Nutrition in NY

Chain restaurants in NY are being required to display their nutritional information, much to their dismay. The rules require calorie counts to be posted next to foods on display and on price boards and lists for all restaurant chains with more than 15 outlets nationwide.

Independents should take note, revealing your menu's nutritional content to your patrons will be a part of your future. Embrace this opportunity to be ahead of the curve by using your resources to determine your menu's nutritional content. (I'm talking about your food service distributor: Offer the opportunity to your primary and secondary sales representatives as an opportunity to increase their business with you, they won't pass it up!)

If you have not incorporated nutritional content into your menu before, why not start with calorie counts for two or three of your lighter fare dishes? Most people want to eat healthier, but they don't know how, or where to start. Help them by serving smaller portions with lean protein and steamed vegetables. Spice things up and focus on texture rather than rich fatty or sugary ingredients. Draw attention to these items with a special section on your menu, or promote it through word of mouth with your servers.

While the restaurant association may be fighting these regulations in court, it would not hurt for their constituents to be proactive in giving customers an opportunity to life a longer, healthier life.