Des Moines – January 8, 2018 – Iowa restaurants are well positioned to be on the cutting edge of 2018’s top culinary concept according to the Iowa Restaurant Association. A recent survey of top chefs found that 74% consider “hyper-local” restaurant concepts – including those with onsite beer brewing, house-made items and even restaurant gardens – to be the top culinary concept trend for 2018. “Living in the heart of the nation’s breadbasket means Iowa restaurateurs can literally look out their windows, and find local ingredients,” said Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “Other top trends also name simplicity, back to the basics and farm-branded items as top concept trends which are our state’s culinary wheelhouse.” The National Restaurant Association surveyed 700 American Culinary Federation members in October – November 2017, asking them to rate 161 items as a “hot trend,” “yesterday’s news,” or “perennial favorite” on menus in 2018.

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Iowa Restaurant Association  The Iowa Restaurant Association provides advocacy, education and promotional support to Iowa’s restaurant and tavern industry. www.restaurantiowa.com Media Contact: Katelyn Kostek Public Relations Specialist kkostek@restaurantiowa.com 515-276-1454