Third Annual Lake County Restaurant Expo Announced

Supporting the local food service and restaurant industry is the goal of an upcoming series of events presented by the Lake County Economic Development Corporation (Lake EDC).

The Restaurant Expo is a one-day training and networking event focused on providing expert support to new and existing owners of restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, and other food industry businesses.

Lake County food industry business owners and their staff are invited to attend the Expo on January 27, at the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College. The event will start with registration and a no-host lunch at noon, sessions will begin at 1:00 pm and conclude with a networking mixer at 5:00 pm.

Food industry business owners, managers, chefs, and staff will be treated to presentations from industry experts.  Maria Martinson from Testa Ranch in Redwood Valley will share her inspirational story of her family’s business transitions from grape growing to winemaking and now opening a coffee shop, tasting room, restaurant, and antique store. Participants will learn how to engage with millennials and Gen Z customers, and a representative from US Foods will discuss how popularity and profitability are not the same and how businesses can work towards both.

Additional sessions will include changes in regulations presented by Lake County Environmental Health, how to start your own food industry business, industry experts will explain how to make the most of Restaurant Week, and learn about local hospitality training opportunities.

After the classroom event, Lake EDC, in partnership with the Lake County Winery Association and the Lake County Blue Zones Project, will host a networking event for participants to mingle and network with presenters and industry collaborators.

This event is generously sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital.

In addition, third annual Lake County Restaurant Week will span the week of February 24^th to March 2nd. Restaurants from every corner of the County will participate to show off their best dishes and try new recipes.

To learn more about the Restaurant Expo and networking event or to sign up to attend, visit lakecountycaedc.org/restaurant2025/.