MARRIOTT International is offering ambitious Shanghai entrepreneurs the chance of a lifetime to make their dream food and beverage (F&B)concept come true. With the promise “You have the idea, we have the space,” Marriott International is inviting ideas for F&B concepts that will reinvent a lounge at Renaissance Shanghai Caohejing Hotel and JAVA+ venues at Marriott Hotel City Center and Marriott Hotel Luwan. A first in the hospitality industry, “BANG!” is on the lookout for “passionate individuals with original, feasible and creative ideas that reflect the F&B culture of the local market,” said Ralph Frehner, Marriott International’s vice president, Food and Beverage Operations, Asia Pacific. Marriott International’s BANG! campaign made its debut in Asia at the JW Marriott Hotel Shenzhen in December 2014. It was won by Ms. Estella Pan, who recently opened a ‘Tofu Boutique’ with stylish, contemporary versions of tofu recipes passed down through her family. ”We are now looking for similarly creative and original concepts in Shanghai, with our biggest contest so far inviting concepts for three hotels,” said Frehner. Contestants should initially submit innovative ideas with a short description and either 30-second video or one photo image (jpg or png file) to the campaign website. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit detailed business plans in early August this year. Each of the three properties will ultimately select three finalists to pitch at the “BANG! Ultimate Cook-Off” — with live presentations of concepts and judges deciding which three finally get the go-ahead in mid-September. Extensive support and resources for each winner will include a start-up budget, professional advice from Marriott International, including regulatory and legal assistance, staffing, menu design, food safety and hygiene, marketing, and communications. The venue will also be provided rent-free for up to six months, and the winners will be compensated based on the performance of the outlet. (SD News) | 