SmartDesign Group Sees Healthy Food Trends Changing the Way We Eat Together; Firm Applies Design Experience to

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Tue Jul 7, 2009 5:52pm EDT

  VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Jul 07 (MARKET WIRE) -- 
The 100-Mile Diet, Ocean Wise, organic food, variety, sustainability and
energy consumption are huge concerns in food right now-and they are
having a big impact on the foodservice industry. SmartDesign Group is
helping operators capitalize on these trends by applying hospitality
design experience that makes delivering healthy food options practical
even in major settings like stadiums, airports and campuses.

    Jon Sunderland, President, SmartDesign Group, says that organic, leaner
fare is going mainstream as consumers demand healthier food sources and
communities become more aware of where their food comes from. These
demands have raised the bar in the food industry-forcing foodservice
operations to grapple with how to deliver on all of this in an efficient,
profitable way when serving thousands of people in large public venues.
It can sometimes seem like an insurmountable task.

    "What we're seeing more and more are customers who want choices that
cater to their individual needs and beliefs. And the challenge is
delivering that within a framework that doesn't sacrifice quality or
profitability." Jon Sunderland, President, SmartDesign Group.

    But in the age of individualism, how far can the industry go when it
comes to meeting the different needs of so many different people? That's
the question SmartDesign Group is addressing for stadiums, healthcare
facilities, universities and conference centres around the world.

    There are ways to meet both the needs of hungry customers while within a
sustainable business model. It requires creative thinking that includes
more flexible, cost-effective catering solutions.

    According to Sunderland, "It all comes down to making smarter use of
space. The traditional food court has operational inefficiencies-like
separate back-of-house areas for each tenant. A more holistic approach
can create efficiencies by sharing equipment. For instance, a food
station that makes omelets for breakfast converts to prepare stir fries
for lunch and whole grain pasta for dinner."

    SmartDesign Group has a dedicated hospitality team, specializing in
maximizing revenue opportunities for clients in entertainment,
hospitality, retail and transportation industries. The firm has worked on
a number of projects including Aviva Stadium, Alberta Health Services and
New Doha International Airport.

    About SmartDesign Group

    SmartDesign Group is a retail design practice that specializes in
bridging the gap between commercial vision and design. Working alongside
owners and operators, their ability to maximize opportunities and create
efficiencies in the transportation, sports & entertainment, retail and
hospitality industries has garnered recognition worldwide. Notable
projects include, Incheon International Airport, Wembley Stadium, Staples
Center, Aviva Stadium, New Doha International Airport and Alberta Health
Services. To learn more about SmartDesign Group's design experience,
visit www.smartdesigngroup.com.

Contacts:
SmartDesign Group
Lisa Gervis
604.662.7015 x251
lgervis@smartdesigngroup.com
www.smartdesigngroup.com

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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