On November 7, 2024, gateretail North America proudly hosted the JetBlue product team at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where the teams explored domestic retail meal options with Bimmy’s — a New York-based fresh food service company specializing in artisan cuisine, in collaboration with the gategroup Culinary team. The Institute of Culinary Education, which ranks as the number one culinary school in America, was the perfect venue for our EatUp Café Menu Workshop.
This place of culinary education was a superb setting for our chefs to inspire the JetBlue team with their innovative, delicious, and beautiful creations. At gategroup, we create culinary connections, and hosting a workshop such as this one is just one example of the way we forge those bonds. These connections are not only built through social interactions, but also through the artistry of the food we design, craft, and present to our partners. Every meal and every bite tell a story, taking diners on a journey filled with good memories and exciting possibilities.
During the workshop, attendees from both gateretail and JetBlue reviewed and refined over 20 menu items, finalizing each dish that will run across four of JetBlue’s seasonal menu cycles in 2025. Each item was curated and crafted to meet and exceed the expectations and standards set by JetBlue and their customers. Our chefs presented each menu item to the attendees, describing the inspiration and flavors of the dish before letting them indulge in a sample. Due to our longstanding partnership with JetBlue, we understand that only the best will do, and at gategroup we continually strive to innovate and craft dishes that elevate the onboard dining experience, ensuring each meal is as memorable as it is delicious.
“Workshops like these embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that truly defines our partnership with JetBlue. By combining our gateretail and culinary expertise with their vision, we ensure that every retail menu offering not only meets expectations but exceeds— allowing JetBlue to continue to elevate the onboard experience for their valued customers,” said Chris Kinsella, Regional Chief Commercial Officer for gategroup North America.
“JetBlue’s customers value unique, high-quality and comforting dining options, making the EatUp Café Menu Workshop an integral step in evaluating seasonal dining options that meet their needs and preferences,” said Svender Singh, general manager of onboard experience, JetBlue. “Partnering with gateretail and their incredibly talented culinary team is reflective of our commitment to serve best-in-class food and elevate our onboard experience “
The workshop concluded with Chef Molly Brandt, Executive Chef Culinary Innovation gategroup North America, delivering a fun and engaging Food Forces Innovation presentation, which topped off a successful gate-JetBlue event. It truly was the cherry on top of the whole event, pulling together the ideas and flavors presented throughout the day into one final course of excellence.
