Food Industry News: April 2024

Chef D’Andre Carter’s Award-Winning Barbecue Concept Continues to Expand

Soul & Smoke Co-Founders Chef D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick are excited to announce the opening of its newest location at 500 W. Madison in Chicago’s West Loop area. Located at Accenture Tower, locals can once again experience one of Chicago’s best barbecue concepts. This is their fourth location. You can also find them in Evanston, Avondale and Soldier Field.

“With the West Loop being such a soughtafter area for dining, it is exciting for us to bring Soul & Smoke back to the neighborhood,” said Chef D’Andre, Chef and Co-Founder of Soul & Smoke. “Also being in a high-traffic building like Accenture Tower, it also allows us to bring the

dishes that many know and love at our Avondale and Evanston locations and introduce them to a whole new audience.”

Serving up favorites such as the award-winning Prime Brisket Sandwich, house made pickles and original BBQ sauce and Shrimp + Grits, Argentinian red shrimp, chicken andouille sausage bisque, heirloom grits and chives, the menu features easy -to -eat, grab- and- go items as well as dishes to sit and enjoy.

The team is also planning to evolve its Evanston location with a new, full-service restaurant slated to open later this Spring, so stay tuned for more See ‘Soul & Smoke’ on 17

Chef D’Andre Carter

Hospitality & Tourism Summit Returns to Navy Pier

Ateema Media & Marketing along with the Illinois Office of Tourism, announced the 23rd Annual Hospitality & Tourism Summit Chicago, will return to Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom on Tuesday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attended by over 1,250 leading industry professionals from across the Midwest, the event kicks off with educational sessions discussing industry trends, insights, and marketing tips beginning at 10 a.m.; a “who’s who” trade show of exhibitors from 2 to 7 p.m. and a special networking happy hour on the show floor from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Highlights include a panel discussion. presented by Choose Chicago, addressing The State of Hospitality, Events and Tourism in Chicago, featuring Choose Chicago’s Interim CEO Rich Gamble, Illinois Office of Tourism’s Daniel Thomas, Navy Pier CEO Marilynn Gardner and Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO Michael Jacobson.

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Mia Francesca Unveils Redesign, Marks Anniversary with Reopening

Mia Francesca, the beloved Italian eatery nestled in the heart of Lakeview at 3311 N Clark Street, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated grand reopening, revealing a breathtaking redesign that seamlessly marries classic charm with contemporary allure. Celebrating its remarkable 32nd anniversary, Mia Francesca invites patrons to experience a fresh take on the beloved establishment, reimagined by the visionary founder, Scott Harris.

Since opening Mia Francesca’s over 32 years ago, Scott Harris has played a pivotal role in transforming Chicago’s dining landscape and earned him a reputation as a true industry pioneer. Over the years, he expanded the Scott Harris Hospitality group to 18 locations, showcasing a diverse range of concepts that have become beloved fixtures in Chicagoland.

The impact of Scott Harris Hospitality extends beyond the city, with Francesca’s establishing a presence in over 10 suburbs across Chicagoland. The brand’s portfolio also includes acclaimed establishments such as Davanti Enoteca, Vasili’s Mediterranean, Mio Modo, Disotto, Glazed and Infused Donuts and most recently Vinny’s Clam Bar. These restaurants, each with its unique charm and culinary offerings, have contributed to Scott Harris’s reputation as a transformative figure in the restaurant industry.

30-Year-Old Bittersweet Pastry Shop

& Cafe unveils a second location in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood at 2019 S. Laflin St. and Welcomes Bravo’s Top Chef Alum Chef Partner Katsuji Tanabe. Their other location is at 1114 W. Belmont in Chicago.

Esther Griego and Chef Katsuji Tanabe

TEX-MEX REIMAGINED with Kikkoman

Introducing Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Orange Sauce. Made with Kikkoman Gluten-Free Non-GMO No-PreservativesAdded Tamari Soy Sauce, orange juice concentrate and select seasonings, it takes the guesswork out of making perfect orange chicken, and it’s ready to use as a sauce, glaze and condiment for stir-fries, appetizers and more.

Easy Menu Ideas

Mojo-Style Pulled Tacos with Orange Sauce: Thaw pulled pork in the refrigerator. CCP: Hold cold at 41°F or below. Reheat pulled pork according to package instructions. Heat to a minimum of 135°F. Drain any excess liquid.

Combine Kikkoman Gluten-Free Orange Sauce, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin and Kosher salt in a saucepan. Whisk to combine dried spwices.Bring the mixture to a boil and allow to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Combine 1 quart of the sauce to 5 pounds of the pulled pork and mix well. Hold and serve hot at 135°F or above.

Wendy’s Bets on Breakfast

Wendy’s will spend $55 million dollars over two years to advertise its breakfast offerings , the company announced Thursday in its Q4 2023 earnings release. CEO Kirk Tanner, who joined the company said the advertising could drive up breakfast sales in the U.S. and Canada by 50%. The announcement marks a continued focus on the breakfast daypart as a potential sales driver with low marginal labor costs, a plan that began under previous CEO Todd Penegor. –

DINING WITH April 2024

BROOKHAVEN MARKET • 450 E. Golf Rd. SCHAUMBURG, Il 847-439-9700 . Familyowned grocery stores with numerous locations often offer a wide range of products. At this particular store, the produce section stood out for its variety, and the prices were very reasonable. Additionally, the seafood, deli, and meat departments were gorgeous. I was particularly impressed by the array of international products they carried. The bakery department, located at the front of the store near the checkouts, was especially tempting. I couldn’t resist purchasing some fancy butter cookies from the counter. I also grabbed a loaf of Izzie Ciabatta bread and a bag of Tsakani’s Greek Almond biscuits (Cretan Recipe), both of which were very tasty.

CHILL BUBBLE TEA • 5 Woodfield Mall SCHAUMBURG, IL 847-619-1305 . They are situated in the Dining Pavilion on the second floor of Woodfield Mall. They offer bubble teas and smoothies, featuring a selection of Classics, Creations, and Fresh Fruits. They also provide various flavors of tapioca to choose from. I ordered one of the Cotton Candy Creations, and they asked me if I would like it with tapioca. I opted out. The cup was sealed with a cute graphic. The drink itself was refreshing and sweet. I enjoyed it, as did my friend, who tried the Strawberry Shortcake Creation.

GALE STREET INN • 4914 N. Milwaukee Ave. CHICAGO, IL 773-725-1300 . This place has been around forever and is a staple in the Jefferson Park neighborhood. The room and bar area were bustling. On certain nights, they feature live music. They are renowned for their menu of steaks and seafood, along with their ribs. I tried their ribs, which fell off the bone, and the BBQ sauce they served was delicious. For dessert, I had the bread pudding. I’m guessing the owner’s name was George because he checked on everyone in the dining room, and many guests asked for him. Nice job!

DEVON STEAK & SEAFOOD • 17W400 22nd St. OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL 630-516-0180 . Located in a strip mall; from the outside this place looks small but it actually is a good-sized place. The décor is stunning. They started us off with some biscuits with butter & syrup. For an appetizer, I ordered the crispy Chile cauliflower which had a nice kick to it, followed by a wedge salad. For my entrée, I tried the Lobster Risotto which came with chunks of lobster in a creamy sauce; it was so filling. The service was wonderful!

MR. BROAST • 7104 Mannheim Rd. ROSEMONT, IL 847-813-5797. This is a dine-in & carry-out place with four locations that is open 24-hours / 7 days a week. It’s known as the ‘Home of the Zinger Burger,’ which is a crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside chicken breast topped with seasoned cabbage & drizzled with spicy Zinger sauce. They serve many kinds of chicken including Nashville hot, tenders, chicken buckets, wings, kabobs, etc. They also serve seasoned fries, rice bowls, burgers, Philly sandwiches and much more. I just felt like eating broasted chicken, so I got their 8-piece leg and thigh meal and had enough to take home. It was tender, juicy and delicious. They let you know that it’ll take about 20 minutes for your broasted chicken to be done, so order ahead.

THE PATIO RESTAURANT • 9100 S. Harlem Ave. BRIDGEVIEW, IL 708-598-2099 . Every time I visit this place, it leaves me wanting to return again and again. My favorite menu item is their ribs, which I usually order, but this time I decided to try something different. They offer a selection of homemade soups daily, so I opted for the New England Clam Chowder, and it was incredibly flavorful. Additionally, I ordered a pulled pork sandwich, which came with a pickle and a side of baked beans. Yum! Their BBQ sauce is a particular favorite of mine. Whenever I dine there, I always make sure to pick up a bottle; it has become a staple in my house. They have numerous locations.

Thank you to the 2024 Board of Directors of the Food, Beverage and Equipment Executives (FBEE) of Chicago for their dedication to their fellow sales executive peers. Pictured below is anybody’s dream team Board of Directors, Bob Schwartz, Terry Gibbs, Dave Kaluzny, Bob Zehr, Mike Coker, Page Jahanger, JR Weber, Beth Gibbs, Chad Severson, Dave Bochniak and THE 2023/2024 FBEE president Cary Miller. This group has been around since the 1940’s and is comprised of non-competing suppliers who meet monthly to share confidential insights. For membership info visit www.fbee.org.

Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar Opens Spring 2024

Chef/Owner Brandon Rushing has announced the opening of Briny Swine Smokehouse & Oyster Bar in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood (2577 N. Clark St.). Scheduled to open this spring, Briny Swine is a seaside-inspired smokehouse and oyster bar featuring Carolina-style barbeque, sustainably sourced seafood and Lowcountry classics served with cocktails aplenty, live music and a side of sass.

Briny Swine is a beloved, down-home restaurant that was first established in Edisto Island – a quiet community of 2,000 nestled between the North and South Edisto Rivers 45 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. The picturesque, 68-square-mile sea island is mostly undeveloped. Edisto’s robust fishing community and the island’s rich heritage spill into its restaurants, where food is the heart of the community. There, Brandon and his wife Katherine own and operate the original outpost of Briny Swine and Ella & Ollie’s, both of whose menus shine with local seafood and Southern staples.

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– Caroline Rhea

One Off Hospitality Opens Publican Quality Bread In Oak Park

James Beard Award-Winning Baker Greg Wade Brings Chicago’s Beloved Bread to the Suburbs

Since its inception in 2014, Publican Quality Bread has been championed as premier loaf purveyors, passionate flour enthusiasts, and pillars of the community it serves.

Known as “Chicago’s bread,” PQB proudly supplies quality wholesale product to over 120 of the city’s best restaurants and chefs, owing to its reputation as the most flavorful and sustainable bread in the region.

In 2022, the team opened its first retail storefront bakery in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood, where it has continued to deliver its longstanding mission of not just making outstanding product with craft and dedication, but enthusiastically planting roots in the community as a space to meet and gather.

by unveiling the second location of PQB with a daytime bakery and evening café in the vibrant Village of Oak Park. The new storefront, anchoring the eclectic Arts District at 211 Harrison Street, opened in February. The new location hits especially close to home for One Off Hospitality founding partner Donnie Madia and CEO Karen Browne, both Oak Park locals, as well as with Wade, who’s become a familiar face at nearby farmers’ markets and community events as a resident of neighboring Berwyn.

Now in 2024, Publican Quality Bread’s James Beard Awardwinning Baker and Managing Partner Greg Wade joins partners Paul Kahan, Donnie Madia, Terry Alexander, and Eduard Seitan of One Off Hospitality (Blackbird, The Publican, Publican Quality Meats, avec, Big Star) to expand its footprint beyond the city

“ Good design is good business.”

“Bringing our second location to Oak Park feels like a natural progression; it’s a place close to my heart, filled with incredible people who have always shown us immense support,” says Donnie Madia. “We’ve fortuitously been laying the groundwork for years, providing our bread to Oak Park eateries and popping up at local events. It’s incredibly humbling to witness the excitement for Publican Quality Bread’s opening and, living just a few blocks away, I am personally honored to contribute to a community where I’m laying down roots. Moreover, this move signifies the first time in One Off Hospitality’s history that we open our own storefront spot outside the city limits in the confines of The Village of Oak Park.”

Congratulations to the 2024 Illinois Restaurant Association Board of Directors and thank you for all of your hard work and dedication, in helping to thwart unfair legislation effecting the $37.6 billion dollar Illinois Restaurant industry. We are proud to support you! Everyone should be a member of the IRA to help protect our community of food businesses and the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood. Congratulations to Steven Hartenstein, of Lucca Osteria, the incoming Chairman of the IRA! Congratulations to the 2023 Industry Award Winners – Vendor of the Year: Ecolab, Sara Rowe; Prostart Company of the Year: Terlato Wine Group; Restaurant of the Year: Erick Williams, Virtue.

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Laws Whiskey House celebrates its coveted win at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards – the most respected whiskey competition in the world. Laws

Cask Strength Four Grain Bourbon earns recognition as the “World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon” for its exceptional quality and superior flavor that sets the standard of excellence.

Mission BBQ is proud to announce the donation of $347,068 to national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA). This contribution was made possible thanks to the generosity of Mission BBQ customers and their support of Mission BBQ’s special American Heroes Cups. The donation will sponsor veterans’ wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. service members laid to rest at 129 participating locations for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day – Saturday, December 14, 2024.

Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian Food Launches

Three New Refrigerated Entrees

Free of antibiotics, hormones, and preservatives, these tasty meals come fully cooked and ready to heat and serve.

Tamarind Pulled Chicken: Combining the best of Indian and American in one amazing Pulled Chicken with an original Sukhi’s Sweet Tamarind BBQ Sauce. Works great in sliders, rolled with tortillas, or on top of salads. Available at Raley’s, Save Mart, and Shaw’s.

Chicken Chili: A flavorful blend of fully cooked ground chicken, kidney beans, and garam masala in a hearty spiced chili. Available at Raley’s and Shaw’s.

Butter Chicken: Tender white meat chicken pieces are simmered in a rich, creamy tomato butter sauce. Available at Raley’s.

Technology Considerations, Trends, Concerns Discussed

The Chicago Chapter of the International Food Beverage Technology Association recently held a chapter meeting at Flat Top Grill in downtown Chicago, and welcomed restaurant owners to attend for free. The group is dedicated to fostering communication and conversations surrounding all things technology as it relates to the food industry. Chapter Co-chairs Sam Stanovich of Big Chicken Restaurants and Doug Davis of Monical’s Pizza led the lively and informative conversation.

Topics Discussed Included:

Cyber Security : What are attendees doing to protect their network and infrastructure? Awareness of the vulnerabilities which could include offering public wifi on your network, web enabled cameras, POS systems, temperature monitoring systems and others all which could be weak links in your system can get hacked. Also discussed was having a serious security training program or protocol in place to train employees to not open phished messages. Determine the weakest links in your cyber security chain and fix them.

Next Generation Ordering and Customer Service, Web Ordering and App Ordering: Best practices include for experiencing the ordering process as a customer does. Understand the pain points, glitches and slow points. Reduce the number of steps for ordering to the minimum. Does it take too long to order? Is it slow to process the order? Guests may leave. See what the customer sees. Remain mindful of providing a hospitable guest experience while embracing technology.

Using Technology and Automation to Reduce Labor

Costs : Discussion included outsourced and AI drivethru and kiosk ordering, augmenting live employee POS positions with kiosks, to enable you to move more people through in short periods of time. Create concepts around tech and automation, as in robotic bartenders and a kiosk, with ordering directly connected to the POS, payment and then delivering the order with the robot. Think about your customers. Consider how your customers want to order and pay, and accommodate them

The next meeting for the Chicago Chapter of IFBTA will be Sunday May 19 immediately following the NRA Show, at a River North Bar/Restaurant location. See the group’s website for details. www.ifbta.org

TUCKEY’S TIPS

By Lauren N. Tuckey, Esq. and Megan A. Smith, Esq.

Bill Collection: An Easier Way

Does someone owe you money?

Your first instinct might be to “eat” the loss because you think it’s too burdensome to hire a lawyer or file suit. However, you may have an easier option to explore.

Small Claims V. Civil Action

Lauren N. Tuckey, Esq.

Small claims court is a civil remedy where you can sue someone for $10,000 or less. Small claims court has much simpler rules that allow for the process to be faster than other types of courts. Individuals can represent themselves although corporations can sue in small claims only if they are represented by a lawyer.

Small claims court is ideal for situations including, but not limited to:

• Unpaid rent and/or eviction

• Medical bills

• Property damage

• Personal injury

• Breach of contract

Small claims should not be used in cases such as divorce, getting property returned or stopping an action against a plaintiff.

• Enforcement and Collection of Judgments: If you file a small claims case, and you win, you will receive a judgment against the party you filed against and you’ll have a few options in order to enforce that judgment/collect payment.

• Citation to Discover Assets: This is the most common type of collection action for enforcing a business judgment. This allows you to learn what property the debtor owns and with that knowledge, you can then move to try to collect against it. This is a formal action to the court, asking them to require the judgment debtor to disclose all of their financial information. This freezes their assets, ensuring they cannot be moved or spent until the judgment is collected. You must fill out a form online that requires the debtor to come to court to answer questions.

• Wage Garnishment: When wages are garnished, an employer keeps a certain amount of the check each pay period and sends it directly to the creditor to pay towards a debt. This can be done by any creditor with a small claims judgment in order to collect.

• Memorandum of Judgment: This can be filed with the Recorder of Deeds in a county where debor’s real estate is located. This is a lien on the debtor’s property wherein a creditor can prevent a property from being sold until the judgment is enforced.

• Levying a Bank Account: This is a way creditors can attempt to collect money from the debtor’s bank account through filing the Citation to Discover Assets to the debtor’s bank.

– Find the Tuckey Law ad on page 28.

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‘The Bear’ May Return to TV in June

Run the Table

Hoops has evolved to the point where positions don’t matter as much as they once did. But, when you think about spacing the court and sharing the ball, it’s still helpful to consider the role of all five players, and what they bring to the floor. To get in the gameday spirit, we take a look at the different ways hot sauce can assist your specials.

Put Me in Coach

When we analyze hot sauces, spicy leads the way. Introducing the coach of the saucy team, Wilbur Scoville. An American pharmacist in the first part of the 20th century, Scoville created a test that measured the effect of hot chilis on people. Essentially, the Scoville scale is a measurement of spicy.

For example, Tabasco Sriracha Sauce contains one to threethousand SHUs (or Scoville heat units), which results in a 2-out-of-5 on the heat scale. Since not everyone is a heat freak, this mellow spicy level covers a wide-range of palates — from heat lovers who still want to taste the flavors of their meal without being overpowered, to the heat hesitant, interested in adding just a touch of spice to their wings or pizza.

On Point

The player responsible for handling the ball and running the offense is the point guard — often considered the coach on the floor. Which makes sense, because like Coach Scoville, spicy flavor is what gets things started with hot sauce.

– Source: Eater

Season 3 of The Bear, the critically acclaimed TV series that has showcased many of Chicago’s most popular restaurants, should release in June, according to FX. The network’s chairman, John Landgraf, confirmed the time frame during the Television Critics Association winter press tour last week. Season 2 and its 10 episodes were released all at once on June 22, 2023 on Hulu. Season 3’s news follows that template. Since then, the series has garnered 10 Emmys and three Golden Globes. After enduring the ire of some Chicagoans for its depiction of the city in Season 1, where some natives railed about inaccuracies, creator and suburban native Christopher Storer and his team began Season 2 as a love letter to the city with plenty of pretty shots of the city and cameos from chefs and restaurant owners.

California Coffee Growers Ramp Up Their Options

Sixty-five farms in Southern California have turned their hand to growing coffee beans over the past two decades and producers there are on a mission to prove that the state can play on a field that has been dominated by countries with tropical climates. Volumes from California growers pale in comparison to the millions of pounds of beans grown in Brazil each year, but the quality and flavor profiles of coffee from SoCal startups like Frinj Coffee are winning attention and kudos from international coffee experts.

– Source: Los Angeles Times

Sriracha is typically crafted from a paste that utilizes chili peppers, although some popular bottles employ a jalapeno base. For fans that go absolutely mad over specific kinds of hot sauce, they’ll be relieved to know that a brand like Tabasco Sriracha uses the same, classic oak barrel-aged peppers as the Original Red Pepper Sauce.

Shoot Your Shot

The point guard passes the ball to a shooting guard, known for their sweet outside shooting stroke. And sweet is really what distinguishes Sriracha from other hot sauces. There’s a harmonious balance of flavor between the spicy, garlicy tones and the sweet chilis at play. In the case of Asian Pride Sriracha Seasoning, subtly sweet elements comingle with savory notes, sending waves of flavor over fired up taste buds.

Forward with Flavor

The “3” is usually a small or swing forward, tasked with several different responsibilities: shooting, driving, and defending other quality wings — really the glue that holds the team together.

A key characteristic of hot sauce is versatility and an underrated range of vibes. It can be smooth and sharp, savory and thick, rich, tangy, and citrusy. The Contigo line of hot sauces is a good example — habanero, chile de arbol, poblano, and a seafood sauce, among others, offer something for every palate.

Center of Attention

In basketball, giants once roamed the court. Now, obviously, very tall people are all over the floor, but the game used to revolve around centers and power forwards catching the ball in the post.

With so many hot sauce fanatics watching games, your tabletop bottles are still going to be the center of attention. So, having the right brand can add extra power to your flavor game. A trusted name like Tabasco ensures that guests take notice. In fact, within the Sriracha category, Tabasco has risen to the #1 tabletop position with astonishing growth of 221.5% in just the last year. Talk about playing above the rim!

Come tournament time, things will start getting a little crazy. Beat the buzzer with hot sauce selections that can fire fans up.

– Find Performance Foodservice in our directory under “Food

IHOP/ Applebee’s Co-Brand Sees Growth

Dine Brands has seen successful sales growth at its eight co-branded Applebee’s/IHOP locations in international markets, and the company aims to start working with an operator to begin opening co-branded US locations in 2025, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said. The units have separate entrances and dining rooms but a shared kitchen, and the format generates double the sales of a singlebrand location because of operation throughout all dayparts, Peyton added. – Restaurant Business

America’s Classics Winners

Announced

The James Beard Foundation announced the winners of its America’s Classics Award , which honors “locally and independently owned restaurant[s] with timeless appeal,” according to the foundation’s guidelines. The winners are Mandalay in San Francisco, Vietnam Restaurant in Philadelphia, Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge in Brookings, S.D., Sylvia’s Restaurant in New York, Wade’s Restaurant in Spartanburg, S.C. and Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge in Las Vegas.

– Source: Eater

For over 50 years, kids, families, and fans have been laughing and learning with the iconic Sesame Street characters. Just Salad, the fast-casual restaurant chain with a mission to make everyday health and sustainability possible is rolling out a line of colorful Sesame Street-themed reusable bowls for adults at all locations nationwide. customers can choose from a lineup of favorite friends – including Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Oscar the Grouch – as part of the chain’s in-store Reusable Bowl Program.

Just Salad’s Sesame Street Reusable Bowls

Did

doing the right things in the wrong place or at the wrong time.

Many businesses are in the dark about how to actually do better for the planet and the people in their company and their supply chain while also growing their margin. Some believe it can’t be done. But it can. Maisie Ganzler has done it, and now she’s going to show you how to build sustainability into your business, too. Her five big lessons

come from three decades of successes and failures leading a $1.7 billion corporation toward a more sustainable future. Join Ganzler as she takes you to pig farms and boardrooms, factories and farmers’ markets, teaching you not only how to operate more sustainably but also how to get the credit you deserve for doing it.

No matter what industry you’re in, Ganzler’s stories from the front lines in the food business will inspire and educate you on what it takes to get sustainability right.

Restaurant companies are finding new ways to attract and retain employees, from tuition reimbursement and higher education benefits at big companies like Yum Brands and Brinker International to mental health benefits that have proved popular with Starbucks staffers. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is focusing on several labor efforts, including the HOPES program for ex-offenders, Restaurant Ready which works with disaffected youth and the ProStart program, which is currently providing programs to give 160,000 high school students their first steps into foodservice careers. –

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CHEF PROFILE

Jesus Ramos

The Birchwood Club 1174 Park Ave. West Highland Park, IL 60035-2203

Birthplace:

Mexicali, Baja California

Current Position:

Executive Chef

First Foodservice Job: Dishwasher

Favorite Food: Seafood

Memorable Customers: It was when I worked for the Metropolitan Cafe. I was the executive Chef here and I had the pleasure of meeting Scottie Pippen. Every time he used to come to the restaurant, they would close the restaurant for the time he was there just so that he would be able to eat peacefully. He used to always order my tuna melt, when I had the chance to talk to him, he told me it was the best tuna melt he ever had. That meant a lot to me.

Worst Part of Job: The hours.

Most Humorous Kitchen Mishap: There was a time when a customer was celebrating someone’s birthday. They asked us if we could keep the cake in the fridge while they had dinner. Well, one of my employees ended up putting a case of heavy cream on top of the cake and destroyed the cake. I was so worried because they had no cake, at the end I was able to fix their cake.

Favorite Food to Prepare: Pasta.

What part of the job gives you the most pleasure? Seeing a smile from a customer after enjoying the plate of food they just ate. That motivates me to be better at what I do.

If you couldn’t be a chef, what would you be? Soldier.

Best advice you ever got was: Be yourself. Where do you like to vacation? Anywhere. I love to travel.

What do you enjoy most about FIN?

“Success is when persistence meets preparation.”

Sherrilyn Kenyon

To be honest, I didn’t know about FIN until I received an email for the Shmoozefest. I ended up going, met Cary, and since then I have been grateful I decided to attend. Meeting Cary and other people from the industry has given me more knowledge. Who was your greatest culinary influence? Leo Nunez.

Local News

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom as part of the hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin and going on to become one of the most successful singer, songwriter and musicians in popular music history. At the Paramount Theater in Aurora, Illinois April 24-June 16, 2024. Dave & Buster’s opened its completely reimagined location at 9870 Berwyn in Rosemont, Illinois. The newly updated location takes everything the community loves about Dave & Buster’s and catapults it into tomorrow with innovative gaming activities and ground breaking ways for crews to play such as interactive Social Bays and an immersive watch experience.

Chicago Children’s Museum, the premier destination for play-filled early childhood experiences since 1982 located at Chicago’s Navy Pier, has been acknowledged as one of the top 10 best children’s museums in the country for 2024 as awarded by USA TODAY in their 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Executive Chef Steve Chiappetti opens Archive Lounge, a new Sicilian pizza and wine destination. Located on the lofted, second level of Hotel EMC2 (228 E. Ontario St.), Archive is a spirited expression of cuisine inspired by Chef Chiappetti’s Italian heritage. Crosby’s Kitchen , a 4-Star Restaurant Group Concept plans to open at 6480 W. Touhy Ave. in Niles, Illinois Spring 2024. They are taking over the location that was formerly Wildwood Tavern. This will be their second location, has one at 3455 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Joong Boo Market opens a new location at 1111 E. Golf Rd. in Schaumburg. Joong Boo Market offers an extensive variety of Asian focused grocery, fresh produce, meats, and seafood. They also have locations

in Chicago and Glenview, Illinois. Milwaukee-based Colectivo Coffee Roasters plans to open two new Chicago cafes: one at 1825 W. Lawrence Ave. and one at 3258 N. Southport Ave. Colectivo is more than just a coffee shop and they strive to deliver more than just a great coffee experience. Serving Coffee for over 30 Years! Northern Illinois Food Bank announces the 11th Annual Fight Hunger 5K Run, presented by Glanbia Performance Nutrition, will be on April 27 at a new location, Oak Brook Reserve and Park District in Oak Brook, Illinois. Randy Hoppman, executive chef of Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa , announces the return of its popular Sunday brunch at Woodlands Restaurant. Serving locally-sourced, seasonal cuisine, the new Sunday brunch promises one of the finest brunch experiences in the area, along with spectacular views of Lake Galena. Specialty Coffee Expo is North America’s largest B2B event for specialty coffee professionals and will be taking place at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago from April 12-14, 2024. Over 575 exhibitors showcase their most innovative products and services at the Expo. The National Restaurant Association Show will be held May 18-21, 2024 at McCormick Place 2301 S. King Drive in Chicago. The 12th annual QC -Quad Cities Restaurant Week returns on April 8-14, 2024. This event celebrates and supports the local hospitality industry by providing distinctive experiences for both visitors and residents. The One of a Kind Spring Show and Sale Chicago will return to THE MART from Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28. Chicago’s hub for unique finds, perfect for every shopper and spring occasion, will showcase over 350 artists and makers.

Pictured here is Owner Steve Tsigolis of Goodi’s Restaurant located at 9645 N. Milwaukee Ave, in Niles, Illinois. They offer all your fast food favorites along with Chicken, gyros, ribs, sandwiches, kabobs and so much more. One of their specialties is their pork kabobs. Stop in, they have great food, excellent service, a spacious dining room along with a beautiful outdoor patio.

and follow along on Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok.

About Soul & Smoke

After graduating from his grandma’s kitchen, Chef Carter went on to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Next, he spent 15 years in fine dining where he perfected his skills, techniques and flavor profiles. Soul & Smoke has been in business as a caterer for 10 years, and opened as a to-go restaurant during the pandemic in 2020.

Since then, Soul & Smoke has grown rapidly, with three take-out exclusive restaurants, two food trucks, a kiosk in Soldier Field and a rapidly-growing grocery line now carried in all 44 Mariano’s, along with many other local purveyors.

Soul & Smoke is invested in its community and has donated over 250,000 meals to first responders and struggling communities with the help of World Central Kitchen and the Trotter Project. They now have a community fridge at their Evanston, IL location where they offer free meals to struggling families in the neighborhood every day. Chef Carter is on the board of the Trotter Project as well as on the Illinois Restaurant Association Advisory Board.

‘Soul & Smoke’ continued from cover

Soul & Smoke Co-Founders: D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick

Photos: Neil Burger

Vita Coco’s Sales Are Up

Vita Coco’s full-year net sales rose 15% with gross profit up $78 million year over year and volume sales up 11% due to its efforts to expand consumption occasions for its core Vita Coco Coconut Water brand, said founder Mike Kirban. The company will continue this work in 2024 to grow household penetration, Kirban added.

– Source:

by presentations from Technomic subject-matter experts at IFMA

and throughout the year on quarterly webinars.

Many thanks to the Performance Foodservice Chicago team for inviting Food Industry News to participate in their Spring food show. They had at least 1500 guests in attendance to see and taste what’s new and explore ideas with suppliers at more than 200 booths. It was a privilege to visit with many readers and friends in attendance. Kudos to the entire PFG Chicago team for creating this wonderful, educational and delicious experience!

2024 Gordon Foodservice Chicago Spring Food Show

Kudos to the Gordon Food Service team for putting on another one of their epic food shows at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Mr Gatti’s Projects Major Growth

Mr Gatti’s Pizza, the beloved pizza restaurant chain with a rich nostalgic history, concluded 2023 reaching new milestones by awarding 18 franchise agreements, significantly expanding its presence with more than 140 locations either open or under development. These franchise development victories, coupled with the 6% increase in samestore sales and an 8% rise in system-wide sales in 2023, have the brand at the top of its game, as it celebrates its 55th anniversary in 2024.

Food Network’s 24 In 24: Last Chef Standing

Michael Symon and Esther Choi host the new series 24 In 24: Last Chef Standing, premiering on Sunday, April 14th at 8pm ET/PT, Food Network’s most ambitious and grueling culinary competition to date. Featuring 24 talented and fearless chefs who take on 24 food challenges in 24 consecutive, non-stop hours, the 24-hour competition takes the chefs to the extreme, demanding they display the skills, creativity and stamina needed to be an elite chef.

At the end of the 24 hours, there can be only one true master left standingand it’s one selected by expert judges Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant, Stephanie Izard, Jet Tila, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, and Brooke Williamson. The chef who cooked the best, for the longest and outlasted the competition will take home $50,000 and win a trip of a lifetime.

“We’ve not only expanded our footprint but fortified our brand presence in the competitive restaurant industry,” said Jim Phillips, CEO at Mr Gatti’s Pizza. “We’re certainly on track to continue at this pace and have our sights set on opening at least 60 more new locations between now and the end of 2026.”

Maple-N-Jams Café

Like many, owner Sammy Musa had a vision to open a restaurant offering exceptional service, outstanding food and an atmosphere for everyone to enjoy a meal . He knew that with Chicagoland’s steep competition, he needed to be better than the norm, so he set out to create something special which is the culture he fosters with his team. Working on every detail in the restaurant from the design to the menu, he’s accomplished just that and with strong leadership, he has a team that his customers have come to know and love. Established in 2011, Maple N Jams Café is known for their fresh American fare offering classic dishes with an inventive twist.

The menu offers a wide variety of breakfast classics including, benedicts, crepes, French toast, pancakes, omelets and skillets along with burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps. For the heartier appetite the USDA Choice Skirt Steak seasoned to perfection is highly recommended. All of the portions are very generous.

Menu Items Delivering the Wow Effect :

• Banana Foster French Toast: Challah bread stuffed with their signature honey-vanilla cream cheese and topped with brandy sautéed bananas and caramel.

• The Donut French Toast: Decadent challah bread stuffed with their signature honey vanilla cream cheese and topped with fresh or glazed strawberries and strawberry drizzle.

• The Ranchero Skillet : Homemade chorizo sizzled on the griddle with fresh jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes layered over golden brown potatoes. Topped with fresh avocado and drizzled with their signature chipotle sauce.

• Avocado, Bacon & Cheddar Burger: Topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and fresh avocado slices it has a presentation that makes everyone say “I’ll have what they’re having!”

Their staff, many of them who have worked there for years are dedicated and seem to enjoy being part of Sammy’s team. They work their magic in the dining room offering true hospitality, taking a moment to chat with every guest, greeting regulars by name and often knowing what their order will be. Not only do you get an amazing meal, but you feel good after you’ve dined there because you were treated more like a friend than a customer. That’s how they keep their guests coming back!

Maple-N-Jams Café offering breakfast and lunch is located at 6814 W. 87th St. in Burbank, Illinois. Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

– For more info visit: www.maplenjams.com.

Sammy Musa, Maple-N-Jams Café

Donut French Toast

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Food Silo Cleaning We Might Soon Feel the Impact of Cocoa Prices

An easily overlooked point of contamination for food producers are their (ingredient) food silos. Typical items stored in silos include grains, flour, sugar, dry powder ingredients, barley, hops, corn syrup and cocoa powder.

Tierra Environmental and Industrial Services has an exclusive “bin whip system” to remove blocked or bridged materials from your bulk storage bins, silos and vessels, easily and safely without the need to have personnel enter these confined spaces.

Their system is set up at the top of the storage bin and lowers a whip head directly into the bin and uses a “buzzsaw” like action to safely dislodge and remove materials that don’t belong there. The waste is then removed using Tierra’s industrial, food-grade vacuum trucks.

Benefits of using Tierra’s food-grade cleaning system for bins include the removal of blockages causing a slower flow of materials, restores full capacity of the storage silo, reduces disruption of production and reduces the risk of raw material contamination.

– You can find the Tierra Environmental ad on page 30.

According to a CoBank report, cocoa prices are at a 46-year high, roughly 65% higher than they were just a year ago. And prices are expected to stay high until a new growth period from the main cocoa-growing region, West Africa, begins later this year.Matt Spooner, a thought leader with management company Kinaxis – which works with cocoa producers on securing their supply chains – said in an interview the problems with the cocoa industry are only compounding after three years of rising prices.

But consumers may not have to worry about high prices in the short term. Chocolates for the Easter season are likely already manufactured and waiting in warehouses or on store shelves, and the real test of pricing will come later this year with products that are not yet produced, according to Spooner. “I think that we will see an increase in the price of chocolate toward the latter end of the year by Thanksgiving and Christmas, when the manufacturers are going to have to start to pass on some of those additional costs,” Spooner said. – Source: Food Dive

The Perils of Complacency

By Stephanie Tempo

In the dynamic realm of staffing solutions, complacency is a silent menace that can undermine the very foundations of client-provider relationships. For manufacturers reliant on staffing agencies to meet their recruitment needs and align with their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the stakes are high. Yet, when a staffing provider becomes complacent, failing to adequately measure up to their clients’ KPIs, the repercussions can be profound and far-reaching.

The Dangers of Complacency: Complacency breeds stagnation. When a staffing provider grows complacent, they risk falling into a pattern of inertia, content with maintaining the status quo rather than striving for continuous improvement. This complacency can manifest in various forms, from a lack of proactive communication and responsiveness to a failure to innovate and adapt to evolving client needs.

The Importance of Alignment: Central to the client-provider relationship is alignment with the client’s KPIs. Manufacturers rely on staffing agencies not only to source qualified candidates but also to understand and support their overarching business objectives. Whether it’s reducing time-to-fill, improving retention rates, or enhancing workforce diversity, the effectiveness of a staffing provider is measured by their ability to align their efforts with the client’s KPIs.

Signs of Complacency: Identifying complacency within a staffing provider requires vigilance and discernment. Signs may include a decline in the quality of candidate placements, a lack of proactive suggestions for process improvement, or a failure to meet agreed-upon performance metrics. Additionally, complacent providers may exhibit a reluctance to seek feedback or address client concerns, further exacerbating the disconnect between client expectations and provider performance.

The Impact on Client Success: When a staffing provider falls short of measuring up to their client’s KPIs, the consequences can be profound. Manufacturing operations rely on a skilled and reliable workforce to meet production targets, maintain quality standards, and drive business growth. A staffing provider that fails to align with these objectives jeopardizes the client’s ability to achieve operational excellence, leading to decreased productivity, increased turnover, and ultimately, diminished competitiveness in the marketplace.

Navigating Towards Excellence: To mitigate the risks associated with complacency, manufacturers must adopt a proactive approach to managing their relationships with staffing providers. This entails setting clear expectations, fostering open communication channels, and holding providers accountable for meeting agreed-upon performance standards. Additionally, manufacturers should periodically evaluate the effectiveness of their staffing partnerships, soliciting feedback from internal stakeholders and conducting performance reviews based on objective metrics.

Conclusion: In the competitive landscape of manufacturing, the success of operations hinges on the strength of partnerships forged with staffing providers. Yet, when complacency takes root within these relationships, the results can be detrimental to both parties involved. Manufacturers must remain vigilant in ensuring that their staffing providers measure up to their KPIs, holding them to account for delivering results that drive business success and foster long-term growth. Only through a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement can manufacturers navigate the complexities of staffing solutions with confidence and assurance.

– You can find

Better Bread, Better Pricing

8” TOMATO ROUND DEEP DISH HERB

FULL SHEET TOMATO

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TABLE BREADS

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2# ROUND HOMEMADE

½ ROUND MULTIGRAIN MULTIGRAIN BAGUETTE

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4” HINGED OR SOLID -DZ

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8” HINGED OR SOLID - 6PK

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FRENCH BREAD

FRENCH 36”

SHORT FRENCH 18”

SHORT FRENCH SESAME

XL WHEAT 36”

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SANDWICH ROLLS

BRIOCHE 4 » HAMBURGER, WITH OR WITHOUT SESAME BRIOCHE 5 « HAMBURGER, WITH OR WITHOUT SESAME

BRIOCHE-ONION TOPPED

PRETZEL 4 »

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HOMEMADE GOURMET HAMBURGER TELLERA

WHEAT/OAT TOPPED HAMBURGER

4X4 PRETZEL

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PANINI-ALL 3# OVAL LOAVES

HOMEMADE PANINI

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Many more items are available. Call us today with your needs and we will be happy to help.

SOURDOUGH PANINI

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CIABATTA

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4X4 PLAIN

4X4 ONION

2X2 PLAIN

2X2 SEA SALT/OIL

2X2 ROSEMARY

4X24 PLAIN

4X24 SEA SALT/OIL

4X18 TOMATO TOPPED

4X18 SLIPPER BREAD

SQUARES & PULLMAN PAN

LOAVES

PAN WHITE

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PAN MULTIGRAIN

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RAISIN-CINNAMON

All loaves can be sliced at 3/8”, ½” 5/8”, ¾” and 1”

OTHER FAVORITES HANDMADE BREADSTICKS SOFT BREADSTICKS, BAGELS

6” PARTY SUBS (BOXED) BREADCRUMBS

DINNER ROLLS

ROUND: WHEAT, WHITE, SESAME CHEESE, ONION, TOMATO FOCACCINI, HERB

VIP: PRETZEL, BRIOCHE, CRANBERRY-SAGE, 2X2 CIABATTA, ROUND CIABATTINI, MULTIGRAIN, RAISIN-WALNUT, SOURDOUGH

Indianapolis: The Midwest’s Eclipse Capital

On April 8, 2024, at 3:06 pm, a total solar eclipse will be completely visible throughout the continental United States . The sun, moon, and earth will align. This “syzygy” will put the sky into epic and unforgettable temporary darkness. Though the following solar eclipse will occur in the year 2044, Indianapolis will not be within the path of totality until the year 2153 - 129 years after 2024. So, buckle up and plan your eclipse-viewing in Indy. The April 8 eclipse is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to see a total solar eclipse appear over the Circle City for 3 minutes and 46 seconds on April 8, 2024 at 3:06 pm.

Streamlining Operations with Fewer Hands

Restaurants are focused on rebuilding menus that were streamlined for efficiency during the pandemic years and are often looking to equipment upgrades and laborsaving techniques to innovate at a time when skilled kitchen help can still be hard to find. Eateries are sourcing more partially prepared foods they can finish with their own flair, chains are cross-training kitchen staffers to handle multiple tasks, and investments in new equipment and technology help employees at chains like Chicken Head’s in Ohio do more with fewer people.

– Source: Restaurant Business

With many years of experience and multiple distribution facilities throughout the Midwest, MacCARB has developed a reputation as the most trusted beverage gas, and service fulfillment companies around. Whether you need beverage grade carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, blended gases or just plain service, MacCARB is your single one stop shop.

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Cantina Dishes: The New Taco Bell Menu Item

Chicken will star in Taco Bell’s latest menu refresh, with five new Cantina Chicken dishes made with shredded roast chicken seasoned with chilies including pasillas. Taco Bell has also teamed with Beekeeper Coffee to introduce the Horchata Cold Brew Latte, and the chain has embarkewd on a mission to develop new sauces, starting with the Avocado Verde Salsa.

– Source: Food & Wine

Bulk CO2

Nitrogen

National News

Dough Ball’s newest launch, Birthday Cake Whiskey, is a snackable reminder that you can have your cake and drink it, too! The fastest-growing, top-12 flavored whiskey brand in the U.S. first crashed the flavored whiskey category in August 2021, with an award-winning Cookie Dough Whiskey that national media publications have crowned “the best of class flavored whiskey.”

Condado Tacos, the Columbus, Ohio-based taco joint with a reputation for bold flavors and vibrant atmospheres, is thrilled to announce the opening of its 50th location at Lower.com Field, the iconic home of the Columbus Crew, the three-time and reigning Major League Soccer champions.

Cunningham Restaurant Group introduces delivery highlighting a variety of the CRG brands in the downtown Indianapolis area. The new delivery kitchen location will open in the old Gibson Co. Building located at 433 N. Capitol Street in downtown Indianapolis.

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is celebrating the success of its food truck venture, which has been rolling out across the US to include New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Arizona and Florida. Crave’s food trucks have become a hit at events and gatherings. Family owned since 1934, East Bay Restaurant Supply, based in California, specializes in the design, supply, and installation of foodservice equipment for hotels, casinos, restaurants, schools, hospitals, employee cafeterias, delicatessens, bakeries, supermarkets, and more. Congratulation to over 90 years of Expertise! Focus Brands, the parent company of the Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s brands, signals new era of growth and opportunity with official name change to GoTo Foods. Happy Camper Pizza opens in Las Vegas at 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd. The pizza restaurant and bar is the first collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and Happy Hospitality. This restaurant marks the first location in Las Vegas for Happy Hospitality, and the sixth restaurant for the group,

with four pizzerias in Chicago and one in Denver. Lake Lawn Resort, the lakeside destination nestled along the shores of Delavan Lake in Wisconsin announces the opening of the first phase of its near ten-million-dollar historic room renovation project. Scheduled for completion in early summer, the comprehensive renovation project encompasses 222 guest rooms and public spaces within the main lodge of Lake Lawn Resort. Loews Hotels & Co, opens the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center in Arlington, Texas. $550 Million Hotel Development is Loews’ second Loews Property in the Metroplex, adding 888 rooms and 266,000 square feet of function space to Arlington’s Entertainment District. The breakfast food market is expected to grow by $125 billion from now to 2027, according to Technavio. In addition, the growth momentum of the market will be progressing at a CAGR of 5.31% during the forecast period. US Foods Holding Corp. plans to open five new Chef’Store locations in 2024. New Locations in North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia and First in Georgia will open in the Second Half of 2024. Chef’Store offers a one-stop-shop for restaurant operators, food industry professionals, community groups and at-home chefs to quickly stock up or replenish ingredients and supplies by the case and in individual quantities. Zoup!, the industry leader renowned for its awardwinning selection of chef-driven soups, is undergoing a captivating transformation as it rebrands to Z!eats. Z!eats builds upon its clean-creative approach to dining and is introducing a new menu and restaurant design catering to health-conscious individuals seeking a remarkable dining experience.

“The secret of staying young is to live honestly,

Image courtesy of Dough Ball Whiskey

Partnership Agreements

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Wage & Hour Issues

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National First Ladies Library Announces Literacy Exhibit

The National First Ladies Library & Museum at the First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton, Ohio, will celebrate National First Ladies Day April 27, 2024 by kicking off its 2024-25 featured exhibit titled Leaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians, presented by Huntington Bank. The exhibit will run through April of 2025 and will feature more than a dozen First Ladies who have advanced the cause of literacy and education. Huntington Bank is the proud presenting sponsor of this extraordinary exhibit.

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Cary Miller Presents: PEOPLE SELLING THE FOOD INDUSTRY

This month I am proud to be pictured with the brother and sister team of Humza Razzak and Fiza Razzak, founders of GraviTea Boba, a Boba Tea concept with six locations. GraviTea Boba stores have a vibe making it a comfortable place to lounge and linger which helps to increase repeat sales and traffic. They are in the process of certifying their franchise offering and expect rapid growth once that is approved. You can visit their stores in Schaumburg, Chicago, Lombard, Batavia, and Lake Zurich.

Eddie and Conchetta Woods operate Dominion Designs & Media , a local firm offering video marketing that gets results. For food and beverage businesses, video is the highest converting form of media online today. The company produces video that grabs attention, builds brand authority and gets results. They create custom promotion videos that attract attention.

Tyler Pontarelli is the owner of Forza Meats gourmet butcher shop located in Glenview and Skokie, Illinois. In addition to his shops offering gourmet food products, hand cut steaks and in-house made burgers and sausages , they also have a thriving wholesale business serving foodservice operations across Chicagoland. According to Tyler, their wholesale business has grown because products are made and delivered the same day giving restaurants the opportunity to have a noticeably fresher, tastier product that wins awards. In fact, the company supplies fresh burgers and sausage to many renowned award-winning restaurants.

James Fayette and Mike Rimkus are with Lifestyle Beverages , a small, family-owned distributor offering beverages from independent beverage companies in the US. Their selection ranges from vintage to trendy, often made with cane sugar and other natural sweeteners, versus high fructose corn syrup. Top sellers include CBD Beverages, Cold Brew Coffee, Energy Drinks, Smoothie Mixes, Ginger Beer, Root Beer, Soft Drinks, Flavored Waters, Premium Waters, Seltzers, Bottled Teas and Lemonade. Business owners love their products because they are different, taste better than fountain drinks, have no free refills and are popular with all ages of customers.

Brand Rubin is the owner of Chicago’s famed Eleven City Diner, one of Chicago’s iconic Jewish Deli’s. One of the many signature items on Brad’s menu is his “Serious Bloody Mary”. The popularity of this beverage has led Brad to bottle his signature mix which is now sold wholesale through Gordon Food Service. Eleven Serious Mary Mix can now be found on the shelves of many leading liquor retailers and at better restaurants and bars . If you’ve not sampled this product, it’s worth a try. You can ask your GFS rep for samples and ordering information.

Noah Rimkus is with Chicago Game & Gourmet , a local supplier offering exotic, rare and wild game meats and other specialties to chefs and other food businesses. With consumers having an increasing appetite to try new and unusual foods, Chicago Game & Gourmet has seen growing interest from even mainstream restaurants wishing to add delicious and distinctive items to their menus. The company was founded in 1996.

Nick Glaser is a Major Account Executive with Fishbowl, a leader in the customer loyalty business which helps restaurants increase customer engagement and repeat visits . Fishbowl and their products help restaurants connect to guest data sources including point of sale, reservation platforms, third-party delivery and online ordering. They get it all connected, harmonized and enriched into a 360 degree view of your guests, providing powerful metrics at your fingertips. Loyalty and reward programs have been proven to make a real difference in the success of any restaurant. If you are looking for an easy, proven way to get your customers to spend more with you and visit more often, contact Nick at Fishbowl.

$100M Growth for ‘Cultivate Next’ Fund

Chipotle Mexican Grill has doubled its commitment to its Cultivate Next Fund to $100 million, which will be invested in early-stage startups. The fast-casual chain launched the fund with $50 million in 2022 and

investments thus far include automated makeline company Hyphen, sourcing platform Local Line, Autocado maker Vebu and sustainable oils and fats company Zero Acre Farms.

– Source: Restaurant Business

Beverages Can Work as Centerpiece for Sales

New research finds restaurant guests are bubbly about ordering drinks on or off premises, and alcohol beverages are no longer the “sidekick” on restaurant menus. If done right, they can match or even exceed food as a restaurant’s point of differentiation for consumers, industry experts say.

– Source: SmartBrief

Monday, June 3

5 - 9 p.m. Moretti’s Chicago 6727 N. Olmsted, Chicago

Scott Weiner is Co-Owner and Co-Founder of the Fifty/50 Restaurant Group & Okay Cannabis Dispensaries . Okay Cannabis Dispensary in Wheeling was the first dispensary in the US to have a bakery, bar, cannabis dispensary, and consumption lounge all under one roof. Founded in 2008, The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group has a track record of creating several diverse restaurant and bar concepts across Chicago. The group either owns or manages 14 establishments.

“Expecting the world to treat your fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian.”

–DennisWholey

Nuggets

Crystal Light debuts three innovative additions to its portfolio for the first time in over a decade with the launch of Mixology, Immunity and Energy product lines. As the leader in the powdered beverage category for over 40 years, Crystal Light also unveils a new logo, marking a bold refresh that redefines itself as the go-to for zero-sugar, low calorie refreshment that tastes great.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and low in calories. Wash the berries when you are ready to eat them - rinse in a colander with cold water. Store your blueberries in the main part of the refrigerator. Bringing a host or hostess a gift to a party is a thoughtful gesture. Flowers always make the perfect gift. An arrangement of flowers in a vase or a potted plant are beautiful and no fuss gifts.

‘Always In Motion’ –Gatorade Water Campaign

PepsiCo created its “Always in Motion” campaign to introduce Gatorade Water, which is running across TV, digital and social media, online video and out of home during March Madness, the WNBA tipoff and the NBA season and playoffs. The push showcases “disruptors in the world of movement,” such as hip-hop duo Les Twins – aka brothers Laurent and Larry Nicolas Bourgeois – dancer and choreographer Aliya Janell, and Witney Carson from “Dancing with the Stars.”

– Source: Ad Age

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary 1974-2024 - The Keeper of the Plains is a 44-foot tall steel sculpture standing at the point where the Big and Little Arkansas rivers join together in downtown Wichita. The American Indian sculpture was created by Wichitan and Native American artist Blackbear Bosin (1921-1980).

Diamond the hardest natural substance on earth is the most brilliant of all gemstones. It is the birthstone of the month April.

GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality. Do not drive into flooded roadways or around a barricade; Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Water may be deeper than it appears and can hide hazards such as sharp objects, washed out road surfaces, electrical wires, chemicals, etc. A vehicle caught in swiftly moving water can be swept away in seconds 12 inches of water can float a car or small SUV, 18 inches of water can carry away large vehicles. Glamping is a portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping”, and describes a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with “traditional” camping. Glamping has become particularly popular with 21st-century tourists seeking modern amenities.

Passover, one of the most widely observed holidays in Jewish tradition, begins before sundown on April 22, 2024 and ends after nightfall April 30, 2024. The Passover Haggadah is a guide book that walks the users through the 15-step Seder experience, providing instructions, as well as texts to read and discuss. New research from the Qualtrics XM Institute finds that globally, organizations are putting $3.7 trillion annually at risk due to bad customer experiences, an increase of approximately $600 billion (19%) compared to projections from last year. OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. helps 55,000 restaurants, bars, wineries and other venues worldwide fill 1.6 billion seats a year. OpenTable powers reservations, experiences, payments, guest insights and operations, enabling restaurants to focus on doing what they do best: providing great hospitality. The second annual Antigua & Barbuda Restaurant Week returns May 4-19, 2024. The two-week gastronomical event will feature cuisine and culture from the twin-island nation with elevated experiences from celebrity chefs of Caribbean heritage, including Chef Andi Oliver. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin B6, Potassium and Dietary Fiber. The iron in sweet potatoes, help improve the immune system and magnesium helps you to relax and eliminates stress. The 30-30 Rule - when you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder. If that is 30 seconds or less, the thunderstorm is close enough to be dangerous. Seek shelter (if you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule). Wait 30 minutes or more after the lightning flash before leaving shelter.

Starving for more online sales?

Let us show you how we have brought web success to hundreds of companies in the food industry.

ACCOUNTANTS

Apple Growth Partners Page 26 224-585-3315

AD DESIGN

Food Photo Studio Page 13 630-283-0038

ADVERTISING

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

AIR CONDITIONING-SYSTEMS CLEANING

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

AIR FILTERS-SALES & SERVICE

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

ARCHITECTS

Sarfatty Associates 847-920-1100

ARIEL LIFTS

Voss Equipment 708-596-7000

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE(AI) CONSULTANTS

IT Impact Inc Page 47 312-806-7438

ASIAN FOOD PRODUCTS

Kikkoman Sales USA Page 04 630-954-1244

ASSOCIATIONS

Illinois Restaurant Association Page 42 312-787-4000

GARC847-824-6941

Wisconsin Restaurant Association 608-216-2809

ASSOCIATIONS & TRADES

Illinois Pork Producers Association Page 40 217-529-3100

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

ATTORNEYS

Reveliotis Law PC Page 24 312-230-0160

AUCTIONS

Rick Levin & Associates Page 19 312-440-2000

AUCTIONS & LIQUIDATIONS

K & L Liquidation Page 04 847-854-9913

AWNINGS

Hunzinger Williams Awnings 844-980-3135

AWNINGS & CANOPIES

Chesterfield Awnings Page 08 773-239-1511

AWNINGS - SALES & SERVICE

Thatcher Oaks Awnings Page 11 630-833-5700

BAGS-CUSTOM PRINTED

Bulldog Packaging 630-458-1152

BAKERS-WHOLESALE

Chad’s Cheesecake Page 19 708-932-8982

Il Mulino di Valenzano Bakery Page 23 847-671-5216

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts Page 13 708-547-5969

Eli’s Cheesecakes 773-736-7417

Ideal Bakery 773-631-6897

JR Dessert Bakery 773-465-6733

BAKERY-PRODUCTS

Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn Page 20 773-801-1600

Instantwhip Chicago Page 29 773-235-5588

BAKLAVA

Libanais Sweets 847-329-5060

BANNERS & POSTERS

Accurate Printing 708-824-0058

BAR STOOLS

Chicago Booth Page 26 773-378-8400

Trendler Inc Page 21 773-255-4407

Waco Manufacturing 312-733-0054

BAR SUPPLIES

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

Schultz Supply 708-652-2020

BATCH FREEZERS

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

BBQ SAUCE

Ken’s Foods Page 48 800-633-5800

BBQ SAUCE- RUBS & SEASONINGS

Pork Mafia Inc 312-543-5368

BEEF

New S B L Inc Page 22 773-376-8280

BEER GAS

MacCARB Page 24 877-427-2499

info@americaneagle.com 877.WEBNOW.1 (877.932.6691)

BEVERAGES

Boba Direct Page 03 866-4US-BOBA

Youth Juice Page 10 331-529-2717

BOBA DRINK SUPPLIES

Boba Direct Page 03 866-4US-BOBA

BOOTHS

Chicago Booth Page 26 773-378-8400

Waco Manufacturing 312-733-0054

BOOTHS-UPHOLSTERERS

Chicago Booth Page 26 773-378-8400

BREAD & ROLLS

Il Mulino di Valenzano Bakery Page 23 847-671-5216

Ideal Bakery 773-631-6897

BREADS - CONTRACT BAKING

Ideal Bakery 773-631-6897

BROCHURE DESIGN

Food Photo Studio Page 13 630-283-0038

BUSINESS BROKERS

John Moauro/Realty Executives 708-361-1150

Nick Dibrizzi/Coldwell Bankers 708-562-9328

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Ted Aretos/ Eatz & Associates 815-761-8334

BUTTER-CLARIFIED

Danish Maid Butter Co Page 12 773-731-8787

BUTTER-PREPORTIONED-WHIPPED

Danish Maid Butter Co Page 12 773-731-8787

BUYING GROUPS/CO-OPS

GARC 847-824-6941

CAKES & DESSERTS

Chicago Sweet Connection Page 43 773-283-4430

Eli’s Cheesecake 773-736-7417

CALAMARI

Fisherman’s Pride Page 15 800-543-2110

CANNOLI & CANNOLI PRODUCTS

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts Page 13 708-547-5969

CARPET CLEANING

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

CARRY OUT PACKAGING

Bulldog Packaging 630-458-1152

CARRYOUT & CATERING PACKAGING

Alfa Restaurant Supply 773-588-6688

CASH & CARRY OUTLETS

Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn Page 20 773-801-1600

CHAIRS

Trendler Inc Page 21 773-255-4407

CHAIRS-COMMERCIAL

Chicago Booth Page 26 773-378-8400

Waco Manufacturing 312-733-0054

CHARCUTERIE ITEMS

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

CHEESECAKES

Chad’s Cheesecake Page 19 708-932-8982

Eli’s Cheesecakes 773-736-7417

CHEESES

Wiscon - Caputo Cheese Page 27 708-450-0074

Miyoko’s Creamery 262-705-5284

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

CHICKEN-PROGRAMS

FSI/Foodservice Solutions 847-719-6088

CHILI

Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef) 773-278-7800

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

CLEANING PRODUCTS

C-Soap a div of CSI Coker Service Page 10 888-908-5600

SuperClean 847-361-0289

CO2

MacCARB Page 24 877-427-2499

COFFEE ROASTERS

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

Tugboat Coffee 630-390-6613

COFFEE SHOP PRODUCTS

Boba Direct Page 03 866-4US-BOBA

COLD STORAGE

McCook Cold Storage 708-357-2585

Perishable Distribution Solutions 888-491-1641

COMPRESSED GAS

MacCARB Page 24 877-427-2499

CONDIMENTS

Texas Pete 716-913-7516

CONSULTANTS - BBQ

Pork Mafia Inc 312-543-5368

CONTRACT LABOR SERVICES

All About Personnel Page 31 630-336-6238

Atlas Employment Services Page 44 847-671-1557

CONTRACT MANUFACTURING

Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef) 773-278-7800

COOKING EQUIPMENT

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

COOKING EQUIPMENT-REPAIR

Mr Appliance of West Loop Page 44 312-626-5467

CORNED BEEF-FRESH

Vienna Beef Page 25 773-278-7800

CORPORATE GIFTS

Vienna Beef Page 25 773-278-7800

CPA FIRMS

Apple Growth Partners Page 26 224-585-3315

CRACKERS

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

CREDIT CARD PROCESSING

CardConnect-Clover Systems 224-325-4466

CREPE BATTER

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

DAIRY-DISTRIBUTOR

Instantwhip Chicago Page 29 773-235-5588

DATABASE SOFTWARE CONSULTING

IT Impact Inc Page 47 312-806-7438

DECOR

Zap Props 773-376-2278

DELIVERY SERVICE

Delivery First Page 10 312-900-9868

DESSERT SUPPLIES

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

DESSERTS

Chad’s Cheesecake Page 19 708-932-8982

Chicago Sweet Connection Page 43 773-283-4430

Eli’s Cheesecakes 773-736-7417

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

DESSERTS-WHOLESALE

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts Page 13 708-547-5969

DIRECT MAIL PROGRAMS

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

DISHWASHING & CHEMICALS

C-Soap a div of CSI Coker Service Page 10 888-908-5600

DISINFECTING SERVICES

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

DISPOSABLE PACKAGING

Wan Xing Lin Inc Page 26 773-648-0766

DRAM SHOP INSURANCE

Heil & Heil Insurance Agency Page 25 847-866-7400

Viti Insurance 847-432-1000

DRAPERIES-CLEANING

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

DUCT CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 16 800-325-8476

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

EGGS

Meadowbrook Egg & Dairy Company 773-523-8861

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS

Employco USA 630-920-0000

EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS

Rob Bernstein - Laner Muchin 312-342-7778

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Laner Muchin 312-467-9800

ENERGY BROKER

Century Energy Solutions Page 18 630-817-3164

ETHNIC FOODS

Kikkoman Sales USA Page 04 630-954-1244

FILTERS-EXHAUST SYSTEMS

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEMS

Fox Valley Fire & Safety 847-695-5990

FLOOR INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE

Sexton Complete Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

FOOD DISTRIBUTORS

Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn Page 20 773-801-1600

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

Olympia Food Industries Page 05 847-349-9358

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

Chef’s Quality Meats 708-333-0880

Cugini Distribution 708-695-9471

Performance Foodservice 630-896-1991

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

Wilkens Foodservice 708-235-0788

FOOD MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT

DC Norris North Ameica 231-632-4462

FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Create Inc Chicago Page 09 773-664-4024

Food Photo Studio Page 13 630-283-0038

FOOD PRODUCTS

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

Olympia Food Industries Page 05 847-349-9358

Wiscon - Caputo Cheese Page 27 708-450-0074

Elohi Strategic Advisors 559-663-8348

Miyoko’s Creamery 262-705-5284

Neil Jones Food Company 800-543-4356

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

Texas Pete 716-913-7516

FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT

A D E Foodservice Equipment 630-628-0811

DC Norris North America 231-632-4462

Losurdo Inc 630-833-4650

Thunderbird Food Machinery 866-451-1668

FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT-REPAIR

CSI 888-908-5600

Cobblestone Ovens 847-635-0172

Ice Solutions 24 847-987-9738

FOODSERVICE PACKAGING & DISPOSABLES

Kranz Inc Division of Imperial Dade 630-254-6666

FOODSERVICE- LAYOUT & DESIGN

Losurdo Inc 630-833-4650

Sarfatty Associates 847-920-1100

FOODSERVICE-EQUIPMENT PARTS

CSI 888-908-5600

Cobblestone Ovens 847-635-0172

FOODSERVICE-SUPPLIES

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

FORK LIFTS

Voss Equipment 708-596-7000

FRANCHISE-CONSULTANTS

Big Sky FranchiseTeam 855-824-4759

FREEZERS-ALL TYPES

Custom Cooler & Freezer Page 02 630-879-3131

FRYERS

FSI/Foodservice Solutions 847-719-6088

FURNISHINGS

i2i Design Page 28 847-890-9684

Zap Props 773-376-2278

GAMING TERMINALS

Aces Up Gaming 773-209-4800

GELATO

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts Page 13 708-547-5969

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

GELATO EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

GIARDINIERA

E Formella & Sons Page 32 877-598-0909

V Formusa Company 847-813-6040

GLASSWARE

Schultz Supply 708-652-2020

GOURMET FOOD PRODUCTS

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Cook County Tresurers Office 312-443-5100

GRAND OPENING PROMOTIONS

LED Billboard Trucks 312-924-7979

GREASE REMOVAL SERVICE

Kaluzny Brothers Inc 815-744-1453

Mahoney Environmental Inc 815-730-2088

GREASE TRAP PUMPING SERVICE

Tierra Environmental Page 12 888-551-1998

Kaluzny Brotherrs Inc 815-744-1453

GREASE TRAP SERVICE

Tierra Environmental Page 12 888-551-1998

GREASE-EXHAUST CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 16 800-325-8476

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

GREEK FOOD PRODUCTS

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

Olympia Food Industries Page 05 847-349-9358

GYROS

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

Olympia Food Industries Page 05 847-349-9358

H/R-HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES

Employco USA 630-920-0000

HALAL FOOD PRODUCTS

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

HAMBURGER PATTY MANUFACTURER

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

HEALTH INSURANCE

National Restaurant Association Page 21 312-715-5363

Employco USA 630-920-0000

HELIUM

MacCARB Page 24 877-427-2499

HOOD EXHAUST & FAN CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 16 800-325-8476

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

HOT DOGS

Vienna Beef Page 25 773-278-7800

Crawford Sausage 773-277-3095

Red Hot Chicago 800-249-5226

HOT SAUCE

Texas Pete 716-913-7516

ICE CREAM

Homer’s Gourmet Ice Cream Page 16 847-251-0477

Instantwhip Chicago Page 29 773-235-5588

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

ICE CREAM EQUIPMENT REPAIR & SUPPLY

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

ICE CREAM-EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

ICE CREAM-YOGURT

Instantwhip Chicago Page 29 773-235-5588

ICE MACHINE REPAIR & SANITIZING

Major Appliance Service 708-447-4100

ICE MACHINES-SALES-RENTAL OR LEASING

Empire Cooler Service Page 09 312-733-3900

Ice Solutions 24 847-987-9738

INSURANCE

Cacciatore Insurance Page 32 312-264-6055

Heil & Heil Insurance Agency Page 25 847-866-7400

ISU Northwest Insurance Services 847-310-0400

Nick DiDiana (Power 3 Insurance) 630-605-5699

Society Insurance 888-576-2438

Viti Insurance 847-432-1000

WM Schwartz Insurance/Gus Romas 847-525-2846

INSURANCE SERVICES

Cacciatore Insurance Page 32 312-264-6055

INSURANCE UNDERWRITTING

Society Insurance 888-576-2438

INSURANCE-INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL

Cacciatore Insurance Page 32 312-264-6055

Heil & Heil Insurance Agency Page 25 847-866-7400

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Sarfatty Associates 847-920-1100

INTERNET ADVERTISING

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

ITALIAN BEEF

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

Serrelli’s Foods Page 12 877-385-BEEF

Red Hot Chicago 800-249-5226

ITALIAN FOOD SPECIALTIES

E Formella & Sons Page 32 877-598-0909

ITALIAN SAUSAGE

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

JANITOR-SUPPLIES

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

Kranz Inc Division of Imperial Dade 630-254-2666

JAPANESE-FOOD PRODUCTS

Kikkoman Sales USA Page 04 630-954-1244

JUICER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

Up ‘N Adam Service and Supply Inc 877-876-2326

JUICERS-FRUIT & VEGETABLES

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

JUICES

Youth Juice Page 19 331-529-2717

JUICES - FRESH SQUEEZED

Youth Juice Page 10 331-529-2717

KETCHUP

Red Gold 765-557-5500

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT

A D E Foodservice Equipment 630-628-0811

KITCHEN FLOORING

Sexton Complete Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

KITCHEN-EXHAUST SYSTEMS/CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 16 800-325-8476

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

LABEL PRINTERS

Edwards Label Printing 847-663-6600

LABOR SAVING EQUIPMENT

DC Norris North America 231-632-4462

LAW FIRMS

Tuckey Law Page 28 312-701-2200

Laner Muchin 312-467-9800

LINEN SUPPLY & RENTAL SERVICE

Cosmopolitan Textile 773-254-6100

LIQUOR LIABILITY INSURANCE

Heil & Heil Insurance Agency Page 25 847-866-7400

Viti Insurance 847-432-1000

LOGISTICS COMPANIES

Perishable Distribution Solutions 888-491-1641

MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT

Voss Equipment 708-596-7000

MAYONNAISE

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

MEAT PROCESSING EQUIP SALES & SERVICE

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

MEAT-SPECIALTY

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

MEAT-WHOLESALE

Devanco Foods Page 13 847-228-7070

New S B L Inc Page 22 773-376-8280

Park Packing Company Page 11 773-254-0100

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

Chef’s Quality Meats 708-333-0880

International Meat Company 773-622-1400

MEATS -WHOLE PIGS-GOATS-LAMB

Park Packing Company Page 11 773-254-0100

MEDITERRANEAN FOODS

Olympia Food Industries Page 05 847-349-9358

MENU DEVELOPMENT

Bottomline Profits Consulting Page 06 773-470-8239

MENUS-CUSTOM PRINTED

Accurate Printing 708-824-0058

MILK

Instantwhip Chicago Page 29 773-235-5588

MOZZARELLA CHEESE

Miyoko’s Creamery 262-705-5284

NEIGHBORHOOD MARKETING

LED Billboard Trucks 312-924-7979

NITROGEN

MacCARB Page 24 877-427-2499

OILS & FATS-COOKING

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

OILS & SHORTENING

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

OILS & VINEGAR

Pastorelli Foods 800-SOS-AUCY

OILS-COOKING/BULK

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

OLIVE OILS

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

ORGANIC FOODS

Pastorelli Foods 800-SOS-AUCY

OUTSOURCED DELIVERY SERVICE

Delivery First Page 10 312-900-9868

OVENS-PIZZA

N. American Pizza & Culinary Academy Page 46 630-395-9958

Cobblestone Ovens 847-635-0172

OVENS-SALES & SERVICE

Cobblestone Ovens 847-635-0172

PAINTING CONTRACTORS

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

PALLET JACKS

Voss Equipment 708-596-7000

PANCAKE-BATTER & MIX

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

PAPER-PRODUCTS

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

Alfa Restaurant Supply 773-588-6688

PARTY-FAVORS & SUPPLIES

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

PASTA-FRESH AND FROZEN

Cugini Distribution 708-695-9471

Pastafresh Home Made Pasta 773-745-5888

PASTRIES

Chicago Sweet Connection Page 43 773-283-4430

PATIO ENCLOSURES

Thatcher Oaks Awnings Page 11 630-833-5700

PATIO HEATERS

TNG Industries Page 32 708-449-1100

PATTY MACHINES/FOOD FORMERS

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

PAYROLL SERVICES

ADP 630-670-5460

Employco USA 630-920-0000

Toast POS 857-301-6002

PEST CONTROL

Rose Pest Solutions Page 18 800-GOT-PEST

PHOTOGRAPHY

All Events Photography Page 04 312-543-2100

Food Photo Studio Page 13 630-283-0038

PICKLES & RELISH

Vienna Beef Page 25 773-278-7800

PITA BREAD

Olympia Food Industries Page 05 847-349-9358

PIZZA CONSULTANTS

N.A. Pizza & Culinary Academy Page 46 630-395-9958

PIZZA SAUCE

Neil Jones Food Company 800-543-4356

PIZZA SAUSAGE

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

PIZZA SUPPLY DISTRIBUTORS

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

PLANT BASED FOOD PRODUCTS

Elohi Strategic Advisors 559-663-8348

POINT OF SALE SUPPLIES

Alpha POS Services Inc 630-690-9232

POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS

Alpha POS Services Inc 630-690-9232

Shift4 630-521-9900

Toast POS 857-301-6002

PORK PRODUCTS

Illinois Pork Prodcers Association Page 40 217-529-3100

Park Packing Company Page 11 773-254-0100

Peer Foods 773-927-1440

POS SYSTEMS

Chef Tec Page 46 800-447-1466

Alpha POS Systems Inc 630-690-9232

CardConnect-Clover Systems 224-325-4466

Shift4 630-521-9900

SpotOn Inc 937-830-0828

TEEPOS 773-862-9181

POS SYSTEMS-CLOUD BASED

Alpha POS Services Inc 630-690-9232

Shift4 630-521-9900

Toast POS 857-301-6002

POULTRY-FRESH

New S B L Inc Page 22 773-376-8280

PRESSURE WASHING

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

PRINTING-CUSTOM ITEMS

Accurate Printing 708-824-0058

PRIVATE LABEL FOOD MANUFACTURERS

E Formella & Sons Page 32 877-598-0909

PROMOTIONAL MARKETING

LED Billboard Trucks 312-924-7979

PROPANE TANK EXCHANGE

Your Propane Guys Page 40 630-479-9750

PROPERTY & CASUALTY INSURANCE

Heil & Heil Insurance Agence Page 25 847-866-7400

Society Insurance 888-576-2438

PROPERTY - TAX - REAL ESTATE LAW

Reveliotis Law PC Page 24 312-230-0160

PUBLISHING

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

RACKING-PALLET

Voss Equipment 708-596-7000

RE-UPHOLSTERY

Chicago Booth Page 26 773-378-8400

REAL ESTATE LAW

Reveliotis Law PC Page 24 312-230-0160

REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT REPAIR

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

CSI 888-908-5600

REFRIGERATION SERVICE

Ice Solutions 24 847-987-9738

REFRIGERATION-EQUIP/COMMERCIAL

Custom Cooler & Freezer Page 02 630-879-3131

Schultz Supply 708-652-2020

RESTAURANT CONSULTANTS

Bottomline Profits Consulting Page 06 773-470-8239

Fork Lift Restaurant Consultants Page 20 312-493-6310

Stanovich Hospitality 708-359-1911

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT

Wood Food Systems Page 17 847-949-9663

DC Norris North America 231-632-4462

FSI/Foodservice Solutions 847-719-6088

Losurdo Inc 630-833-4650

Schultz Supply 708-652-2020

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES

Custom Cooler & Freezer Page 02 630-879-3131

Federal Supply USA Page 17 847-623-1310

Flat Tech Page 41 855-999-3528

Ramar Supply Co Page 30 708-233-0808

Alfa Restaurant Supply 773-588-6688

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

Schultz Supply 708-652-2020

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT PARTS

CSI 630-941-7070

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR

CSI 888-908-5600

Up ‘N Adam Service and Supply Inc 877-876-2326

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT REPAIR SERVICE

Mr Appliance of West Loop Page 44 312-626-5467

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

Cobblestone Ovens 847-635-0172

Major Appliance Service 708-447-4100

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT-NEW & USED

K & L Liquidation Page 04 847-854-9913

March Quality Used & New Equip Page 08 800-210-5895

RESTAURANT INSURANCE

Society Insurance 888-576-2438

RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Toast POS 857-301-6002

RESTAURANT REAL ESTATE SALES

John Moauro/Realty Executives 708-361-1150

Nick Dibrizzi/Coldwell Banker 708-562-9328

Ted Aretos/ Eatz & Associates 815-761-8334

Vince Ferraro/Pontarelli & Associates 847-778-3571

RESTAURANT-DESIGNERS

Losurdo Inc 630-833-4650

Sarfatty Associates 847-920-1100

RESTAURANT-MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Chef Tec Page 46 800-447-1466

ROOF TOP GREASE CONTAINMENT SYSTEMS

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 16 800-325-8476

ROOFS-SALES-REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

Care Sheet Metal & Roofing Page 14 708-387-9784

SALAD-DRESSINGS

Ken’s Foods Page 48 800-633-5800

SALAD-DRESSINGS & OILS

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

SANITATION CERTIFICATION

Illinois Restaurant Association Page 42 312-787-4000

SATELLITE TV SYSTEMS

All Sports Direct 630-918-3000

SAUSAGE

Vienna Beef Page 25 773-278-7800

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

Crawford Sausage 773-277-3095

Red Hot Chicago 800-249-5226

SCALES

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

SEAFOOD

Fisherman’s Pride Page 15 800-543-2110

SEATING

Trendler Inc Page 21 773-255-4407

Waco Manufacturing 312-733-0054

SELF-SERVICE ORDERING KIOSKS

Alpha POS Services Inc 630-690-9232

SEWER(MAINT)-RODDING & JETTING

Tierra Environmental Page 12 888-551-1998

SHAKE MIX

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

SHIPPING-REFRIGERATED & FROZEN

Perishable Distribution Solutions 888-491-1641

SHORTENING

Columbus Vegetable Oils Page 07 773-265-6500

SIGNAGE-INDOOR & OUTDOOR

American Graphics & Signs Inc Page 16 888-774-6270

SLICERS - AUTOMATED

CES Nationwide Page 02 773-533-3333

SLICERS-SALES & SERVICE

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING

Create Inc Chicago Page 09 773-664-4024

SOFT DRINKS

PepsiCo Foodservice 773-893-2319

SOFT SERVE-ICE CREAM/EQUIP & SUPPLIES

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

SOFT SERVICE MIX

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

SOFTWARE PROGRAMS - CUSTOM

IT Impact Inc Page 47 312-806-7438

SOUP BASES

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

SOUPS

Vienna Beef Page 25 773-278-7800

Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef) 773-278-7800

SOUS - VIDE COOKING EQUIPMENT

DC Norris North America 231-632-4462

SPECIALTY FOODS DISTRIBUTOR

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

SPICES

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

SPIRITS

R Jelinek Midwest 708-691-3895

STAFFING-SERVICES

All About Personnel Page 31 630-336-6238

Atlas Employment Services Page 44 847-671-1557

STEAM CLEANING

Olympia Maintenance 708-344-0344

SUPERMARKET EQUIPMENT

CES Nationwide Page 02 773-533-3333

SUPERMARKET EQUIPMENT REPAIR

Up ‘N Adam Service and Supply Inc 877-876-2326

SUPERMARKET- EQUIPMENT/ NEW & USED

Berkel Midwest 800-921-9151

TABLE ACCESSORIES

Flat Tech Page 41 855-999-3528

TABLE LEVELING DEVICES

Flat Tech Page 41 855-999-3528

TABLES - DINING ROOM

i2i Design Page 28 847-890-9684

TABLES-ALL TYPES

Chicago Booth Page 26 773-378-8400

Waco Manufacturing 312-733-0054

TAMALES

Supreme Frozen Products 773-622-3777

TAX APPEALS (PROPERTY)

Reveliotis Law PC Page 21 312-230-0160

TAX PAYMENTS

Cook County Treasurers Office 312-443-5100

TEMPORARY STAFFING

All About Personnell Page 31 630-336-6238

Atlas Employment Services Page 44 847-671-1557

THEATERS AND VENUES

Onesti Entertainment Corporation 630-962-7000

THIRD PARTY DELIVERY SERVICE

Delivery First Page 10 312-900-9868

TOMATO PRODUCTS

Neil Jones Food Company 800-543-4356

Pastorelli Foods 800-SOS-AUCY

Red Gold 765-557-5500

TRADE PUBLICATIONS

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440

Winter Fancy Food Show 212-482-6640

TRUCK BODIES-SALES & REPAIR

Paramount Truck Body Page 03 312-666-6441

TRUCK GRAPHICS

American Graphics & Signs Inc Page 16 888-774-6270

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

VEGAN CHEESE

Miyoko’s Creamery 262-705-5284

VEGAN FOOD PRODUCTS

Miyoko’s Creamery 262-705-5284

VEGETABLES-FIRE ROASTED

Neil Jones Food Company 800-543-4356

VEHICLE WRAPS

Paramount Truck Body Page 03 312-666-6441

VENTILATING-SYTEMS CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 16 800-325-8476

Olympia Maintenanc 708-344-0344

WAFFLE-BATTER & MIX

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

WALK-IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS

Custom Cooler & Freezer Page 02 630-879-3131

WEBSITE DESIGN

Americaneagle.com Page 33 847-699-0300

WEDDING CAKES

Ideal Bakery 773-631-6897

WELDING & FABRICATING

KOP Ind. Welding & Fabrication Page 20 630-930-9516

WHIPPED CREAM

Instantwhip Chicago Page 29 773-235-5588

WIND SCREENS

Thatcher Oaks Awnings Page 11 630-833-5700

WOOD FLOOR CARE

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 45 847-827-1188

WORKERS COMP INSURANCE

Heil & Heil Insurance Agenncy Page 25 847-866-7400

Employco USA 620-920-0000

Nick DiDiana (Power 3 Insurance) 630-605-5699

Society Insurance 888-576-2438

Viti Insurance 847-432-1000

YOGURT & SOFT SERVE EQUIPMENT

Kool Technologies Page 18 630-483-2256

Patio

Call Now: 630-479-9750 YourPropaneGuys

Dodge is igniting a new era of automotive muscle, announcing the global debut of the world’s first and only electric muscle car and the brand’s first multi-energy muscle car: the all-new Dodge Charger. The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona delivers up to 670 horsepower and is expected to reach 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, retaining its title as the world’s quickest and most powerful muscle car.

Daily Harvest, the company on a mission to make it easy to eat more sustainably-grown fruits and vegetables, announces the company’s inaugural availability at Costco at 82 warehouses across 12 states in the Midwest. The brand, beloved for its nourishing, quick to prep Smoothies – and more recently, a range of meals and snacks for every time of the day – will launch its top-selling Strawberry and Peach Smoothie as a four-pack.

Potbelly Fuels Expansion Through Franchisees

Potbelly Corporation has finalized four multi-unit development agreements that will increase the company's retail footprint. The growth will be led by current Potbelly franchisees, who are each expanding their commitments

with the brand. The agreements will bring 18 additional shops in new and existing markets. The reinvestments add to the list of development commitments that Potbelly has signed since launching its Franchise Growth Acceleration Initiative in 2022.

Top Skills for Food Business Employees

• Be on time.

• Communicate clearly.

• Demonstrate leadership.

• Set positive examples.

• Reduce waste.

• Maintain hygiene.

• Offer ideas.

• Understand allergens.

• Strengthen team mindset.

• Stick to recipes to avoid allergen contamination.

• Follow recipes as written.

• Constantly improve skills and knowledge.

• Mentor new staff.

• Listen to supervisors.

• Be flexible and positive..

For the brand that keeps America running, Sparkd’ Energy is a new iced sip at Dunkin’ that provides a revitalizing burst of energy, made with vitamins, minerals and a kick of caffeine. Rolling out in two sparkling, fruit flavors – Berry Burst with raspberry and strawberry flavors and Peach Sunshine with vibrant lychee and peach flavors – Sparkd’ Energy brings a fresh perspective on the classic idea of an energy drink. Crafted to offer a boost, Sparkd’ Energy is bursting with delicious flavors to give fans a new way to power through their day.

AAA Trip Canvas Offers New Travel Booking Feature

AAA Trip Canvas, AAA Travel’s digital travel planning tool, adds a new campgrounds category in collaboration with RoverPass, a leading platform in booking campgrounds and RV parks. The new feature allows travelers to

browse campgrounds and RV parks with detailed information about the area and amenities.

“AAA Trip Canvas was designed with our members in mind, and we’re thrilled to now offer camping

destinations,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Teaming up with RoverPass means Trip Canvas users have a one-stop shop to dream and book their next outdoor adventure.”

Whole Foods Market to Open Smaller Stores

“ Good restaurant design is about achieving equilibrium between the food, service, and design – in effect, telling a complete story.”

– David Rockwell

Passover-Approved Global Wines and Spirits

The festival of Passover starts April 22, and runs through April 30. The eigh-day holiday celebrates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egyptian slavery. The most important event in Jewish history is marked by eating a festive meal with matzah, telling the Passover story (Seder) and drinking four cups of wine. And, when you have four cups to get through in one Seder dinner, wine quality is paramount.

Royal Wine Corp. is the largest manufacturer, importer and exporter of Kosher wines and spirits, with a portfolio that spans hundreds of brands and thousands of bottles of world-class wines. For Passover 2024, they are introducing top quality wines from some of the finest wine producing regions including California, France, Italy, Spain and Israel, among others.

While forty percent of annual kosher wine sales occur for the Passover holiday, sales of kosher wine and spirits have been growing significantly throughout the rest of the year.

Is Kosher for Passover Wine Hard to Find?

Actually, it’s rather easy! Most kosher wine is also kosher for Passover, making it easier to sell this wine (and for consumers to stock up on bottles) year-round. Any kosher-for-Passover wine will have a “P” symbol or “Kosher for Passover” next to the kosher certification on the label. For more info, visit: http://royalwine.com.

Whole Foods Market announced that it is introducing a new, quick-shop store format designed to provide customers in urban neighborhoods a quick, convenient shopping experience with easier access to the fresh, high-quality offerings they expect from Whole Foods Market. The new format, called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, will initially launch on the Upper East Side in Manhattan with additional locations in New York City to follow. The first store, located at 1175 Third Avenue, is expected to open this year. Following the New York City launch, Whole Foods Market plans to bring the format to other cities across the country.

Rio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

Joins World of Hyatt Hotels in Ambitious Renovation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, together with Rio Hotel & Casino, announced that World of Hyatt members can now earn and redeem points for qualifying stays at the Hyatt-affiliated hotel, which is in the midst of a multi-phased, $340 million transformation. Phase one of the hotel’s two-phase renovation is expected to be completed in fall 2024, when the reimagined all-suite hotel will move into Hyatt’s Independent Collection under the Destination by Hyatt brand.

Cracker Barrel’s Growth Aims

Cracker Barrel’s new CEO Julie Masino is leading several initiatives aimed at revving up the family dining chain’s traffic and sales, starting with a study focused on areas including the menu, marketing efforts, brand identity and the dining experience. The chain has also begun testing about 20 new menu items in select stores, and recently introduced a menu of seven smaller entrees available only between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

– Source: FSR Magazine

Tiramisu Cake

Oreo Cake

Red Velvet Cake

Carrot Cake

Pre-Pak Cheesecakes

Pre-Pak Cake Slices

Cannoli Cake

Black Forest Cake

Flourless Cake

Ferrerro Cake

Desserts

Parfaits

Strawberry Cheesecake

Super Atomic Cake

On Saturday, March 2, 2024, the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation welcomed eight culinary and four management teams comprised of high school ProStart students from across the state to compete in the 24th Annual Illinois ProStart Invitational hosted by Sysco.

Culinary Teams

Full Service Equipment Repair

1. Benito Juarez Community Academy

2. Dunbar Vocational Career Academy

3. Morton East High School

4. North-Grand High School

5. TrueNorth 804 North Shore Academy

6. Technology Center of DuPage

7. Woodruff Career and Technical Center

8. Fenger Academy High School

Management Teams

1. Oswego High School

2. Rolling Meadows High School

3. Technology Center of DuPage

4. Woodruff Career and Technical Center

Woodruff Career and Technical Center took first place in the management division while Technology Center of DuPage earned first in the culinary division. Both teams received scholarships and prizes.

TravelCenters Opens 300th Location

TravelCenters of America Inc. (TA), a BP brand, celebrated the opening of its 300th travel center in Walton, KY. The opening is a milestone in TA's strategic network growth plan complementing BP's existing convenience and mobility business to offer guests a seamless experience, both along the interstate and off. TA continues to advance its network plans and enhancements, including opening 20 new locations in 2024.

Over 40 industry professionals and representatives from post-secondary schools judged both competitions. Represented among these industry leaders are executive chefs, corporate chefs, chef instructors and hospitality professionals from a variety of industry sectors.

The event, presented by Title Sponsor Sysco, also included a College and Industry Expo featuring admissions representatives from post-secondary culinary programs and industry job opportunities

The top-ranking teams for 2024 included:

2024 Culinary Competition

• 1st place: Technology Center of DuPage

• 2nd place: Woodruff Career & Technical Center

• 3rd place: North-Grand High School

2024 Management Competition

• 1st place: Woodruff Career & Technical Center

• 2nd place: Technology Center of DuPage

• 3rd place: Oswego High School

Congratulations to the top finishers and to all of the schools who competed this year. Well done students and teachers! The National ProStart Invitational Competition Dates are Friday, April 26 -

April 28, 2024 in Baltimore, MD. Please reach out to info@illinoisrestaurants.org with any questions.

BOOKSHELF

5 Ingredients Mediterranean: Simple Incredible Food

Author: Jamie Oliver

Publishers: Flatiron Books

ISBN-13: 978-1250319852

Jamie’s most popular cookbook goes Mediterranean in this mouth-watering follow-up. This edition has been adapted for the US market. 5 Ingredients Mediterranean is everything people loved about the first book, but with the added va-va-voom of basing it on Jamie’s lifelong travels around the Mediterranean.

With over 125 utterly delicious, easy-to-follow recipes, it’s all about making everyday cooking super-exciting, with minimal fuss – all while transporting you to sunnier climes. You’ll find recipes to empower you to make incredibly delicious food, but without copious amounts of ingredients, long shopping lists or loads of cleaning up. 65% of the recipes are meat-free or meatreduced, and all offer big, bold flavor.

With chapters including Salads, Soups and Sandwiches, Pasta, Vegetables, Pies and Parcels, Seafood, Fish, Chicken and Duck, Meat, and Desserts, you’ll find something for every day of the week, and every occasion.

Dishes Include:

• Tender Smoky Eggplant

• Epic Prawns & Beans

• Rogue Ratatouille Risotto

• Sizzling Squid

• Island Salad

• Herby Steak & Crispy Potatoes

• Easy Fig Tart

• Jools’ Chocolate Dreams

It’s a real celebration of hero Mediterranean flavors and ingredients – quick and easy recipes for exciting everyday cooking.

Introducing Zarlengo’s New Innovative Sorbetto Line

Zarlengo’s Italian Ice and Gelato is excited to introduce their newest addition to their lineup; a selection of sorbettos crafted to enhance your restaurant’s dessert offerings

Guided by Tommy Zarlengo, their seasoned culinary and sales director, these sorbettos are expertly formulated to complement any foodservice operation. They boast intense fruit flavor and a smooth scoopable texture, making them a perfect fit for upscale and community establishments alike.

Choose from classic favorites like Raspberry and Lemon, or add a modern twist with Mango, Tangerine, Strawberry, and Coconut. Keep your menu fresh and exciting by rotating flavors seasonally. There will be more options being added shortly.

With over 40 years of experience, Zarlengo’s Italian Ice and Gelato has been a trusted name in the Chicago South suburbs. As a family-owned business, they prioritize quality and customer satisfaction above all else, and with the recent expansion of their dairy plant, they have been sending their high-quality products nationwide.

Zarlengo’s sorbettos delight along with a burst of flavor in every scoop.

North America’s Premier Culinary Academy for Pizza and Italian Cuisine

Commercial Product R & D

Pizzaioli Certification

Traditional and Gluten-Free Recipe Development

Equipment Consulting and Sales

Professional Seminars and Group Training

Corporate Team Building

1970 University Lane, Lisle, IL 630-395-9958

PizzaCulinaryAcademy.com

2024 Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Convention

The 2024 Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors (WAMP) Annual Convention will be held April 10-14,2024l at the Madison Marriott West Hotel & Convention Center. This show features a vital program for operators, an informative pre-Convention workshop, sparkling entertainment, good fun, and fellowship plus a fine array of exhibits and displays by leading industry manufacturers and suppliers. The annual meeting of the organization is held each year in connection with this state convention of meat processors.

With VALERIE MILLER TRAVEL

Oh! The Places They’ll Go!

Globus “Wish List” Survey Shares 2024 Tour Trends for Travelers

In January, the Globus family of brands, consisting of Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways received new “Wish List” survey results from 31,600 past Globus and Cosmos travelers, revealing the latest touring trends for the new year and beyond.

Life is short, the world is wide. But Europe reigns supreme for tour travelers. From Paris to Prague, Athens to Zagreb and Glasgow to Genoa, the storybook landscapes, castle-dotted cliffs and vineyard-clad hills of Europe continue to drive touring interest. According to the Globus family of brands’ “Wish List” survey results, the destinations topping traveler bucket lists for 2024 are:

1. Italy (21%).

2. Greece & Turkey (18%).

3. England, Ireland and Scotland (tied at 15% each, respectively).

4. Portugal (11%).

“Italy awes. It inspires and moves travelers like no other destination on Earth,” said Steve Born, chief marketing officer for the Globus family of brands. “From Michelangelo’s art to the artful cuisine throughout the country, Italy invites travelers to enjoy la dolce vita in every way. And Globus and Cosmos take them to 13 of the country’s postcard-perfect regions on 30 tours inviting guests to enjoy the ‘wow’ that’s waiting.”

With its sunny disposition, sloping vineyards and sleepy villages, Portugal presents a treasure trove of experiences. And Globus’ new survey results show that wayfarers are taking notice with Portugal, rounding out the top six most popular European destinations for tour travelers. “Catering to growing interest in Portugal, in 2024, Globus is diving into the warmth of Europe’s hottest destination in even more ways,” said Born. “We’re showcasing Portugal’s best with a new, 11-day Taste of Portugal tour and have also unveiled two (2) new tour extensions in Madeira and Azores, inviting travelers to enjoy the country’s picture-perfect islands.”

Off the beaten cobblestones. While culture, history and must-see landmarks are the top motivators for travelers on a tour, the new “Wish List” Survey pointed to an important new trend: Forty-five percent (45%) of travelers are interested in getting off-the-beatenpath on their touring vacation

“ After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.”

– Oscar Wilde

“According to our survey, travelers want a mix of must-see sights and the opportunity to personalize their vacation,” said Born. “While 74 percent (74%) of guests treasure expertguided sightseeing, that doesn’t mean they don’t also want the opportunity to tailor their trip to their interests. Most (92%) of tour travelers believe that having the opportunity to customize their vacation is important.”

The final standout statistic Globus found with its latest survey is a growing interest in solo travel. More than one-fourth of travelers (27%) said they plan to go solo on their next trip – that’s double previous years.

About the Globus Family of Brands

Denver, Colorado-based Group Voyagers, Inc. is the privately held company that markets and sells the Globus family of brands within the United States. Globus, Cosmos and Avalon Waterways offer travelers unparalleled tour, independent travel package, river- and small-ship cruise options. Considered the world’s largest tour operator, with nearly a century of international travel experience, the Globus family of brands is dedicated to enriching the lives of travelers by turning foreign destinations into familiar harbors, where the expense of travel is forgotten and replaced by personal value. The Globus family of brands is a proud supporter of The Ocean Cleanup. For more information, please visit www.globusfamily.com.

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