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FM’s Top 20 stories of 2021

How operators coped with the pandemic as it began its second year of societal disruption dominated FM’s industry coverage this year.

Mike Buzalka, Executive Features Editor

December 22, 2021

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Not surprisingly, the most read stories of 2021 had to do with the ongoing pandemic, which seemed to wane early in the year as vaccines started to become available, but then resurged as new variants emerged. Nevertheless, it was a much better year for the industry as a whole than 2020—really, how could it be worse?—as operators began to adapt to the new environment with a series of innovations and adaptations that not only allowed them to weather the year with some renewed business success during the year but hopefully positioned them for successful operation in the coming years.

FM’s top stories of 2021 include many of our roundup and analysis features looking at how operators in the various onsite markets innovated in the face of crisis, along with a couple of major news stories capped by the recent fiscal year results announcements from the largest contract management companies in the industry that show a slow climb back toward pre-pandemic numbers. In addition, our top stories list includes a couple of signature culinary features, our celebration of foodservice heroes and of course the 2021 Best Concept Awards and 2021 Top 50. 

About the Author

Mike Buzalka

Executive Features Editor, Food Management

Mike Buzalka is executive features editor for Food Management and contributing editor to Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News. On Food Management, Mike has lead responsibility for compiling the annual Top 50 Contract Management Companies as well as the K-12, College, Hospital and Senior Dining Power Players listings. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from John Carroll University. Before joining Food Management in 1998, he served as for eight years as assistant editor and then editor of Foodservice Distributor magazine. Mike’s personal interests range from local sports such as the Cleveland Indians and Browns to classic and modern literature, history and politics.

Mike Buzalka’s areas of expertise include operations, innovation and technology topics in onsite foodservice industry markets like K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Healthcare and Business & Industry.

Mike Buzalka’s experience:

Executive Features Editor, Food Management magazine (2010-present)

Contributing Editor, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News (2016-present)

Associate Editor, Food Management magazine (1998-2010)

Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1997-1998)

Assistant Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1989-1997)

 

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