About Us
For more than 25 years, Flavor & The Menu has been a trusted resource for the foodservice industry, providing menu trends, strategies and solutions to high-volume menu developers — those making menu-development decisions for the vast majority of menus across the country. Our editorial mission aims to position flavor as the strategic point of differentiation and growth for foodservice operators, while also igniting the passion for flavor among its readership.
The print magazine’s award-winning Top 10 Trends edition, published each January, has become a highly anticipated read among foodservice professionals, and its Best of Flavor issue, published in July, spotlights some of the industry’s most creative menu concepts, providing insights and inspiration to its audience. Additionally, Flavor & The Menu publishes digital stories at getflavor.com every week, including recurring series like State of the Plate and Flavor Trailblazer, as well as Kitchen Collaborative, a menu ideation program with Summit F&B and key sponsor partners.
Flavor & The Menu is the media partner of The Flavor Experience, an annual foodservice event acclaimed for serving culinary ideas and industry inspiration to high-volume F&B menu developers.
Cathy Nash Holley
Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
Cathy Nash Holley has been publisher and editor-in-chief of Flavor & The Menu since it was established. She started her publishing career with Diversified Communications, where she worked as an editor for Seafood Business and National Fisherman magazines. In 1998, she joined Media Unlimited Inc., to develop Flavor & The Menu, taking over as owner in 2013. In addition to overseeing editorial, Cathy is the President of The Flavor Experience, a premier foodservice event for menu developers and F&B leaders. Cathy is a frequent speaker and presenter at industry events across foodservice. Contact her at cathy@getflavor.com.
Julie Tobias
National Accounts Manager
Julie Tobias is the national accounts manager for Flavor & The Menu and the director of client strategy for The Flavor Experience. She began her career in ad sales in 1995 at Diversified Communications in Portland, Maine, where she worked as an account manager for the company’s media brands. After a hiatus in the world of publishing, she joined Flavor & The Menu in 2013 and has enjoyed the immersion into the dynamic foodservice industry. Contact her for information on advertising at julie@getflavor.com.
Katie Ayoub
Managing Editor, Print
Katie Ayoub serves as managing editor of Flavor & The Menu’s print editions as well as regular contributor to digital editorial features. She is president of Katie Ayoub & Associates, serving up menu trends expertise, content creation and food & beverage consultancy. Based in Chicago, Katie has been working in foodservice publishing for more than 20 years and part of the Flavor team since 2006. Contact her at katie@getflavor.com.
Nicole Duncan
Managing Editor, Digital
Nicole Duncan is the digital managing editor of Flavor & the Menu. Prior to joining the Flavor team in 2023, she served as editor of FSR magazine and previously senior editor of QSR magazine. In 2021, she won a FOLIO award for her feature on restaurant tycoon Tilman Fertitta. The following year, FSR was awarded Best Overall Issue for its May 2022 issue featuring Andrew Zimmern. Over her decade-plus time in foodservice publishing, she has served as president of the International Foodservice Editorial Council and juror for the International Food Manufacturers Association’s Gold & Silver Plate Awards. Contact her at nicole@getflavor.com.
Patricia Fitzgerald
Contributing Editor
Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. Contact her at pfitz@getflavor.com.
Katie Kelley
Marketing Manager
As digital marketing manager, Katie Kelley wears multiple hats on the Flavor & The Menu team, including optimizing audience outreach and engagement via e-newsletters and social media. Her skills have been invaluable in establishing a dynamic marketing strategy that keeps pace with the evolving media landscape. She’s regularly recruited for photo editing and design across Flavor’s digital and print platforms. Additionally, Katie manages marketing and app development for The Flavor Experience, where she’s also the on-site photographer. Contact her at katiek@getflavor.com.
Eliza Amari
Media & Events Strategy Coordinator
Eliza Amari is the media and events strategy coordinator for both Flavor & The Menu and The Flavor Experience. She serves as a bridge between the editorial, sales and events teams, as well as advertisers, sponsors and external partners, ensuring seamless execution across multiple fronts. Prior to joining Flavor, Eliza worked in higher education, where she was responsible for program development, event organization, academic outreach and finance. Contact her at eliza@getflavor.com.
Jim Cradock
Lead Web Developer
Jim Cradock is the lead web development and IT consultant for Flavor & The Menu. He builds online content and web solutions with the editorial and sales teams, as well as advertisers, and Jim also assists in managing the pipeline of online activities. Contact him at jim@getflavor.com.
