Feb Newsletter

NEWS LETTER

WHAT WE LOVE! F E B R U A RY 2 0 2 4

‘‘Approach love & cooking with reckless abandon.”

– H. Jackson Brown, Jr

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4-7

WHAT WE LOVE

8-9

FEATURED VENDORS

10-11

2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE

12-13 A SLICE OF SUCCESS 14

INSIGHTS

15

RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

16

2023 DRIVER OF THE YEAR

4

“Tell me what you love & I’ll tell you who you are.”

-Arsene Houssaye

WHAT WE LOVE

5

This is the 16th installment of our What We Love series.

We asked employees what Delco items they love the most or what they love most about Delco.

Here’s what we found...

“I’m really enjoying Chocolate Tartufo and Coppa Spagnola from Bindi. They make great thaw and serve desserts for any occasion!”

– Austin Hendrickson, Sales Rep #222257 Chocolate Tartufo #222248 Coppa Spagnola

12 ct 6 ct

“I love that Delco Foods has a “make it right” attitude. Whatever it takes to fix mistakes, make the customers happy.”

– Luisa Stiggleman, Customer Service Representative

“I like to buy dough balls, cannoli shells and chocolate chip filling for parties.”

– Lindsey Marie Wheeler, CSR #213101 22 oz Dough Ball #222000 Cannoli Shells Large #222001 Cannoli Shells Mini #222021 Cannoli Filling w/CC

26/22 oz 8/6 ct 1/12 ct 1/1.5 lb

“If I had to pick one line/ item, I would probably choose Nueske’s. If you don’t know – they are a premium pork/ bacon producer out of Wisconsin. Their spiral ham is the best ham I have personally ever had, and their Applewood Smoked Bacon is bar none. The bacon has a 24 hour smoke, super lean, and definitely more expensive than commodity, I could try to sell you on why I think it is justifiable to carry over commodity, but I’ll let your sales rep do that! In all seriousness, buy it for your personal use at home, you won’t be disappointed!.”

– Dustin Nicholas, Sales Representative #1002355 Smk Sliced Bacon 2/5# #252371 Hny Glzd Spiral Ham 1/9# Ask your Sales Rep about our Nueske line

6

MORE OF WHAT WE LOVE...

“I love how Delco makes a point to communicate with customers directly. Not an automated phone system but an actual person whether it’s in customer service, sales, purchasing, etc. There is always someone we can get you to to have a conversation. I feel like in today’s day and age, that is rare and its goes a long way. ” – Elaine Welker, Accounting Coordinator

“The Kriner family loves the Mac & Cheese Bites and the Buffalo Chicken Raviolis from Louisa. Nice comfort foods during the winter months!”

– Blair Kriner, Purchasing/Merchandise Manager #1007424 Brd Jal Mac & Chs Bites 2/5# #1006017 Toasted Buf Chic Ravioli 2/5#

WH “The newest thing that I love from Delco is our country brand chicken wings!

These big ole wings are fully cooked, lightly breaded and deliciously seasoned to be eaten without sauce, but the flavor just adds to any sauce that you put on them. To be fried is best but they are ovenable. Two times through a conveyor typically gets them crispy from frozen.

A little mango habanero wing sauce and a cold cerveza and you and your Valentine are ready to watch The Pacers beat the Raptors.”

– Mark Turner, Accounting Coordinator, Sales Representative #261197 FC Ovenable Chicken Wing 3/5# #1004001 Mango Habanero Sauce 4/64 oz (special order item)

“I love our Wild Mushroom Raviolis especially when paired with Menu’s Mushroom Truffle Cream Sauce. Super easy dish to prepare and never disappoints. Serve this dish to your friends or family and they’ll think you’re a Michelin chef! Credit to Stephen Campbell for my knowledge of such a fine meal.”

– Joey DeBonis, Sales Representative #320685 Wild Mushroom Ravioli 4/2.5# #361450 Mush. Cream w/Truffle 6/22.6 z

AT WE LOVE

14 8

FOLLOW US “Like Us” on Facebook or follow us on Instagramto be the first to get all the latest information about new products, upcoming events and more!

2024 SOLAR ECLIPSE

10 On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. The path of the eclipse continues from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveling through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

The chart below from NASA.gov shows the expected solar eclipse times:

The eclipse is expected to bring millions of tourists to areas with the best visibility. Be sure to stock up on inventory to be prepared for an influx of visitors to your location.

11

SOLAR ECLIPSE FACTS

This will be the first total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. in 7 years. Before that one, you have to go back to February 26, 1979. And it will be 20 years until the next one: August 23, 2044.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth are aligned. The Moon, directly between the Sun and Earth, casts a shadow on our planet. If you’re in the dark part of that shadow (the umbra), you’ll see a total eclipse. If you’re in the light part (the penumbra), you’ll see a partial eclipse.

You want to be on the center line (the cities in the chart). Because the lunar shadow is round, the longest duration of an eclipse occurs at its center line, and that’s where you’ll experience the full width of the Moon’s shadow.

The center line will cross through 15 states and unlike the 2017 eclipse, which covered only one large city, Nashville, the 2024 event will plunge several major metropolitan centers into darkness. Many completely lie along the path, while others will have a large percentage of their areas covered. Among them are Mazatlán, Mexico; San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, and Dallas, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, Ohio; and Buffalo, New York.

10 12

A SLICE OF SUCCESS As we move forward into the new year, let’s take a look back at the industry in 2023.

Navigating Challenges with Innovation: The year began with lingering uncertainties, as the aftermath of the pandemic continued to impact the food service industry. Pizzerias, known for their community-centric approach, swiftly embraced innovation. Online ordering systems, contactless deliveries, and creative marketing strategies became essential tools, ensuring the beloved slice remained accessible to customers during even the toughest times. a sense of belonging that Digital ordering and delivery have grown extended beyond the dining table.

300%

faster than dine-in traffic since 2014.

Community Engagement Flourishes: Pizzerias reinforced their role as community hubs, engaging with customers beyond the transactional.

Collaborations with local artists, participation in community events, and charitable initiatives became integral parts of pizzeria operations.

Establishments strengthened their bonds with customers, creating

Culinary Creativity Takes Center Stage: Pizzeria menus underwent a metamorphosis in 2023, with chefs unleashing their creativity to captivate taste buds. Unique topping combinations, gluten-free and plant-based options, and regional specialties gained prominence, showcasing the industry's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. This evolution not only satisfied existing customers but also attracted new demographics, expanding the loyal pizzeria fanbase.

Daiya Dairy Free Shred Mozzarella Delco# 1004375 Follow Your Heart Vegan Shred Mozz Delco# 1007388 FC Crumble Italian Plant Sausage Delco# 1006808 10" Cauliflower Crust w/Parmesan Delco# 1005162 10” Gluten Free Crust w/Pan Delco# 1003681 8” ZERO CARB GF CHICKEN CRUST Delco# 1008636

14

HOW TO BE THE PERFECT PARTY PARTNER

Parties and catering events can be an excellent source of additional revenue for restaurants. By understanding the needs and preferences of those planning events, restaurant owners can play a crucial role in creating memorable experiences.

According to the National Restaurant Association, the Restaurant Performance Index as recorded in June 2023 was 100.2. An index above 100 indicates an opportunity for growth for restaurants. Here are some strategies for restaurant owners to be true partners to their customers when it comes to planning parties and possibly grow their business.

1. Consider publishing a catering menu with tips on what to serve when and how much to order based on event size etc.

2. Offer customizable packages to accommodate group sizes, budgets and food preferences.

3. Encourage advance bookings by offering incentives like add ons or a small discount off the entire order. Their planning will help you too!

4. Post-party follow-up is crucial. You will learn what people loved and what they didn’t about their catering experience with you. Encourage them to post their meals on social media and tag you!

According to a Harvard Business School study, a one-star increase in Yelp online reviews increases restaurant revenue by 5-9%

5. By being a party partner you can elevate the experience for your customers while also gaining their trust in your services. With a little attention to detail and a little holiday spirit, you can position yourself as the go-to destinations for memorable holiday meals and celebrations.

Click here to view our Catering Products Catalog

15

2023 DRIVER OF THE YEAR CONGRATULATIONS! NOLAN McMULLEN