Article by Peter Romano, NJRHE
New Jersey has always enjoyed a vibrant and prosperous restaurant and hospitality business with over 27,000 restaurants and quick service options with 18,000 being full service locations as well as 1,130 hotel properties. Restaurants have become the driving force in New Jersey’s economy with more than 330,900 jobs or 8% of the state’s over all employment. That number is expected to grow by 7.3% in the year 2027, adding an additional 24,000+ jobs.
Hotels in New Jersey employ nearly 100,000 staff members today. The restaurant and hotel industry combine to generate $29.1 Billion in overall sales revenue annually. The resurgence of Atlantic City’s Casino industry with two new casinos opening, the growth of the market in cities like Hoboken, Jersey City and Newark along with the $2.5 billion waterfront project in Sayreville will invite more patrons to the hotels and restaurants throughout the state.
The Riverton project in Sayreville could be transformational, creating an entire new community in the borough of 42,000 people. The proposed walkable community includes 1.5 million square feet of retail space, almost 2 million square feet of office/commercial space, 800,000 square feet of hotel/conference centers, 2,000 residential units and a 400-slip marina with supporting facilities.
Beneficiaries of all this growth are the vendors who supply the restaurant and hospitality industry in New Jersey, from agricultural producers, food and beverage manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and wholesalers along with a myriad of sectors help drive New Jersey’s thriving food & beverage industry.
For the first time in several years, New Jersey will be hosting its own restaurant & hospitality B2B trade show specifically for this growing sector. Suppliers from all over the state will be showcased at the Meadowlands, April 17 & 18, 2019.
Sponsors, Nationwide Payments and The Asian American Hotel Owners & Operators Association along with participating organizations like New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association, Total Food Service, Sonu Satellite, Everstep Flooring and City Fire Equipment are just a few of the companies already signed up.
You asked, why a show in New Jersey? Our answer is simple— why not?? #Jerseystrong
