weekend mornings become a culinary adventure with internationally inspired breakfast specials that encourage students to explore the world—one breakfast at a time. Rooted in CulinArt’s philosophy of celebrating culture through food, Global Breakfast introduces authentic dishes and ingredients such as Shakshuka, Chilaquiles, Bee Hoon, Congee, and other regional favorites, expanding palates while creating meaningful connections through global cuisine.
What is Congee? Congee is one of Asia’s most beloved comfort foods—a creamy, savory rice porridge created by slowly simmering rice with water or broth until it becomes silky and velvety. Enjoyed across many cultures, it’s the perfect canvas for flavorful toppings ranging from vegetables and herbs to eggs, proteins, and bold sauces.
ALOHA BOWLS
Bring tropical energy to breakfast with vibrant, build-your-own smoothie bowls. Students begin with a refreshing acai base before customizing their bowl with fresh fruit, granola, seeds, coconut, nuts, and other superfood toppings. Packed with flavor, color, fiber, and nutrients, Aloha Bowls are as craveable as they are nutritious—and no two bowls are ever alike.
EGGCRAFT
An interactive breakfast experience that puts students in the chef’s seat. Students choose from a variety of farm-fresh vegetables, premium proteins, cheeses, herbs, and cage-free eggs before preparing and cooking their own custom omelet. Equal parts breakfast and entertainment, EggCraft encourages creativity while delivering a fresh-made meal exactly the way each student likes it.
WAFFLE BAR
A breakfast favorite with endless possibilities. Students choose from classic or specialty batters— including Red Velvet, Strawberry Shortcake, and seasonal flavors—then watch their waffle cook to golden perfection before finishing it with an expansive selection of fresh fruit, syrups, whipped toppings, nut butters, chocolate, or even savory accompaniments
GRILL TO GO
Breakfast for busy mornings. Discover elevated breakfast sandwiches featuring premium ingredients, chef-inspired flavor combinations, and new grab-and-go packaging designed to create a faster, fresher, and more appealing quick-service experience without sacrificing quality.
TOASTED & TOPPED
Simple ingredients become extraordinary with artisan breads, creative schmears, and globally inspired toppings. From whipped ricotta with hot honey to smashed avocado, nut butters, seasonal fruit, and savory spreads, students can customize endless combinations while embracing one of today’s most popular breakfast trends.
THE BAKE SHOP
See how creativity transforms familiar products into signature bakery favorites. Featuring General Mills speed-scratch batters and mixes, discover innovative applications like Orange Sticky Buns, Cinnamon Twist Babka, Croissant Churros, Croissant Beignets, Pumpkin Muffins, Apple Cream Cheese Muffins, Cocoa Banana Muffins, cereal-topped creations, and more.
HAND-CRAFTED SCONES
Sample a variety handcrafted scones prepared from scratch by the talented baker at The Hotchkiss School.
SMOOTHIE SIPS
A flexible wellness concept designed for every operation. From made-to-order smoothie bars to station takeovers and convenient pre-portioned grab-and-go offerings, Smoothie Sips makes it easy to deliver fresh fruit, vegetables, and functional ingredients in a delicious, portable format.
OVERNIGHT OATS
Prepared the night before for maximum flavor and convenience, Overnight Oats offer a wholesome grab-and-go breakfast packed with whole grains, protein, and fiber. Featuring rotating seasonal flavors and customizable toppings, they’re a nutritious, student-friendly option that’s perfect for busy mornings.
ALLERGY AWARE
Inclusive dining begins with breakfast. This dedicated buffet features a delicious selection of breakfast favorites prepared free of the Top 9 allergens and gluten, ensuring students with food allergies and dietary restrictions can enjoy a safe, satisfying meal without sacrificing variety or flavor. Thoughtfully curated recipes, clearly identified offerings, and careful preparation practices help create a welcoming dining experience for every member of the campus community.
VISIT COMPASS PRINTING
Print Allergen Aware clings and signage and have them shipped to your location.
Let’s work together to KEEP THIS AREA SAFE
• Only take food from this station if you have a food allergy. This food is to be eaten in the dining room during meals, not taken to go.
• Only items from this station may be placed in the Allergy Aware Zone toaster.
• Place outside food items on your table before coming to this station. Do not put your plate down on or near this station if it contains food from any other station.
• Never cross-utilize serving utensils from other stations at the Allergy Aware Zone.
• See the manager or chef if you have any allergyrelated questions, concerns, ideas or comments.
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM Setting the Stage Jeff Powell, SVP Education
Ali Bernardi, VP of Marketing & Strategy
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM Safety Fundamentals & Year-Long Success
Shiv Singh, Director of Safety
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Wellness & Allergens: Serving with Confidence
Stephanie Dorfman, Director of Wellness
10:30 AM – 10:50 AM Driving Student Engagement
Amanda Fishbaugh, Director of Marketing
10:50 AM - 11:10 AM Break
11:10 AM - 11:30 AM Client Retention: Recognizing & Protecting
Ali Bernardi, VP of Marketing & Strategy
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Disney-inspired Hospitality Training
Tina Halvatzis, Director of Human Resources
12:00 PM - 12:20 PM CulinArt Group Catering Collection Venues
The Hotchkiss School Dining Hall showcases CulinArt’s signature lunch and dinner experiences, featuring the standards that define exceptional school dining alongside innovative concepts that engage today’s students. Explore globally inspired cuisine, street food favorites, seasonal offerings, allergy-aware dining, athlete-focused nutrition, and interactive self-cook stations—all designed to balance culinary excellence, operational efficiency, and student appeal.
Discover fresh station ideas, emerging flavor trends, creative merchandising, and customizable programs that transform dining halls into destinations students choose while reinforcing CulinArt’s commitment to hospitality, inclusivity, and memorable dining experiences.
TODAY’S FEATURED CONCEPTS
URBAN EATS, FEATURING CHAWANMUSHI AND TOSTADA MASH-UPS
A bold, high-energy destination inspired by global street food culture, Urban Eats features a rotating menu of non-traditional entrées drawn from cities around the world. Designed to feel fun, current, and a little unexpected, the station introduces new flavors and formats while keeping portions approachable and satisfying with ever-changing offerings and strong visual appeal.
Tostada Mash-Ups
A playful take on the classic tostada, this concept layers crisp tortillas with unexpected flavor combinations inspired by cuisines from around the world. From Mediterranean Chicken Pita and Spicy Kung Pao to Chicken Caesar and Tradicional Pulled Pork,, each tostada delivers bold flavors, vibrant toppings, and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Chawanmushi
A silky Japanese-style savory egg custard reimagined as a modern meal. This comforting dish features delicate steamed eggs layered with globally inspired ingredients such as roasted vegetables, mushrooms, chicken, shrimp, or bold umami sauces. Light yet satisfying, Chawanmushi offers students an unexpected introduction to Japanese comfort food in a fresh, approachable way.
LUNCH AND DINNER STATIONS AND INNOVATIONS 12:20 PM - 1:45 PM
CHECK OUT WEBTRITION FOR RECIPES! Menus can be found in your Webtrition accounts
Master Menu section under Ready. Set. Cook. Showcase
FUELING GREAT
Our Fueling Great concept is rooted in fresh, simple whole foods prepared with clean, healthy ingredients and mindful cooking techniques, such as braising, roasting, grilling and sauteing. Designed with athlete’s and sports nutrition programs in mind, our balanced menus feature high-protein mains, complex carbs, healthy fats, calcium-rich dairy, and, of course, lots of fruits and veggies.
ALLERGY AWARE
A calm, confidence-building entrée station designed for students with food allergies and sensitivities, this service-point offers thoughtfully prepared meals free of the top 9 allergens, allowing students to dine safely without sacrificing flavor, variety, or satisfaction. Featuring clearly identified ingredients, careful preparation, and balanced, comforting entrées, the station provides peace of mind and inclusivity at every meal.
MICRO CONCEPTS, FEATURING MEZZE GRILL
Keep the dining experience fresh with a rotating lineup of limited-time Micro Concepts designed to introduce new flavors, spark curiosity, and create reasons for students to come back. These flexible, easyto-execute concepts can be featured as pop-ups within existing stations or highlighted as standalone experiences, allowing operators to test emerging food trends and seasonal favorites without the
Inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, Mezze Grill celebrates fresh ingredients and bold, customizable combinations. Students can build their meal with flame-grilled proteins, warm pita, fragrant rice, crisp vegetables, house-made hummus, tzatziki, garlic sauce, pickled vegetables, feta, and fresh herbs. Bright, colorful, and packed with flavor, Mezze Grill delivers a healthy, satisfying dining experience that reflects today’s demand for globally inspired cuisine.
Step up to the hot chute for a preview of new packaging, designed to elevate the grab-and-go, quick-
TUSCAN BISTRO
Step up to Tuscan Bistro for mouthwatering, freshly made in-house pizza and Italian specialties. With a robust menu of fresh-baked gourmet and traditional pizza pies, Roman pizza, piadina (pizza crust sandwiches), flatbreads and a selection of Stromboli, calzones, garlic knots and stuffed rolls, Tuscan Bistro is a colorful and abundant station.
FRESH HARVEST, FEATURING SUMMER SALAD AND GRAIN BAR
A vibrant, market-style salad bar celebrating freshness, variety, and balance, Fresh Harvest invites students to build their own salads from an abundant selection of crisp greens, seasonal vegetables, grains, legumes, proteins, and all-natural house-made dressings — all thoughtfully prepared and beautifully displayed. Today’s presentation focuses on local and seasonal ingredients that celebrate the bright, beautiful and flavorful bounty of summer. It’s important that we keep our salad bars uber-fresh and of-the-moment, utilizing the guides, tools and marketing from our seasonal salad bar refresh releases.
SANDWICH SPOT
This self-serve adaptation of the CulinArt deli program allows students to build a sandwich from a variety of colorful, fresh, and enticing ingredients. The station features premium provisions, a hand-carved roast, artisan breads and a variety of spreads, along with chef-curated sandwich specials, and the ability to self-press sandwiches at the panini grill.
WOKWORKS
An engaging, hands-on self-cook station that empowers students to prepare their own meals from start to finish. Students pick and choose from a variety of fresh vegetables, proteins, noodles or grains, and globally inspired sauces, then cook their selections in a wok to build a meal exactly the way they like. Designed to encourage creativity and independence, the station invites students to experiment with flavors, textures, and ingredient combinations while learning basic cooking skills.
FIND YOUR FLAVOR
At this mix and match flavor station, students can choose from a variety of seasonings, sauces and other toppings, recently curated for the K-12 school audience, to enhance and customize their meal. Sweet, salty, sour, spicy and umami are five taste elements that build our overall perception of flavor. When each element is perfectly balanced—not only on the plate, but across an entire meal—the dining experience is lifted above and beyond. The Find Your Flavor program is all about bringing awareness to our taste buds, breaking them down by the five different elements and identifying and offering a variety of ingredients, toppings and condiments for each.
During Ready, Set, Explore!, attendees will rotate through three immersive showcase experiences, each designed to highlight a different aspect of the CulinArt program. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience each area, attendees have been assigned to one of three groups.
PLEASE CHECK YOUR NAME BADGE FOR YOUR GROUP ASSIGNMENT.
Each rotation is 45 minutes. At the conclusion of each session, our team will direct you to your next destination so that every attendee experiences all three showcases. We encourage you to ask questions, sample products, exchange ideas, and gather inspiration throughout each experience. By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have explored innovative dining concepts, engaging student programs, elevated catering ideas, and the latest trends shaping school dining today.
EXPERIENCE EXPO
Exceptional school dining is about more than what’s on the menu—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that engage students, strengthen school communities, and build lasting connections. The Experience Expo highlights CulinArt’s signature engagement programs alongside innovative vendor partnerships that complement our culinary philosophy and help operators deliver memorable experiences throughout the year. Explore interactive activations, wellness initiatives, branded merchandising, retail solutions, and customizable programs that inspire participation, reinforce school identity, and bring fresh energy to campus dining.
1:45 PM - 4:00 PM
INNOVATE: Start at Experience Expo (Luke Foyer)
ELEVATE: Start a Snack Bar Evolution (The Snack Bar)
INSPIRE: Start at the Catering Showcase (Farman-Farmaian Dining Room)
The Meveca system is a European-designed, battery-powered mobile cooking suite that allows full culinary execution without permanent construction or utility tie-ins.
Key features:
• Battery-powered operation supporting sustainability goals
• Ventless, self-contained design
• Reconfigurable modules adaptable to multiple menu concepts
• Mobility throughout campus
Because it is fully mobile, it can be activated in any space, indoors or out, transforming flexible areas into high-impact culinary environments. It also significantly enhances catering capabilities, allowing live-action stations and chef-driven experiences anywhere on campus.
TODAY’S FEATURE AT STANNER EXPRESS: KICKIN’ CHICKIN
Bold, saucy and craveable, Kickin’ Chickin serves a lineup of pickle-brined, crispy chicken sandwiches and loaded tots. With flavor-forward profiles like Nashville Hot, Buffalo Bacon Mac, Mozzarella Parm, Korean BBQ and more, this proprietary brand brings the same excitement and indulgence that make national chains like Chick fil A and Raising Canes so popular with Gens Z and Alpha. A plant-based option is always available, keeping the menu inclusive and on-trend.
Case Study
At Archbishop Molloy High School, where the café facility footprint is small and limited for their some 1,500 students, we created a secondary station, approximately 15’ wide, in the rear of the seating area, utilizing two movable four-segmented tables with claddings on casters, a coordinating cashier stand and hand sink—all by Meveca. Today, students make a beeline for Stanner Express to discover what’s on the menu. The station generates an average of $1,400 in daily sales while increasing overall café revenue by approximately 15%, demonstrating how innovative design, operational flexibility, and compelling menu concepts can significantly expand capacity and enhance the student experience without the need for major construction. merchandising, retail solutions, and customizable programs that inspire participation, reinforce school identity, and bring fresh energy to campus dining.
For more information on Meveca LiveCookinTables®, which are available in a variety of configurations, customizable colors and finishes, and even an all-new Kids Buffet, contact: Christian Hahn, Head of Global Accounts, Meveca Christian.hahn@meveca.com.
