O’Briens Sandwich Bars, the hand cut sandwich and gourmet coffee franchise, has been judged the country’s top operator in its culinary sector by scooping the title in the Healthy food category of the MenuMasters Awards 2006. As one of ten category winners, R&D executive Kerry McClarkin will represent O’Briens and jet off this month to the US windy city of Chicago for a five day fact-finding study tour.

Kerry will take in the largest hospitality exhibition in the world, the National Restaurant Association (NRS) Show, where she will find out all about the latest innovations and global trends in food, beverages, technology and equipment. The tour is an invaluable learning and networking opportunity including a number of behind-the-scenes visits to the city’s top dining venues.

Commenting on the healthy title win, Kerry McClarkin, who drives research and development for the international brand said: “At O’Briens the research that goes in to food concept development not only ensures an innovative product and approach that keep our concept fresh. Healthy choices are also at the heart of the brand.

“Today, our offer is a great deal more than simply serving up the humble sandwich hot or cold. Our WrapposTM, Tossed Salads, juice bars and handy calorie counters are all proving popular with consumers. Although we have always been seen as the healthy fast food option, we are focusing more than ever on maintaining our position at the forefront of the market in the nutritional stakes.”

Since Kerry joined the team in 2003, everything from portion size to managing salt content has been implemented to ensure O’Briens continues to provide an even healthier menu. The investment in research and development is really paying off.

“The O’Briens team approached the Irish Heart Foundation with its menus last year and they liked what they were doing so much, they asked to endorse its work,” said Kerry. “That let’s us know we are getting it right. As a team who are all truly passionate about keeping O’Briens as the healthier choice for consumers, we are delighted to have our menus recognised by the MenuMasters accolade.”

Publisher Dewberry Redpoint organises the winners’ trip to Chicago, which includes return flights, accommodation at a top hotel, as well as tickets for the NRA show and restaurant visits. Kerry will be able to attend seminars, hear keynote speeches and meet a selection of the 73,000 industry professionals and 2,000 exhibitors attending the Show from 108 countries.