Marriott Canvas: A Concept Lab for Food and Beverage Ideas
In a move to harness the passion of a generation of food and drink entrepreneurs, Marriott International is launching Canvas.
The ‘first-of-its-kind’ hotel industry program is a global incubator that will help entrepreneurs realize their vision for food and drink concepts in the company’s hotels.
The program builds on Marriott’s entrepreneurial heritage dating back to 1927 when the company’s founder J. Willard Marriott opened a nine seat A&W root beer stand in Washington, DC.
In an announcement Thursday, the company is inviting entrepreneurs, chefs, bartenders and artisans around the world to visit the Canvas website and pitch a food or drink concept for a select group of Marriott hotels, beginning with the JW Marriott Shenzhen (China) and Renaissance Phoenix Downtown.
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During the next six months, the number of locations will grow to approximately a dozen hotels across the globe. Committees of local restaurateurs, foodies, hotel owners and restaurant / bar experts will determine which entrepreneurs demonstrate the creativity, savvy and sound business plans to benefit most from this opportunity.
Marriott will kick start the winning restaurant and bar concepts with resources, space, and expert support needed to flourish, while maintaining the autonomy of each winner to fully realize their vision. Upon six months of operations, each concept will be evaluated for success based on popularity and return on investment.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,100 properties in 79 countries and territories.
