LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Supporting the local food service and restaurant industry is the goal of an upcoming series of events presented by the Lake County Economic Development Corp, or Lake EDC, and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.

The Restaurant Expo is a one-day training and networking event focused on providing expert support to new and existing owners of restaurants, food trucks, catering companies, and other food industry businesses.

Lake County food industry business owners and their staff are invited to attend the Expo on Jan. 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the classroom and kitchen of the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College.

Food industry business owners, managers, chefs, and staff will be treated to presentations from industry experts. Cinthya Cisneros from La Cheve Bakery & Brews in Napa will share her inspirational and unlikely story of opening and thriving during COVID and beyond, Christian Ahlmann from Six Sigma Ranch will discuss how they are perfecting the hospitality experience in Lake County, and Weston Siefert from the Saw Shop and Public House will share how he used unconventional borrowing to grow his businesses.

Additional sessions will include diversification through catering and specialty food sales, hiring and retaining good employees, Sysco Foods will provide demonstrations and resources, and marketing specialists will explain how to make the most of Restaurant Week.

After the classroom and kitchen event, Lake EDC will host a networking event for participants to mingle and network with presenters and industry collaborators.

The event will include a catered lunch from Rosie Cooks and light hors d'oeuvres at the mixer. Tickets will be $25 per person.

To learn more about the Restaurant Expo and networking event, or to sign up to attend, visit http://tinyurl.com/LCexpo2024.

In addition, the second annual Lake County Restaurant Week will span the week of Feb. 4 to 10.

Coordinated by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, residents will be encouraged to try new restaurants around the lake. Restaurants from every corner of the county will participate with prix-fixe menu, small plates, or feature Lake County produce or product at a discounted price.

Tickets are not necessary for this delectable week of discounted dining, but reservations are recommended.

To learn more about how to participate as a restaurant in Restaurant Week, visit https://www.lakecochamber.com/restaurant-week/.