Kids Marketing

I had the great opportunity to speak to hundreds of restaurant owners from around the country, including Chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurants.  This convention, “Kid’s Marketing,” was held in Orlando, Florida.  My message was challenging to them, but very simple.  I warned these restaurant owners that unless they develop healthier menus, especially for kids, then the government will begin to slowly force you to change.  This message was delivered in 2004.  What has happened since then?  Cities and states are now forcing restaurants to stop using partially hydrogenated oils, and now restaurants are now being told to post calorie and nutritional information on their menus.  I told restaurant owners that “Restaurants are not to blame for the obesity problem with kids.  That’s a blame left to parents.  But your restaurants have a huge role in helping to change the way American children eat.  Make food that kids can have fun with…not get fat with.”