Restauranteurs to converge on Springfield

A major convention is on the menu for Springfield in May.

Missouri restaurateurs will come to Springfield May 5-6 to learn about issues and innovations in the restaurant industry. "Spring into Success," the Ozark Restaurant and Hospitality Expo, will be held at the University Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, 625 St. Louis St.

Sharon Tuck, MRA southwest regional director, noted that the show, which has been around for about 30 years, usually is held in January or February, and this is the first year it will be held in the spring.

"This show basically has equipment in it, it has purveyors who support the restaurant industry that want to showcase new products. We also have companies that come from out of state ... people who also want to get distribution in this area, because we are known for our restaurants," Tuck said.

During the expo, a silent auction will raise money for scholarships to benefit area students who are studying the food service industry.

Tickets to the Ozark Restaurant and Hospitality Expo are $5 at the door, but participants who register on the association's Web site, www.morestaurants.org, in advance will get in free.

Tuck said there is still room for vendors who want to participate in the show, and she expects there will be about 135 exhibits and about 2,000 attendees. The event is not open to the public, Tuck added, but people who work in or with the food service industry in any manner are welcome. No children will be allowed because many of the displays and demonstrations include hot surfaces.

Leonard said the MRA offers serve-safe training, which is an overall hygienic class on food handling and service, as well as other types of training.

In the southwest district region, which includes Springfield, Branson, Joplin and Rolla, Tuck said the MRA has about 350 members. About 240 of those are in Springfield and Branson.

In addition to restaurants, MRA's membership also includes allied members, which are other types of businesses that work in some way with the restaurant industry.

Gary Leonard, owner of the Steak n Shake restaurants in Springfield, is the president of the Missouri Restaurant Association.