Company: Eurest, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nomination Submitted by: Eurest
Company Description: As the premier leader in hospitality, food service, and culinary excellence for the nation’s workforce, Eurest creates workplace dining and retail experiences for many of the country's biggest brands and top employers across diverse industries, including technology, finance, manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, aviation and more. Eurest is a division of Compass Group, the world's leading food s
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Food & Beverage - Large
 Nomination Title: Eurest
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2023, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 59 words used.
With a workforce of more than 19,000 team members, Eurest is dedicated to culinary excellence, innovation and sustainability – creating food experiences as a valued amenity partner that foster collaboration, drive connection and fuel workplace productivity. Through Eurest’s wellbeing and sustainability initiatives, the company drives meaningful transformations in the food system for the benefit of people and planet.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 246 words used.
By anticipating consumer needs and workplace dynamics post-pandemic, Eurest reimagined its services and operations, strengthening partnerships and business investments, elevating culinary innovation, and instituting programs that improve lives.
Culinary Innovation
Eurest pushed boundaries of culinary excellence with research and development, introducing globally-inspired menus—a dozen food concepts that elevated guest experience with bold and fresh flavors.
Business Accelerator
Through the Business Partner Accelerator program, Eurest paved the way for minority- and women-owned small businesses to thrive in contracted foodservice. Through collaboration, we’ve enhanced the diversity, authenticity and quality of menus. A standout is Cool Chix, a culinary concept developed by female chefs in partnership with Miffy’s Foods and Lillies of Charleston.
Wellness
Eurest invested in consumer behavior research to expand wellness offerings and promote plant-centric dining. A key highlight is our partnership with Instacart, enabling guests to easily shop for ingredients featured in Teaching Kitchen sessions—whether in-person or virtual—making it easier than ever to bring nutritious, chef-driven meals to life at home.
Catering Excellence
With more people returning to the office, Eurest capitalized on this shift by unlocking new catering revenue streams, introducing a range of menu offerings, including everyday and seasonal selections, express catering for last-minute orders to reduce reliance on competitors, and a special events operation.
Career Development
Eurest is developing the next generation of hospitality leaders through its Global University of Lifelong Learning (GULL) program, providing hourly associates with tools and opportunities to grow into salaried roles and empower them to build fulfilling careers.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 241 words used.
Eurest has reshaped foodservice operations to meet evolving consumer demands, leading to record growth and industry leadership.
- Record high client 99% retention rate two consecutive years – a rate this high had not been reached in nearly a decade
- 24% new business growth in 2024 - a strategic expansion beyond traditional office environments and into new businesses, like airline lounges and casinos
- Eurest is growing at the highest rate among all of Compass Group’s 28 sectors
- Expanding catering operations led to sales doubling from 2023 to 2024
- Seasonal catering sales increased 56% YoY.
- Developed 12 new food concepts, led by Chief Culinary Officer Chris Ivens-Brown who was the first appointed chef to Compass Group’s North American Board in 2024
- Expanded wellness programs, including Instacart-integrated shoppable recipes and a six-month consumer behavior study to support driving plant-centric menus. For an automotive technology company, helped them adopt 80% plant-based.
- Diverse supplier spend at 2X national average
- Business Accelerator Partner, Miffy’s Foods, grew in distribution from one state to 49 states
- Continued to drive professional development initiatives including English as a second language course for nearly 300 team members
- Announced partnership with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, helping veterans transition into civilian careers
- Saw the largest graduating class in 2024 of Eurest’s frontline development program, Global University of Lifelong Learning. Overall promotion rate of graduates grew to 42%.
- Launched Eurest Cares, its community relations program that encourages employee volunteerism and corporate community investments
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 218 words used.
The materials referenced share how Eurest is adapting to the needs of the market and using storytelling to drive deeper connection with guests and clients.
Modernized website updated in 2023, www.Eurest-USA.com
Expanded sustainability and wellness offerings to support clients with employee engagement, providing better nutrition and education.
Increased media attention, enhancing reputation and share of voice among competitors.
Video storytelling on culinary innovation, partnerships and programs
Testimonial from Miffy Jones: “I’m overwhelmed by the response and truly grateful for the growth and impact that Eurest has driven for my business and life.”
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