More than 90 of the foodservice industry’s top manufacturing, chain operators and media leaders gathered at Cog Hill in Lemont, Ill., for the 26th annual Esrock Partners’ foodservice golf outing on Sept. 9. A sunny, warm day and a beautiful championship course attracted both serious players and first-timers for this popular best ball scramble event.

This year’s theme of “School Colors” was voted for online by clients. All the Big 10 schools were well-represented, as were a few West Coast, Ivy League and independent schools.

This year marked the 26th consecutive year for this much-anticipated industry event. The Esrock golf outing remains the longest running, privately sponsored golf outing in foodservice and provides attendees with a great environment to network, socialize and share insights with industry peers.

The event filled two of the club’s courses, and the scramble-style best ball format allowed even once-a-year golfers to enjoy themselves. Prizes were awarded for best dressed, longest drive and closest to the pin, as well as for the best use of social media with best tweet. Holes were sponsored by major trade media, print and online publications, including Prepared Foods, Sosland Publishing, Food Processing, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, CSP, Restaurant Business, FoodService Director and School Nutrition. Additional outing sponsors included Village Press, Green Fields Media and Hotel F&B.

“We really enjoy bringing our foodservice friends together for a fun day out,” says Kevin Wilson, president of Esrock Partners. “Our approach to business is all about helping clients make better connections with their customers, the media and other manufacturers. That’s why our golf outing features participants from every segment of the foodservice industry. More than a few partnerships between clients have started at this event. It gives everybody an opportunity to interact and take their business up a step or two in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. This year we had over 90 participants, and it gets better every year—all I can say is, get on our email list and check our website and don’t miss it next year!”

Esrock Partners has specialized in food, foodservice, equipment and ingredient strategic planning, advertising and marketing communications since 1978. Its clients include foodservice operations, ingredients manufacturers, brokers and major branded and private label manufacturers.