Marriott International has launched CANVAS Lab, a start-up incubator for food and drink entrepreneurs. The lodging company is inviting chefs, bartenders and artisans from anywhere in the world to visit the Lab online (canvas-startup.com) and pitch a food or drink concept to a select number of properties, the first two of which are the JW Marriott Shenzhen (China) and the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown. Over the next six months, Marriott expects the number of participating properties to grow to about a dozen. For each property, a committee of local restaurateurs, foodies, hotel owners and restaurant/bar experts will select the winning concepts, and then provide the resources, space and support to make them a reality. After six months of operations, each winning concept will be evaluated based on popularity and return on investment. The goal of the program -- which is a nod to Marriott's entrepreneurial roots as a nine-seat A&W root beer stand -- is to speed up the current industry model for introducing innovative new concepts. "We believe the key ingredient of CANVAS is to marry the best ideas of local entrepreneurs with Marriott's resources, space and capital that will transform ambition into action right inside our hotels," said Wolfgang Lindlbauer, Marriott global leader for food and beverage. "Just like travel, food and drink experiences today are about indulgence and discovery for modern travelers and local clientele alike, to savor, enjoy and share."TagsHotels and Resorts