FCSI - The Americas

🗣️ Series one of The Sounding Board is a wrap — and the conversations were too good not to revisit.
Over the past few weeks, our Allied Members posed big questions to the FCSI network, and consultants from around the world weighed in:
⚙️ Where do speed and simplicity break down in an operation? (Hint: "menu drives everything")
📋 Why does holding spec matter? Because it's not rigidity — it's accountability
🎨 Is design purely aesthetic, or the key to how spaces actually function?
🌱 Does sustainability mean sacrificing the guest experience? (Spoiler: it shouldn't)
We've pulled together the standout perspectives from consultants at Culinary Options, Clevenger Associates, S2O, Ricca Design Studios, Jacobs and more — all in one place.
Read the full round-up and join the conversation 👇
https://www.fcsi.org/foodservice-consultant/worldwide/the-sounding-board-key-highlights-and-insights/

The Sounding Board: key highlights and insights - Foodservice Consultants Society International As we round off the first series of The Sounding Board, we share the FCSI network’s top perspectives and topics of conversations in response to our Allied Members’ questions addressing key industry challenges and trends

🌍 This week in global foodservice:
🇵🇪 Lima will host The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 — a first in the awards' 24-year history
🍟 McDonald's unveiled a single-story prototype with a fully visible kitchen and pickup lockers
📊 86% of restaurant leaders say balancing innovation with risk is a struggle — and it's costing them customers
💊 GLP-1 use among UK adults has jumped to 8%, and users are swapping dining out for activities
🏨 Big hotel moves from IHCL in India and Hilton's first Home2 Suites in Spain
Catch the full round-up in this week's Global Foodservice Focus 👇
https://www.fcsi.org/foodservice-consultant/worldwide/the-global-foodservice-focus-99/

The Global Foodservice Focus - Foodservice Consultants Society International A weekly round-up of hospitality and foodservice news and announcements from across the world

Did you know FCSI The Americas is the premier association for foodservice and hospitality consulting professionals? With over 1,300 members in 46+ countries, we represent the best minds in the industry — from concept development and design to food safety, operations, and training. We Share. We Support. We Inspire. 🍽️ Learn more at fcsita.org

Chicago is calling ☕🍸🍴

Are we seeing you this Sunday at the Upper Midwest Networking Reception during the NRA Show?

Join FCSI The Americas for an evening of connections, conversations, heavy appetizers, and a cash bar in the heart of downtown Chicago.

📍 The Exchange
224 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
🗓 Sunday, May 17, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

💲 $60 in advance | $75 at the door

If you haven’t registered yet, now’s the time 👇
https://fcsita.imiscloud.com/_FCSI/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=UMWNRA2026

Upper Midwest Networking Reception