The 10 Most Prominent Food and Beverage Leaders for 2025

Building a Snack Category with Chicken and Perseverance Founder and CEO I WILDE Chips

JASON WRIGHT

EDITOR’S LETTER

Taste is Just the Beginning. The Main Ingredient is Trust

earReaders,

Foryears,thefoodandbeverageindustryoperatedonasimplepremise:tasteisking. Today,thatkingdomhasexpanded.Themodernconsumer’spalateisnowinseparable fromtheirvalues,theirhealthgoals,andtheirdesireforauthenticity Trueleadershipin thisneweraisn’tjustaboutcreatingadeliciousproduct;it’saboutunderstandingthedeepcultural currentsthatshapeourchoices.Itrequiresthevisiontoseeagapontheshelfandthecouragetofillit withsomethingentirelynew.Itisthisrarecombinationofculinaryintuitionandbusinessacumenthat wespotlightinourannualissue,“The10MostProminentFoodandBeverageLeadersfor2025.”

Ourcoverstory,JasonWright,FounderandCEOofWILDEChips,isaperfectcasestudyinthisnew paradigm.Theideaofachipmadefromchickenbreastcouldhaveeasilybeendismissedas impossible.ButJasonsawwhatothersdidn’t:amassiveopportunityattheintersectionoftwo consumercravings—forsalty,satisfyingsnacksandhigh-qualityprotein.Hedidn’tjustcreatea “better-for-you”alternative;hecreatedanentirelynewcategory.Byusingreal,wholeingredients insteadofprocessedpowders,hefundamentallychangedthegame.Hisdecisiontoownandoperatehis ownmanufacturingfacilityisnotjustalogisticaldetail;it’satestamenttohisuncompromising commitmenttoqualityandinnovation,givinghimthecontroltoperfectaproductmanythought couldn’tbemade.

Thisissuealsomapsthebroaderlandscapeofindustryinnovation,recognizingotherleaderswhoare reshapinghowweeatanddrink.WeexplorethevitalmissionofErinMaddenatHappyKids NutritionAcademy;thesupply-chainexpertiseofFarhanAbsaratTheDavisGroup;thepowerful storyandcraftofLoriJonesatBlackologyCoffeeCompany;andthestrategicgrowthofaniconic brandledbyNicholasPapanierJr.atPrimoHoagies.

Theleadersinthesepagesprovethatthefutureoffoodisnotjustaboutflavor.It’saboutfunction, story,andadeeprespectfortheconsumer Theyaren’tjustbuildingbrands;theyarebuildingtrust, oneproductatatime,andindoingso,aresettingthetableforyearstocome.

PaNKAJ GHOLAP Managing Editor

PUBLISHER

ARCHANA GHULE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VIKRAM SURYAWANSHI

MANAGING EDITOR

PANKAJ GHOLAP

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JASON WRIGHT 10 Cover Story

Founder and CEO

WILDE Chips

JASON WRIGHT

Building a Snack Category with Chicken and Perseverance when you’re in the grind... you really just grind. “

JasonWright

isthemanwhotaughtchipsto chuck.Heisthe and of founder CEO WILDE Chips

Inasnackworldsaturatedwithpotatoesandpowders, Jasondaredtoask: Hisanswer why not chicken? createdanewcategory,challengedmanufacturing norms,andbuiltabranddoublingitsgrowthyearafter year.

Thisisthestoryofhowalessonlearnedfrom granola failurefueledatruly“WILDE”idea.

From“Me-Too”to“NewtotheWorld”

JasonWright’sjourneyintotheConsumerPackaged Goods(CPG)industrybeganearly.Inhisearly twenties,hefoundedFeedGranolain2005,targeting consumersseekinglow-sugarsnackswithadded “superfood”ingredientslikeflaxandchiaseeds.Feed Granolaachievedrespectablesuccess,reachingabout $5millioninrevenue.

However,themarketdeliveredaharshlessonandthe companyceasedoperationsin2010.Jasonoffersa candidassessmentofwhyFeedGranolaultimately failed.“Granolaisame-tooproduct...It’ssomething youcanmakeinakitchen...Itwasjustnotunique enough,”hestatesplainly

Herecognizedthatitsrelativelysimpleproductionmeant intensecompetitionfromregionalandlocalplayers,making sustaineddifferentiationdifficult.Thissetback,though difficult,ignitedJason’sentrepreneurialspirit.Hemadea promisetohimself:hisnextventurewouldbegenuinely new,somethingtheworldhadneverseenbefore

TheWILDEConcept:AProtein-RichAnswertoChip Cravings

ThisresolveledJasontoaddressadifferentconsumer behavior:savorysnacking. “I really loved potato chips as a snack food potato chips,” headmits,butalsoacknowledges thecommondesireforless“guilt”associatedwith traditional,high-carbohydrateoptions.Hiscoreideawas ambitious:“Mydreamwastoreplacethepotatowith chicken.”

ThisconceptbecameWILDECHIPS.Theproduct's primarydifferentiationliesinitsingredientlist.“WILDEis arealingredient,”Jasonemphasizes.“Chickenbreast, numberoneingredient,bonebroth,eggwhite.”

Hedrawsasharpcontrastwithmanycompetingprotein snacksthatutilize“wheyormilkprotein,orplant-based proteinthat’spowders”astheirbase.HepositionsWILDE asthe“firstevertoreplacethepotatowithchicken breast”andthe“firstevertotakerealingredientsand makeacrunchysnack.”

Thisformulationalsodictatestheflavorstrategy.Utilizing realchickenallowsthebrandtodeliverauthenticsavory profilesmodeledafterpopularchickendishes,suchas NashvilleHot,Chicken&Waffle,orBuffaloChicken. Theaimistoprovidea“wildlydelicious”snack experiencethatdirectlyaddressessaltycravings, leveragingthenaturalflavorbaseofthemainingredient.

TheManufacturingChallenge:Buildingthe Impossible

Developingacommerciallyviable,shelf-stablecrunchy chipfromrealchickenbreastpresentedsubstantial manufacturingchallengesthatexistingfoodproduction infrastructurecouldnotreadilyhandle.Jason’sinitial assumptionprovedincorrect.“IthoughtIwouldgotoa porkrindfacilityandIwouldmaketheproduct,but therealityis...thatdidnotwork,”herecounts.

Facedwithapotentialdeadend,Jasonrefusedtoabandon hisidea.“Ididnotwanttostop,giveup...Ididn’ttake noforananswer.”

Thisdeterminationledtosignificantinnovation.“I formulatedinmyheadandlaterprototype...apieceof equipmentthatIthoughtwouldwork,”Jasonsays. “Thatledmetodesignandbuildapieceofequipment thatispatentedandbelongstous.”Creatingthis proprietarytechnologywasacriticalstep.

Furtherdifficultiesarosewhenaninitialpartnershipwith aco-manufacturertooperatethisequipment“didnot workout.”Thisforcedanotherstrategicpivot.“Wewere challengedwith,oh,wegottogodothisourselves, buildourownmanufacturingfacility,”Jasonexplains.

Consequently,WILDEinvestedinestablishingitsown dedicatedproductionplantinWinchester,Kentucky, locatedjustoutsideLexington.Thecompanynow manufacturesallitsproductsin-house,providingessential controloveritsuniqueprocess.Jasonacknowledgesthe arduouspathinvolved,referringto“alotofsecretsauce fromformulationto...equipment...fromtrialand error.”

Thepatentedtechnology,henotesbriefly,iskeyto achievingthedesiredcrispinessthroughmoistureremoval andalsoinfluencesthechip’ssignaturewaveshape, whichemergedpartlyfromprocesscontrolneeds.The companymaintainsitsheadquartersinNashville, Tennessee

BrandingwithBoldness:Capturingthe“WILDE” Spirit

Paralleltosolvingthemanufacturingpuzzle,Jason focusedoncreatingabrandidentitythatmatchedthe novelproduct.Hesoughta “bold personality that goes along with our bold product.” Thisconfidencetranslates intoplayful,provocativemarketingsloganslike,“So good,wedeservetobealittlecocky,”“Thanks,potato chips,we’lltakeitfromhere,”and“Dearpotatochips, gocluckyourself.”

This“wild’personaservesastrategicpurpose.“When youdosomethingfirsttomarket,youhavetobe totallydifferent,”Jasonobserves.“Thereisan educationpiece...onshelf,weliketostandoutlikea showstopper.”

ThenameWILDE(spelledwithan‘E’)wasalsoa deliberatechoice.Seekingauniqueandownablename afterfindingW-I-L-Dunavailable,Jasonresearchedand drewinspirationfromOscarWilde.Hefoundthe author’s“wittinessandhispersonality,”alongwithhis reputationasa“boldcharacter,”alignedwellwiththe desiredbrandattributes.

Thetargetaudienceresonateswiththisapproach. Describedas“BoldOnes”and“WeekendWarriors,” theyseekdifferentiation.“Theydon’twantthe ordinarysnack,theyrelatetobeingdifferent,”Jason says.Thebrand’stagline,“FuelYourNext,”connects withconsumerswho “are not settlers, they don’t like status quo, and they like being different.”

PatentedProcess:TheSciencebehindtheCrunch

Whilespecificdetailsremainproprietary,Jasonoffers insightintothefunctionofWILDE’spatented technology.Thecorechallengewasmanagingthe productduringthecrispingprocess. “When we crisp the product... they were tending to move around,” he explains.Theinnovativesolutioninvolvedcreatinga systemtoholdthechipssteady

Thisfunctionalnecessityhadanaestheticsideeffect. “We had to come up with a way where they would not move and... by default, it would have a shape.” Thetechnology primarilyaims“tohelpit...drythemoistureoutto becomereallycrispy.”Simultaneously,“itgivesusthe uniqueclassicshape...ofapotatochip,butalsothe signaturewavethatwehave.”

When you do something first to market, you have to be totally different. “

PremiumProduct,PremiumPrice:TheValue Equation

JasoniscandidaboutWILDE’spositioning. “We’regoingtoalwaysbeaveryexpensive productbynaturethatwearechicken [breast],eggwhite,bonebroth...first ingredients,”hestates. “We're not just carbohydrates... we’re not corn, we’re not wheat, we’re not potatoes.” Thisinherentcost structureplacesWILDEatahigherpricepoint thantraditionalsnacks.

Thejustificationrestsonconsumerpriorities.“I thinkpeoplecareaboutwhatthey’reputting intotheirbody,”Jasonbelieves.Heconnects thistopersonalexperience: “I love snacking, I love potato chips, but at the end, I always felt guilty... I wanted something that I no longer felt guilty about.” WILDEaimstodeliverthatguiltfreeindulgence.

LeadershipthroughChallenges:ResilienceandVision

“I think our price point... is a result of those ingredients,” heasserts.“ButIthinkthere’sa lotofpeopleoutthere...seekingproteinand they’reseekingproteinfromrealfood... we’veseenthatthey’rewillingtopaymore forqualityproducts.”

GrowthTrajectory:Timing,Taste,and Trends

WILDE’smarketperformanceunderscoresits appeal,havingdoubleditsgrowtheachyear forthelastthreeyears.Jasonattributesthis successtoseveralfactors.“Alotofit...hasto dowiththetimewe’rein.Peoplewant protein,”heobserves,referencingthegeneral trendandlifestylehealthchoices.“Sometimes... timingiseverythinginlife.SoI’mvery gratefulforthetiming.”

Beyondmarkettrends,theproductitselfis crucial.“Ourproductisdelicious,”Jason states. “We eat more like a traditional salty snack versus a lot of other protein items. There’s always a trade-off... in taste or texture or both. And I think wild is unique.” Thiscombination–meetingthedemandforproteinwhiledelivering asatisfyingsnackexperience–fuelsthebrand’s momentum.

Thepathtosuccessinvolvednumerousobstaclesbeyondthe initialgranolafailure.Jasonrecountsthemanufacturingjourney: theflawedassumptionaboutexistingfacilities,theneedtoinvent equipment,thefailedco-manufacturerrelationship,thedecisionto self-manufacture,andnavigatingtheCOVID-19pandemic “There have been a lot of challenges,” heacknowledges.

Perseverancecamefromconvictionandsupport. “We have some great supporters. My board’s great. We all believe in this product... with this team effort, you know, that’s what’s kept us going.”

Jasonmaintainsaclearfocusonthefuture.“Ourfutureisvery bright.We’reworkingonalotofinnovation.We'rebuildinga thirdmanufacturingfacilityrightdownthestreet,130,000 squarefootfacility We’ll...createabout50newjobs,whichis somethingItakealotofpridein.”

Onapersonalnote,Wrightacknowledgesthedemandsof entrepreneurship.Whenaskedaboutwork-lifebalance,hisanswer isdirect:“Idonothaveaperfectwork-lifebalance.It’shard,” hestatesdirectly.Hereliesondailyphysicalactivity(gym workouts)asacrucialtool"toprocessmydayandtoprocessany challengesordecisions.”

Timewithhiswifeandtheirtwodogs(“furbabies”)is prioritized,butbeyondthat,heacknowledgesconstantfocuson thebusiness.“...whenyou’reinthegrind...youreallyjust grind,”hesays,counteringpotentialmythsabouta“lavish lifestyle”duringtheintensebuildingphase.

ERIN MADDEN

The Diplomat of the Dinner Table

Thefamilydinnertablecanbea battleground.Ononeside,aparent offersaplateofcarefullyprepared, nutrient-richfood.Ontheother,achildstares back,theirresolveafortressagainstthe encroachingbroccoli.Thissmall,nightlyconflict playsoutinhomesacrosstheworld.Itisa momentfilledwithfrustration,love,anda fundamentaldisconnect.ErinMadden,adietitian andaparent,understoodthisconflictintimately Sheknewthatwinningthewarovervegetables wasnotaboutscientificargumentsorparental authority.Itwasabouttranslation.Shebuilther careeronfindinganewwaytospeakthelanguage offoodsothatkidswouldfinallylisten.

Maddenisthe and of founder CEO HappyKids NutritionAcademy,anonlineschoolshestarted in2021.Theacademyteacheschildrenagedeight toeighteenaboutfood,health,andhowtheir bodieswork.Itistheculminationofherlife’s work,whichbegannotinaboardroom,butin clinicsandcounselingsessions,andinherown kitchen.Shesawfirsthandhowpoornutrition couldaffectachild’shealthandhowparentsfelt powerlesstochangeit.Heracademyisheranswer tothatpowerlessness,anattempttobring diplomacytothedinnertable.

TheDietitian’sDilemma

ErinMaddenpossessesthecredentials. ShegraduatedfromMountSaintVincent UniversitywithadegreeinAppliedHuman Nutrition,majoringinDietetics.Forovera decade,sheworkedinthenutritionandfitness industry,counselingclientsonweightlossand health.Sheunderstoodthescienceoffoodona molecularlevel.Shecouldexplaintheroleof vitamins,thefunctionoffiber,andthecomplex danceofmetabolism.

Yet,shefacedthesamechallengeeveryparent does.Thescientificfactsthatweresocleartoher meantnothingtoachildwithafixedopinionon greenbeans.Thisgapbetweenprofessional knowledgeandpersonalrealitybecamethedefining tensionofherearlycareer.Sherealizedthat informationalonewasnotthesolution.Aparent couldreadeverybookandfolloweveryguideline, buttheycouldnotforceachildtoeat.Theproblem wasnotalackofdata;itwasalackofconnection. Childrenneededtounderstandnutritionontheir ownterms,inawaythatfeltrelevanttotheirown lives,notasarulehandeddownfromadults. Thisinsightchangedeverything.

FromClinictoClassroom

Workingwithindividualfamilieswasrewarding. Maddensawhownutritioneducationcould transformeatinghabitsandimprovehealth. Asinglechildtryinganewfoodorafamilyfinding healthierroutinesfeltlikeavictory.However,she alsosawthelimitsofthisapproach.Forevery familyshehelped,therewerethousandsmore facingthesamestruggles.Therisingratesof childhoodobesitywerenotjustastatistictoher; theywereacollectionofindividualstoriesshe knewalltoowell.

TheideaforHappyKidsNutritionAcademygrew fromthisrealization.Shedecidedshecouldmakea biggerimpact.Shewouldtakeherexpertiseoutof theone-on-onesettingoftheclinicandbuilda platformthatcouldreachchildrenanywhere. Sheenvisionedanonlineschool,aplacewherekids couldlearnaboutfoodinawaythatfeltlikeplay, nothomework.Itwasasignificantleap,from nutritionalconsultanttoentrepreneur,butshewas drivenbyaclearpurpose.Shewantedtoempower childrendirectly,givingthemtheknowledgeand confidencetotakecontroloftheirownhealth.

Founder and CEO

BuildingaBetterBroccoli

Thecorechallengefortheacademywastocreate acurriculumthatkidswouldactuallyenjoy Maddenknewthataseriesoflecturesonthefood guidewouldfail.Shehadtodesignaprogram thatwasinteractive,engaging,andgenuinelyfun. Sheandherteamofeducatorsfocusedonturning nutritionalscienceintogamesandactivities.

AnonlineclassatHappyKidsNutrition Academydoesnotlooklikeatraditionallesson. Achildmightlearnaboutthefoodgroups throughananimatedstoryorgoonavirtual scavengerhunttofindsourcesofvitaminC. Thecurriculumavoidsjudgmentandrestrictive language.Instead,itfocusesonbuildinga positiverelationshipwithfood.Itteacheskids howtomakehealthychoicesandexplainsthe “why”behindthosechoicesinawaytheycan understand.Forexample,itconnectseating healthyfatstohavingenergyforsports,oreating proteintobuildingstrongmuscles.Thegoalisto makenutritionatoolforlivingabetterlife,nota setofrulestofollow.Thisuniqueapproachis whatsetstheacademyapartandhasenabledits rapidgrowth.

TheToughestCustomers

Buildingagreatproductwasonlythefirststep. Thenext,andperhapsgreater,challengewas convincingparentstosignup.Theacademy facedacomplicatedmarket.Manyparents, particularlythosewhosechildrenwereata healthyweight,didnotseetheimmediateneed foranutritioncourse.Theyfelttheirchild’sdiet wasbalancedenough.Otherssimplycouldnot affordtheextraexpense.

Maddentackledthesechallengesdirectly. Shefocusedhermessageonthelong-term benefitsofherprogram.Sheexplainedthat theacademywasnotjustforchildrenwhowere pickyeatersoroverweight.Itwasabout buildinglifelonghabitsforeveryone.Itwasa proactiveinvestmentinachild'sfuturehealth andwellness.Sheworkedtomaketheacademy’s missionclear:toprovidekidswiththe foundationtomakesmartfoodchoicesforthe restoftheirlives.

Toaddressaffordability,shebeganworkingoninitiativesto maketheprogramsmoreaccessible.Sherecognizedthat socioeconomicstatusshouldnotbeabarriertohealtheducation. Thisreflectshercorevisionofempoweringallkids,notjust thosefromfamilieswiththemostresources.Herstrategy involvedbuildingabrandthatparentscouldtrustwhilealso findingwaystolowerthebarrierstoentryforfamiliesinneed.

AGlobalKitchenTable

Injustacoupleofyears,theresultsofherworkhavebecome clear Theacademyhasreachedover1,000childreninmore than20countries,fromCanadaandtheUnitedStatesto England,China,andSwitzerland.Theinternethasallowedher tocreateaglobalclassroom,connectingkidsfromdifferent culturesaroundthesharedlanguageoffood.

Thetruemeasureofhersuccess,however,comesfromthe feedbackshereceivesfromparents.Thesearethestoriesthat affirmhermission.Oneparentreportedthattheirchild,oncea swornenemyofallthingsgreen,nowwillinglyeatsvegetables. Anothersharedthattheirchildhasstartedaskingtotrynew foods,curiousabouthowtheywilltasteandwhattheywilldo fortheirbody.Thesearenotsmallachievements.Theyrepresent fundamentalshiftsinachild'srelationshipwithfood.Eachone isavictorywonnotthroughbattle,butthrougheducationand empowerment.

TheNextCourse

ErinMaddenisnotfinished.Herprioritiesforthefutureare focusedonexpansionandaccess.Shewantstoreachevenmore childrenwithhermessage.Sheisconstantlyexploringnew waystoengagewithfamiliesandisexpandingthecurriculumto ensureitremainsrelevantandbasedonthelatestscience.

Heradvicetootherentrepreneursisrootedinherown experience.“Bepatient,”sheadvises,acknowledgingthat buildingabusinessisaslowanddeliberateprocess.“Enjoythe process,”sheadds,recognizingtherewardincreating somethingfromnothing.Mostimportantly,shesays,“Believe inyourself.”

Thisbeliefisthefoundationofherentirejourney.Shebelieved thattherewasabetterwaytotalktokidsaboutfood.She believedshecouldbuildaplatformtodoit.Andnow,asshe lookstothefuture,shebelievesshecanhelpclosethefood accessibilitygapforfamilieseverywhere.ErinMaddenstarted withasimple,frustratingproblematthedinnertable.Shehas sinceturnedthesolutionintoaglobalmission,onehealthyand happykidatatime.

IN THE UNITED STATES GOLF COURSES

Whenitcomestogolf,theUnited Statesdoesn’tjustplaythe game—itdefinesit.From legendaryfairwayscarvedintopineforeststo coastalgreensthatdefythewind,Americais hometothebestgolfcoursesintheUnited States.Butwithsomanyiconicnames,which onestrulystandoutin2025?

Inthisblog,webreakitalldown—fairways, fees,andfiercefinishes.Ourlistisn’tbased onpopularityalone.We'vestudied architecture,tournamenthistory,challenge levels,andtheactualexperienceeachcourse delivers.It’sadeepdiveshapedforgolfers whowantmorethanjustscenicviews— theywantsubstance.

So,whetheryou’replanningadreamgolftrip orsimplylovegreatdesign,thiscuratedlist willshowyouwheregreatnesstrulylives. Bytheend,you’llknowexactlywhatmakes eachcoursespecial—andhowyoumightjust getateetimeatthemostexclusiveclubsin America.

UnderstandingOurSelectionProcess: HowWeRankedtheBest

Whenevaluatingthebestgolfcoursesinthe UnitedStatesfor2025,werelyonarigorous, multi-facetedapproach.Ourrankingismore thanjustalist;itreflectsadeepanalysisof whattrulymakesagolfcourseexceptional. First,weprioritizeArchitecturalBrilliance.

Thisincludesthedesign’sphilosophy,how holesarelaidout,andtheuniquevisionof thecoursearchitect.Istheroutingclever? Arethegreencomplexescaptivating?

Next,welookatStrategicChallenge& Playability Agreatcourseoffersvaried shotsandrisk-rewardchoices,testingall skilllevelsfairly.Itavoidsbeingpenalfor thesakeofdifficulty.Furthermore, HistoricalSignificance&Legacyplaya vitalrole.Weconsidermajorchampionships hostedandiconicmoments.Aestheticsand naturalbeautyarealsokey;thecourse shouldintegrateseamlesslywithits surroundings,offeringmemorableviews.

Finally,Conditioning&Maintenance ensuresapremiumexperience.Think pristinefairwaysandtrue-rollinggreens.We alsofactorinExclusivity&Accessibility, providingcleardetailsonhowonemight actuallyplaythesecovetedlayouts.This comprehensiveframeworkensuresour selectionsarerobust,transparent,andtruly reflectthepinnacleofAmericangolf.

Herearethe10bestgolfcoursesinthe UnitedStates

· AugustaNationalGolfClub

WhatmakesAugustaNationalGolfClub oneofthebestgolfcoursesintheUnited States?

Tobeginwith,it’sthedesign.Thecourseblendsbeauty anddifficulty,thankstotheoriginalideasofAlister MacKenzieandBobbyJones.Theiraim?Tocreatea coursethatfeelsnaturalyettestseverygolfer’sskills.

· Thegreensarelightning-fastandheavilysloped.

· Fairwaysarewide,butapproachshotsneedperfect placement.

· IconicspotslikeAmenCornerandRae’sCreekraise thepressurewitheverystroke.

In2023,Augustaupgradedthegreensonholes1–5.The goalwastorewardaccurateshotsmoreclearly.For example,thepar-4fifthholeplayedtoanaveragescoreof 4.324inthe2025Masters,makingitoneofthetoughest. Thefirstholealsohadanaveragescoreof4.24.

Foundedin1932byBobbyJonesandCliffordRoberts, AugustaNationalhosteditsfirstMastersin1934.It’sthe onlymajorchampionshipplayedatthesamevenueevery year.FredCoupleswillmakehis40thappearancein2025, joininganelitegroup.

Eventhoughit’saprivateclub,therearewaystoplay:

· Getinvitedbyoneofthe300members

· QualifyfortheMastersorAugustaNationalWomen’s Amateur

· Jointhemediacoveringthetournament

· Volunteerorcaddieattheclub

Initiationfeesstartataround$40,000,andyearlyduesare about$10,000.Despiteitsexclusivity,Augustaisworking withlocalprogramstoincreasepublicaccesstogolf.

Clearly,AugustaNationalsetsagoldstandardonandoff thecourse.

· ShinnecockHillsGolfClub

ShinnecockHillsGolfClubisn’tjustold—it’slegendary LocatedinSouthampton,NewYork,this18-holecourse hasstoodthetestoftimesince1891.Astheoldest incorporatedgolfclubintheU.S.,ithashelpedshapethe sport’shistory,makingitapermanentfixtureamongthe bestgolfcoursesintheUnitedStates.

RedesignedbyWilliamFlynnin1931,thecourseblends naturalterrainwithsmartdesign.Wind,fescuerough, andfastgreenschallengeeventhebestplayers.Every holefeelslikeapuzzle,especiallywhenweather conditionsshift.

· The2018U.S.Openshowedjusthowbrutalthe coursecanbe.

· Elevationchangesandaggressivesetupsonholeslike 7,10,and11caughtmanyoffguard.

· Still,thecourserewardssmartandconservativeplay, especiallywithhelpfromexperiencedcaddies.

· Itswalking-onlyruleenhancesfocusanddeepens player-courseconnection.

ShinnecockhashostedfiveU.S.Opens,startingin 1896,andwilldosoagainin2026.Itwillalsohostthe U.S.Women’sOpenin2036.Backin1896,thecourse playedatjust4,423yards—theshortestinU.S.Open history

Membershipisexclusiveandinvite-only,withabout 400members.Rumoredinitiationfeesreach$250,000, withhighannualdues.Teetimesarescarce,evenfor guests.

For2026,fanscanenjoyelitepackagesoffering gourmetfood,VIPlounges,andbehind-the-scenes tours.ShinnecockHillscontinuestoearnitsplace amongAmerica’stopgolfexperiences—bytradition, design,andsheerchallenge.

· OakmontCountryClub

OakmontCountryClub,locatedjust10milesfrom downtownPittsburgh,defineswhatitmeanstobe unforgivingyetfair.Establishedin1903,itisoneofthe oldestandmostrespectedcoursesinthecountry.Itis alsopreparingtohostitsrecord-setting10thU.S.Open in2025—morethananyotherclubintheworld.

DesignedbyHenryFownes,thecoursewasbuiltto challengeeverysingleshot.Hebelievedthatpoorly playedshotsshouldleadtoautomaticpenalties.That philosophystilllivestoday.

· Oakmonthas168bunkers,includingthefamous ChurchPewsbunker,whichisover100yardslong.

· Greensaresofastandtrickythattheyinspired thecreationoftheStimpmeter

· Fairwaysaveragejust28yardsinwidth,forcing near-perfectteeshots.

· Thecourseratingis78.1withaslopeof 150—oneofthehardestintheU.S.

InthepastnineU.S.OpensatOakmont,only27 of1,385playersfinishedunderpar That’sless than2%,provingthiscoursepunishesevensmall mistakes.Whetherwetordry,thecourseremains brutal.

GilHanserecentlyledrenovationstokeep Oakmonttoughbutstrategic.Hereshaped bunkers,widenedlandingareasonselectholes, andrestoredthelayout’soriginalcharacter

Membershipisinvite-only,withestimated initiationfeesof$200,000andannualduesaround $10,000.Foursponsorsareneeded.Publicaccess israrebutpossiblethroughcharityeventsor limitedpreviewprograms.

Oakmontstandstallasoneofthebestgolfcourses intheUnitedStates,whereeventhebestgolfers mustfightforeverystroke.

· PineValleyGolfClub

TuckeddeepintheforestsofNewJersey,Pine ValleyGolfClubisacoursethatmostgolferswill onlydreamofplaying.Foundedin1913by GeorgeCrump,thisprivateclubblendsraw naturalbeautywithintensedifficulty,earningits placeamongthebestgolfcoursesintheUnited States.

WhatmakesPineValleysodistinct?

Crumpdesignedthecoursewithprinciplesthatare stillraretoday.

· Notwoholesrunparallel.

· Nomorethantwoholesfacethesamedirection.

· Eachholefeelslikeitsownworld,separatedby densepinesandsanddunes.

Thecourseratingis75.2withaslopeof155from7,009 yards.ThatputsPineValleyintheelitetierofdifficulty Playersmustmasterelevationchanges,steepbunkers,and trickygreens.Everyshotdemandscarefulplanning, especiallywiththepenaldesignthatpunishesaggression.

Thebunkersaremassiveandblendnaturallyintothe terrain.Thegreensareundulatingandhardtohold—miss byafewfeet,andparslipsaway Yet,thosewhoenjoy strategicchallengesfinditthrilling.In2021,theclubmade historybyallowingwomenmembersandlifting long-standingplayrestrictions.Itwillalsohostthe2034 CurtisCup,furthercementingitsstatus.

Membershipisinvitation-onlyandcappedat1,000. Initiationfeesexceed$100,000,withannualduesnear $10,000.Guestsmustmeethighgolfstandards,often requiringalowhandicaptoplay

PineValleyremainsoutofreachformost,yetitcontinues toinfluencecoursedesignandmaintainitslegendasone ofAmerica’smostexclusiveanddemandinggolf experiences.

· SandHillsGolfClub

HiddeninMullen,Nebraska,SandHillsGolf Clubprovesthatyoudon'tneedtobenearabig citytobeamongthebestgolfcoursesinthe UnitedStates.Openedin1995,thiscourse changedmoderngolfdesignforever,with minimalearthmovedandmaximumrespectfor nature.

ArchitectsBillCooreandBenCrenshawdidn't shapetheland—theyfollowedit.

· Outof130potentialholes,theyselected18by walkingthepropertyforover2years.

· Only4,000–5,000cubicyardsofearthwere moved—lessthanwhat'susedforonemodern green.

· Thebunkerswereshapedbywind,not machines,givingeachoneanatural,rugged feel.

· Everyholeplaysdifferentlydependingon windandpinplacement.

Thisminimalistdesignsparkedaneweraingolf architecture.CourseslikeBandonDunesand StreamsongfollowedthepathSandHillsblazed. Eventoday,itisstillconsideredthe“most naturalcoursebuiltsinceWorldWarI.”

Despiteitsbeauty,SandHillstestsplayers.

· Windscanchangeclubselectiononevery hole.

· Mostholeslookwide,butslopes,blindspots, andhiddenbunkersforcepreciseshotchoices.

· Playersmusthitlowdrives,usespeedslots, andthinktwoshotsahead.

Theclubhasonly160membersandjusteighttee timesperday.Yet,averagegolfershaveachance. Writingathoughtfullettermightlandyouarare inviteandanunforgettableround.

AtSandHills,it’snotaboutluxury.It’sabout puregolf—andthat’swhatmakesitsoiconic.

FactorstoConsiderWhenPlanningYourGolfTrip

Planningyournextgolftrip?Whetheryou'reeyeingthe bestgolfcoursesintheUnitedStatesorlookingfora relaxingroundatyourlocalpubliccourse,afewkey factorscanshapeyourexperience.

1.BudgetandGreenFees

Costsvarybasedoncoursetype:

· Publiccourses:$20–$50perround(somemunicipal coursesunder$25).

· Semi-private:$50–$150,offeringbetteramenities.

· Privateclubs:$75–$300perroundormore.

ExampleRates(2025):

· EdgewoodTahoeResort:$250–$425

· TPCLasVegas:$150–$395

· PresidioGolfCourse:$77–$107

· PasatiempoGolfClub:$425walking,$470riding

Membershipoptions:

· Publiccoursememberships:$1,700–$2,500/year

· PompanoBeach:$1,000(residents),$2,300(Pines+ Palms)

2.TravelCosts

Expect$4,000forasix-dayU.S.trip.Scotlandtrips? $6,000–$12,000.Saveby:

· Playingoff-peak

· Bookingtwilightrounds

· Walkinginsteadofusingacart

3.EaseofBooking

Modernteesheetsandonlinebookingsystemssimplify theprocess.Earlyreservationsareamustfortop courses.

4.SkillLevelMatch

USGAbreaksdowngolfersbyhandicap:

· Highlyskilled:Index<10(3%–19%ofplayers)

· Medium:Index10–29

· Lower:Index>29

Checkcourseratings:

· BethpageBlack:77.5/155

· PfauCourse:80.2/155

· TorreyPinesSouth:78.8/148

5.TypeofExperience

LookingforPGA-leveltoughnessorscenicserenity? Choosecoursesthatalignwithyourgoals—competitive play,beauty,orhistory

Planningsmarthelpsyouenjoyyourgame—andmaybe evenloweryourscore.

KeyTakeaways

Greatgolfisn’tjustaboutbirdiesandbogeys—it’sabout thestoriesthelandtells,thewayacoursefightsback, andthedecisionsaplayermakesunderpressure.The bestgolfcoursesintheUnitedStatesdon’tjust challengeyourswing—theytestyourdiscipline, patience,andnerves.

FromAugusta’slightning-fastgreenstoOakmont’s narrowfairways,eachcourseteachesadifferentlesson. Andthat’swhatseparatesagoodroundfromagreat experience.

Buthere’sthecatch—noteverylegendarycourseis withinreach.Somerequiredeeppockets,whileothers askforaletter,aqualifier,orabitofluck.Yet,ifyou’re agolferchasingthat“onceinalifetime”round,these coursesareyourEverest.

Soplanwisely.Knowyourskilllevel,setabudget,and choosecoursesthatpushyourlimits.Becauseattheend oftheday,golfisnotjustagame—it’sajourneyworth taking,onecourseatatime.

FARHAN ABSAR

The Architect of the Everyday Transaction

Acustomerrushesintoabrightlylitstore. Theygrabacolddrink,aproteinbar,and scantheiritemsataself-servekiosk. Theentireinteractiontakeslessthanninetyseconds. Thissmall,almostforgettablemoment,multipliedby thousandsacrossNorthAmerica,representsacomplex machineoflogistics,strategy,andhumaneffort.

FarhanAbsar,VicePresidentatTheDavisGroup, builtthatmachine.Heunderstandsthatconvenienceis notanaccident.Itisanoutcome,meticulouslydesigned andexecuted.

Foroverfifteenyears,Farhanhasimmersedhimselfin theworldofretailandrestaurants.Hisworkhastaken himfromboardroomsinTorontotobustlingcitycenters acrosstheUnitedStatesandAsia.Thisexposuregave himauniqueperspective.Hesawthepatternsofhuman movement,thesubtleneedsofpeopleonthego,anda gapinthemarketthatmostoverlooked.Hedidnotjust seeachainofstores;hesawanecosystemwaitingfora newidea.Thisunderstandingguideshisleadershipof morethan250peopleandshapestheexpansionof iconicbrandslikeINSMarket.Hedoesnotjustbuild stores;hebuildsthemomentsofconveniencethat defineamodernlife.

ANewVisionforConvenience

Farhan’sjourneybeganwithasimpleobservation.The worldwaschanginghowitate.Peopledemandedbetter, healthieroptions,evenwhentheywereinahurry.The traditionalconveniencestore,withitsendlessrowsof sugarysnacksandroller-grillhotdogs,feltlikearelic. Hesawanunmetneedforaplacethatofferedquality andspeed.Thiswastheseedofhismission.

“Myjourneycommencedfromadeep-seatedpassionto revolutionizeconvenienceretailing,”Farhanexplains. HerecognizedthepotentialwithinINSMarket,abrand establishedin1994.Thefoundationwassolid,buthe envisionedsomethingmore.

HewantedtoleaditsexpansionacrossNorth America,transformingitintoahubforconsumers whocaredaboutnutritionasmuchastheycared abouttime.Hisconvictionwasstraightforward: providepeoplewithgoodfoodthatwasalsoeasyto get.Thissimpleideabecamethedrivingforce behindhisstrategyandthesubsequentgrowthofthe company.

TheBlueprintforExpansion

Franchisingisabusinessofreplication.Success requiresamodelthatworksconsistently,froma busydowntowncoretoaquietsuburbanplaza. Farhan’sfirstchallengewastoperfectthismodel. Hebeganbyperformingrigoroussiteassessments, analyzingfoottraffic,andidentifyinglocations wheretheINSMarketconceptwouldthrive.He oversaweverydetail,fromconstructiontomenu development,ensuringeachnewstoremethishigh standards.

Oneofhiskeyinitiativesinvolvedacomplete rebrandingofthecompany'scaféandfoodconcepts. Heworkeddirectlywithdesigners,notjusttocreate anewlogo,buttorethinktheentirecustomer experience.Thegoalwastocreateaclean,modern, andinvitingspacethatcommunicatedthebrand’s commitmenttoquality.Thiswasmorethana cosmeticchange;itwasastrategicmovetoalignthe physicalstoreswiththecompany’sevolvingidentity.

Theresultofthismeticulousplanningwasthe successfuldevelopmentofover100newfranchise locations.Farhanmanagedtheentirepipeline. Herecruitedfranchisees,negotiatedcomplexlease agreements,andoversawtheconstructionprocess. Eachnewstorerepresentedavictory,atangible pieceofthelargervisionhewasbuilding. Hisapproachensuredthatthebrand’sgrowthwas notjustrapid,butalsosmartandsustainable.

LeadingthePeopleBehindtheProfit

Anetworkofstoresisultimatelyanetworkofpeople. Farhan’sleadershipextendstoateamofover250 individuals,includingtheAreaDirectorsandRegional Managerswhoformthebackboneoftheoperations. Hisrole,reportingdirectlytotheChiefOperatingOfficer, placeshimatthecenterofthecompany’sperformance. Heisresponsibleforthesalesandprofitabilityofevery store,bothcorporate-ownedandfranchised.

Hebelievesinempoweringhisteam.Hefostersaculture ofopencommunicationandaccountability,where managershavetheautonomytomakedecisions. HerecruitedandtrainedmorethanadozenAreaand RegionalManagers,personallyselectingleaderswho sharedhiscommitmenttoexcellence.Hisleadershipstyle isnotaboutgivingordersfromanoffice.Itisaboutactive engagement,providinghisteamwiththetoolsandsupport theyneedtosucceed.Hehasdeliveredoverathousand hoursoftrainingontopicslikeprofitability,teamwork,and projectmanagement,investinghisownexpertisedirectly intohispeople.

Thisfocusonhumancapitalisacorepartofhisstrategy Heunderstandsthatthesuccessofafranchisedependson thepersonrunningit.Therefore,heworkstoensurea smoothtransitionduringstoretransfersandnewfranchise recruitment.Hecreatedasystemthatsupportsfranchisees fromdayone,helpingthemnavigatethechallengesof runningasmallbusinesswhilebenefitingfromthepower ofalargebrand.

InnovationintheDetails

Inthecompetitiveworldofretail,smalladvantagesmakea bigdifference.Farhanconstantlysearchesforwaysto improveefficiencyandenhancethecustomerexperience. Hechampionedthedevelopmentofanewordering method:aself-servekiosk.Thismovestreamlinedthe checkoutprocess,reducedwaittimes,andgavecustomers morecontrol.Itwasadirectresponsetothemodern consumer'sdemandforfrictionlesstransactions.

Healsospearheadedthecreationofacompany-wide loyaltyprogram.Byanalyzingcustomerdataand understandingpurchasinghabits,histeamdesigneda programthatrewardedrepeatbusiness.Theinitiativewasa clearsuccess,leadingtoatangible10%increaseinsales. Thisdemonstratedhisabilitytotranslatedata-driven insightsintoreal-worldresults.

Behindthescenes,Farhanmanagedawebofcomplex relationships.Henegotiatedwithcontractors,vendors,and supplierstoensurethecompany’sprofitabilityduring development.Heworkedcloselywiththerealestatedivision onbrandacquisitionsandcollaboratedwithlegalcounselto ensureallfranchisingdocumentswereaccurateand compliantwiththelaw.Heorganizedtradeshowsto generatenewfranchiseleads,handlingeverydetailfrom vendorrelationstolandlordnegotiations.Hisworkrequired acommandofproposals,presentations,andRFPs,allwhile keepingasharpfocusonthecompany'sbottomline.

NavigatingtheShiftingMarket

Theconveniencestoreindustryisinconstantflux.Consumer tastesevolve,andnewchallengesemerge.Farhanstays aheadofthesetrendsbylistening.Heunderstandsthatthe moderncustomerbaseisdiverse,spanninggenerationsand incomelevels.Hisgoalistomakeconvenienceaccessibleto everyone,tailoringthestore'sofferingstothespecificneeds ofeachcommunity.

Thegrowingdemandforhealthierfoodandsustainable practicespresentsbothachallengeandanopportunity FarhanhaspositionedINSMarketattheforefrontofthis shift.Thecompanycontinuestodiversifyitsproductrange, offeringmorenutritiousalternativestotraditionalsnack foods.Italsoembracessustainableinitiativesandinvestsin digitalcapabilitiestostaycompetitive.Byfocusingon customerfeedbackanddata,theteamcontinuallyrefinesthe menuandstreamlinesoperations.ThisagilityallowsINS Markettomaintainitsedgeinacrowdedmarket.

TheJourneyandtheMentors

Noleaderachievessuccessinavacuum.Farhancreditshis mentorsforhelpinghimnavigatethecomplexitiesofthe businessworld.Theirguidanceprovidedhimwithstrategic insights,expandedhisprofessionalnetwork,andsharpened hisleadershipskills.Heviewsmentorshipasacritical componentofpersonalandprofessionalgrowth,aresource thatempoweredhimtotakeonnewchallengesanddrive innovation.

Foraspiringleadersenteringtheconveniencesector,his adviceisdirect.“Prioritizeinnovation,customersatisfaction, andoperationalexcellence,”hestates.Heencouragesthem toembracetechnologytoimproveserviceandtobuild strongpartnerships.Aboveall,hestressestheneedfor resilience.Thepathtosuccessinvolvesobstacles.Growth requiresmeticulousplanningandunwaveringexecution.

Sacramento

Things to Do in Adults,

Weekend, Downtown Fun! Guide

ReadytobecompletelycharmedbySacramento?Forgetwhatyouthinkyouknowabout California’scapital.Thiscityisanincrediblesurprisepackage,wheretheechoesofthe GoldRushminglewiththebuzzofoneofthemostexcitingfarm-to-forkmovementsin thecountry

It’s a place with a real soul and a thriving arts scene that’s just waiting to be explored.

We’reabouttodiveintotheabsolutebestthingstodoinSacramento,sharingallthelocalsecrets andinsidertipsyouneedforanunforgettableweekend.Trustme,you’regoingtoexperiencethis cityinawaythatstayswithyou,feelingitshistory,tastingitsfreshness,andcatchingitsvibrant energy

Let'sgetthisadventurestarted!

Let’sDiscoverAlltheThingstoDoinSacramento

1.TheUltimateSacramentoWeekendItineraryforAdults

GetreadyfortheperfectadultweekendinSacramento!We’vemixedadashofhistorywithamazing foodandfunnightlifetocreateanitineraryyou’llbetalkingaboutforyears.

Sacra mento

●FridayNight:ArrivalandCulinaryImmersion

-Firstthingsfirst,checkintoyourhomebase.Foratouchofhistoriceleganceandamazingviews, youcan’tbeatTheCitizenHotel.Ifyouwanttoberightinthemiddleoftheactionwithgreatfood anddrinksjuststepsaway,the Fort Sutter Hotel inMidtownisyourspot.

-Fordinner,you’restartingwithatrueSacramentolegend: Frank Fat’s.Youjusthavetotrytheir honeywalnutprawnsandbananacreampie.It’sadeliciouspieceoflocalhistoryonaplate!

-Readyforanightcap?Headoverto The R Street Corridor Youcanslipintothespeakeasy atmosphereat Shady Lady Saloon orgrabaspritzonthepatioat Ro Sham Beaux onJStreet.What aperfectendtotheday!

●Saturday:MarketFreshMorningsandMidtown Exploration

-Goodmorning!Grabanamazingcoffeefrom The Mill or Temple Coffee tokickstartyourday Then,getready todiveintothebuzzingatmosphereofthe Midtown Farmers Market.Freshflowersandartisanal goodies—it'safeastforthesenses!

-Spendthedayjustwanderingandsnackingyourway throughMidtown.Maybegrabacasuallunchat La Costa Café orsomeseriouslyphoto-worthytacosfrom Cantina Alley

-Fordinner,treatyourselftotheelevatedcomfortfood at Camden Spit & Larder.It’sasleek,modernspotright neartheGolden1Center,perfectifyou'recatchinga gameorashow.

-Stillgotenergy?Awesome!Grabalate-nighttikidrink at The Jungle Bird (itfeelslikeamini-vacation!)or catchaliveshowat Ace of Spades orthe B Street Theatre

●Sunday:BrunchandCulturalDeepDive

-Let’sdoSundaybrunchright.Headto Tower Café—yes,theremightbealine,butitissoworththe wait! Bacon & Butter isanotherfantasticchoice.

-Afteryou’refueledup,it’stimeforadoseofculture. Wanderthecobbledstreetsof Old Sacramento,where the1860scomealive.It’sahugetouristattractionfora reason,withhistorictrainandpaddlesteamerrides.

-Youabsolutelymustvisitthe California State Railroad Museum.It'sincrediblycool,withinteractiveexhibits andfullwheelchairaccessibility,includingramps, elevators,andevenanaccessibletrainride.

-Or,youcouldexplorethe Crocker Art Museum, California’soldestartmuseum!It’stheheartof Sacramento’sculturalscenewithover15,000piecesof art.Plus,it’scompletelywheelchairaccessiblewith automaticdoorsandspaciousgalleries.

2.TopThingstoDoinSacramentoforAdults

Nomatterwhatyou’reinto—amazingfood,deephistory, orthegreatoutdoors—Sacramentohassomethingthat willblowyouaway

●FortheFoodie

You’reinforatreat!Sacramentoproudlywearsthecrownof America’sFarm-to-ForkCapital.Why?Thecityissmackdabinthemiddleofamassiveagriculturalregionwith1.5 millionacresoffarmland.Thismeansourrestaurantsand marketsgetthefreshest,highest-qualityingredientsyoucan imagine.

-LocalRootsFoodTours:Theseguidedwalkingtoursare thebestwaytomeetthechefsandshopownersbehindthe foodscenewhilelearningaboutthecity'shistory

-Mulvaney’sB&L:ImaginediningonincredibleNew Americanfoodinsideahistoric1893firehouse.Theirmenu changesdailybasedonwhat’sinseason.Socool!

-GrangeRestaurant&Bar:Simplyafantasticspotfora greatmealandagreatdrink.

-Allora:AmodernItalianseafoodandwinebarwithan elegantvibeandamenufocusedonsustainability.It's seriouslyexquisite.

-TowerCafe:Famousforitsdreamybrunch.Youmight havetowait,butyouwon'tregretit.

-UrbanRootsBrewery&Smokehouse:They’vemastered theartofpairingamazingcraftbeerwithmouthwatering smokedfood.Theflavorcombinationsareoutofthisworld!

-AlaroCraftBrewery,Restaurant&CocktailBar:This placeservesupfoodthat’swaybeyondyourtypicalpub fare,alongsidetheirawesomecraftbeer.

●FortheHistoryBuff

Oh,ifthesestreetscouldtalk!Sacramento’sstoryisdeeply tiedtotheGoldRush.Thecityitselfwasfoundedwayback inDecember1848byJohnA.Sutter,Jr.,growingoutof Sutter’sFort,whichwasestablishedbyhisfather.

-OldSacramentoWaterfront:Strollalongcobblestone streetspastbuildingsfromthe1860s.Withover125shops andrestaurants,plustheRailroadMuseum,it'saliving museum.

-CaliforniaStateRailroadMuseum:Anabsolutemustsee!Theinteractiveexhibitsarefascinating,andit’sfully accessibleforwheelchairusers(justbookthetrainride ahead!).

-Sutter’sFortStateHistoricPark:Getarealfeelfor GoldRushlife.Thedirtandgravelterraincanbeabit trickyforstandardwheelchairs,butit’sapowerfulstep backintime.

-OldSacramentoUndergroundTours:Thisissocool! Yougettoexploreexcavatedfoundationsandtunnels beneaththecity.They’veaddedramps,butsomesurfaces arestillabituneven.

-CaliforniaStateCapitolMuseum&Park:Incredibly accessiblewithstep-freeentryandwidehallways.The surroundingparkisbeautiful,withsmoothpathsand plentyofshade.

-LelandStanfordMansionStateHistoricPark: ExploreastunninglyrestoredVictorianmansion.It’s fullyaccessible,fromthegardenstotheupperfloorsvia anelevator

●FortheArts&CultureAficionado

Sacramentoisburstingwithcreativity!Fromtouring Broadwayshowstomassivestreetmuralsandinspiring museums,there’sarteverywhereyoulook.

-CrockerArtMuseum:Astheoldestartmuseumin California,itholdstheworld’stopcollectionof CaliforniaartfromtheGoldRushtotoday.Impressive, right?Andit’scompletelyaccessible.

-WideOpenWalls(SacramentoMuralFestival): EveryAugust,artistsfromallovertheworldtransform thecity’swallsintomonumentalworksofart.Renamed in2017,thefestivalhasleftalastinglegacyofpublicart, includinga15-storyJohnnyCashmuralbyShepard Fairey!Youcanfindthesemuralsonawalk,run,orby usingthefestival’sapp.

-SAFECreditUnionArtsCenter:Thisiswhereyougo forthosebig-cityexperiences,likelivemusicand amazingartevents.

-SacramentoArtsFestival:Awonderfulcelebrationof creativitywhereyoucanfindeverythingfrombeautiful ceramicsandjewelrytostunningpaintings.

●FortheOutdoorEnthusiast

Withtworiversandover200parks,gettingoutsidein Sacramentoiseasyandfun!

-AmericanRiverParkway:ThisishometotheJedediah SmithMemorialTrail,a32-milepavedpathperfectfor bikingorhorsebackriding.Someslopescanbesteep,but DiscoveryParkoffersanaccessibleentrypoint.

-KayakingandPaddleboarding:Asuperpopularwayto cooloffontheSacramentoandAmericanRiversinthe summer.Thereareevenadaptivekayakingprogramsfor veteransthroughTeamRiverRunner.

-HikingandBikingTrails:You’llfindtonsoftrails,with accessibleoptionslikethepavedpathsandfishing platformsatWilliamB.PondRecreationArea.

-Birdwatching:Justwestofthecity,theYoloBypass WildlifeAreaisamassivewetlandthat’saparadisefor wildlifeviewing.Youcanevendoanautotourthat'sgreat forwheelchairusers.

-FloatingtheAmericanRiver:Isthereanythingbetter thanalazyfloatdowntheriveronahotsummerday?I don'tthinkso!

-CapitolPark:Perfectforapeacefulwalk,especiallyin thespringwhenthecherryblossomsareinfullbloom.

3.SacramentoAfterDark:AGuidetotheCity’s Nightlife

Whenthesungoesdown,Sacramento’senergyjustkeeps going.Whateveryourvibe,there’saspotforyou.

●CraftCocktailsandSpeakeasies

Ifyou’relookingforaperfectlymadedrink,you’vecome totherightplace.

-ShadyLadySaloon:Thisdowntowncraftcocktailbar hasbeennamedoneofAmerica’sbest.It’sgotthatperfect, moodyspeakeasyfeeling.

-MIXDowntown:Afantasticrooftopbarwhereyoucan sipcraftcocktails,enjoysnacks,andsoakinthelively atmosphere,oftenwithDJsandchampagneshows.

-TheRedRabbitKitchen&Bar:Knownforhavingone ofthemostcreativecraftcocktaillistsintheentirecity.

-RoostandTrophyClub:Askanylocal,andthey’lltell youtheseareamongtheabsolutebestcocktailbarsin Sacramento.

-JungleBird:Escapetoatikiparadise!Thevacationvibeis stronghere,andthedrinksarepurefun.

●LivelyBarsandBreweries

Thecraftbeerscenehereisexploding!Ourbrewersare alwayspushingthelimitswithnewflavorsandtechniques.

-Track7BrewingCompany:AlocalfavoriteinCurtis Park,pouringeverythingfromfruitybeerstorichstouts.

-GoldenRoadBrewing:YouhavetotrytheirMangoCart. It'spartofanexquisiteselectionoftantalizingbrews.

-KingCongBrewingCompany:Acommunity-focused breweryknownforitsreallyuniqueandimaginativebeers.

-BigSexyBrewingCompany:Tuckedawayinanindustrial area,thisaward-winningbreweryhasanamazingselectionof hoppyIPAsandstouts,oftenwithlivemusic.

-NewGloryCraftBrewery:Amustforanybeerlover.You can’tmisstheirGummyWormIPA—it’swild!

-SacYardCommunityTapHouse:Asuperfamily-friendly spotwitharotatingtaplist,firepits,games,andlivemusic.

-DiveBar:Thisisanexperience!Whereelsecanyouwatch mermaidsswimwhileyouenjoyadrink?

●LiveMusicVenues

Fromintimateclubstohugearenas,Sacramento’slivemusic scenehasitall.

-AceofSpades:Amajorvenuethatgetssomeofthebest touringacts.

-Harlow’s:ThisplacehasbeenaMidtownstapleforover 30yearsandisalwaysvotedoneofthecity’sbestvenues.It hasagreatbar,stage,anddancefloor

-TheTorchClub:Ifyoulovebluesmusic,thisisyourspot.

-Golden1Center:Themassivearenaformajorconcerts andsportingevents.

-Channel24:Abrandnew,2,150-capacityvenuethat openedin2025inMidtown.Itwasdesignedforperfect sightlinesandhasmultiplebarsandanawesomeopen-air patio.

●UniqueEveningExperiences

Lookingforsomethingalittledifferent?

-TipsyPutt:Aminigolfbarwithareallyfun gamecalled‘1-2putt.’

-Coin-OpGameRoom:Letyourinnerchild runwildatthisarcadeforadults.

-TheEdgarAllanPoeSpeakeasy:A mysterious,literary-themedbarwithahidden entrance.Howcoolisthat?

-OishiiSushiandKaraokeRooms:Enjoy somedelicioussushiandthenbeltoutyour favoritetunesinaprivatekaraokeroom.

4.DowntownSacramento:TheHeartofthe City

Downtowniswhereit’sallhappening!It’s packedwithhistoricallandmarksandsome amazingspotsthatflyundertheradar.

●Must-VisitLandmarks

-OldSacramentoWaterfront:Thisisthe historicheart,hometoiconicspotslikethe1849 EagleTheaterandthe1855BigFourBuilding.

-CaliforniaStateCapitolMuseum&Park:Abeautiful andaccessiblelandmarkwhereyoucanlearnallabout California’sgovernmentandhistory

-CrockerArtMuseum:Aculturalgemwithanincredible collectionofart.

-CaliforniaStateRailroadMuseum:LocatedrightinOld Sacramento,it’soneofthemostpopularattractionsfora reason!

-Golden1Center:Themodernhubforsportsand entertainment.

-TowerBridge:Takeawalkacrossthisiconicbridgefor stunningviewsoftheSacramentoRiverandthecity skyline.It’sfullywheelchair-accessible!

●HiddenGemsinDowntown

Readytoexplorebeyondtheobvious?Let’sfindsomelocal favorites.

-OldSacramentoUndergroundTours:Getoffthebeaten pathanddiscoverthecity’shiddenfoundationsandtunnels. It’safascinatinglookatadifferentsideofSacramento’s history

-MidtownMuralsandArtWalks:Goonatreasurehunt forpublicart!TheWideOpenWallsfestivalhaslefta stunningoutdoorgallery.Youcantakeaguidedtourorjust wanderanddiscoverthemyourself.

-TheSecretTrailatAmericanRiverParkway:Alesserknownspotthat’sperfectforapeacefulwalkandalittle quiettime.

-CaliforniaStateIndianMuseum:Animportantmuseum thatoffersdeepinsightsintothediverseculturesof California’sNativeAmericanpeople.

-Enchambered:SacramentoEscapeRoom:Grabyour friendsforasuperfunandchallenginggroupactivity.It’s oneofthehighest-ratedescaperoomsaround!

5.BeyondtheCityCenter:WorthwhileDayTripsfrom Sacramento

OneofthebestthingsaboutSacramentoisitslocation. You’rejustashortdriveawayfromsomeincredibleday trips.

●AppleHill

-JustunderanhourawaynearPlacerville,AppleHillisa beautifulareawithover50farms,wineries,bakeries,and more.

-It’sespeciallymagicalinthefall.Thinkapplepicking,hot appleciderdonutsfromRainbowOrchards,andthose amazingWalkin’PiesfromDelfinoFamilyFarms.

-It’snotjustapples!Youcanalsofindotherfruits,veggies, andevenChristmastrees.Somespotsareopenallyear.For theadults,checkoutBoegerWineryforredwinetastingor JackRussellFarmBreweryforarelaxingbeer A little tip: try to go on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.

●Napa/SonomaWineCountry

World-famouswinecountryisrightonyourdoorstep!

-NapaValley:KnownforitsincredibleCabernets, everythinghereisabitmorecondensed,soyoucanseealot inaday Tomakeitsupereasy,bookatourwithacompany likeNapSacWineTours.Theyhandleeverything!Or,fora trulyspecialexperience,theNapaValleyWineTrainisasixhourjourneythroughvineyardswithamazingfood.

-SonomaCounty:Sonomahasamorelaid-backvibethan Napa,withover400wineriesfocusingonPinotNoirand Chardonnay Youcaneasilywalktoseveraltastingrooms rightintown.CheckoutRocheWinery(theyhave charcuterieboards!),WaltWines,orSigh,auniquesparkling winebar.Thebesttimetovisitisfromlatespringtoearly fall,especiallyduringtheharvestseasonfromSeptemberto November

●GoldCountryTowns

Takeatripbackintime!Just45minutesfromSacramento, thehistorictownsalongHighway49feellikeyou’ve steppedontoamovieset.

-Coloma:Thisiswhereitallbegan!Inearly1848,James WilsonMarshallfoundgoldflakesintheriverhere,kicking offtheCaliforniaGoldRush.YoucanvisitMarshallGold DiscoveryStateHistoricParktoseewhereSutter'sMill oncestood.

-EmpireMineStatePark:Canyoubelievethisparkhas over367milesofundergroundtunnels?That'smindblowing!

-HistoricFolsom:Acharmingareawith accessibleparkingandrestrooms,rightonthe LakeNatomaLoopTrail.

-OldSacramento:Eventhoughit’sinthecity, it’sacrucialpartoftheGoldRushstory,bornasa bustlingboomtown.

MyOpinion

Afterdivingdeepintoalltheincrediblethingsto doinSacramento,it’sclearthisisn’tjustanother city;it’sanexperience.

Whatmakesitsospecialisitsauthenticity Sacramentodoesn’thavetopretend.It’sthe genuineheartofCalifornia,wheretherichsoilof its‘Farm-to-Fork’identityisjustasimportantas thegolddiscoveredinitsrivers.

Thiscitycombinesitsdeephistorywithaforwardthinkingpassionforpublicartandaremarkable commitmenttobeingaccessibletoeveryone.It’s thisrareblendofunpretentiouscharm,agricultural pride,andculturalvibrancythatmakesatriphere sorewarding.

Youleavefeelinglikeyou’veconnectedwitha realplace,withrealpeople,andastorythat’sstill beingwritten.It’stheCaliforniayou’vealways wantedtosee.

●HereAreSomeFactsWeCanLearnFrom Sacramento’sJourney

-ItReallyIStheFarm-to-ForkCapital!

Thisisn’tjustacatchyslogan.Sacramentois officiallyrecognizedforitsmovementthat championslocal,sustainablefood.With1.5 millionacresofsurroundingfarmland,it’saglobal leaderthatshowshowfocusingonlocalfoodcan boosttheeconomyandourhealth.

-TheArtisHeretoStay.

Thecity’sWideOpenWallsmuralfestivalis brilliantbecausetheartisn’ttemporary.Ofthe90 muralscreatedinitsfirstthreeyears,86arestill standing!It’sapermanent,open-airgalleryfor everyone.

-ALeaderinWelcomingEveryone.

Sacramentohasquietlybecomeatrailblazerinaccessibletourism. Somanyofitsmainattractions,liketheCaliforniaStateRailroad MuseumandtheCrockerArtMuseum,arefullywheelchair accessible,provingthathistoryandculturecanandshouldbeopen toall.

-MarkTwainWasaLocalJournalist.

TheSacramentoUnion,foundedin1851,wasoncetheoldestdaily newspaperwestoftheMississippibeforeitclosedin1994.Andget this—theoneandonlyMarkTwainwroteforitbackin1866!

-TheBirthplaceofthe‘CaliforniaDream.’

Thatideaofstrikingitrichandfindingfastsuccessinanew world?ThatconceptbecameforeverlinkedwithCaliforniaright here,duringtheGoldRush.The‘CaliforniaDream’startedin Sacramento.

●WhatYouShouldKnowBeforeVisitingSacramento

Afewfriendlytipstomakeyourtripabsolutelyperfect!

-BestTimetoVisit:Forperfectweather,aimforApriltoJuneor SeptembertoNovember Thetemperaturesaremildandgreatfor beingoutdoors.Summersgethot,butthat’swhattheriversarefor! Wintersaremildandlesscrowded.

-GettingAround:DowntownandMidtownaresuperwalkable, butacarishandyforexploringfurther.TheSacRTlightrailand bussystemisaffordable($2.50forabasicfare!)andcoversthe downtownareawell.Youcanalsousebikesandscooterstozip around.

-WhattoWear:Keepitcasual!Nicejeansandasweateror button-downareperfectformostplaces.Nightclubsmighthavea dresscode(nobaggyclothesorsandals),butotherwise,comfortis key.

-MakeReservations:Forpopularrestaurants,especiallyon weekends,it’salwaysagoodideatobookatable.Itsavesyou fromwaitingandhelpstherestaurantplanbetter.It’sawin-win!

Doesn’tSacramentosoundamazing?It’sacityfullofhistory, flavor,andsurprises.

Ifyoufoundthisguidehelpful,pleaseshareitwithyourfriends, family,andanyoneelsewhoneedstodiscoverthevibrantspiritof California’scapital!

Founder and CEO Blackology Coffee Company

Lori Jones The Architect of the Second Act

TheairinthekitchenattheInter-FaithFoodShuttle smellsofonions,thyme,andpossibility.LoriJones movesthroughthestainless-steellandscapewitha practicedeconomyofmotion.Sheisshowingastudenthow toproperlyholdachef’sknife,herhandguidinghis.Her voiceiscalmanddirect,herinstructionsclear.Here,among theclatterofpansandthehumofindustrialrefrigerators, Jonesisinherelement.Sheisnotjustteachingsomeonehow tocook;sheisprovidingamapforanewbeginning.

Totheoutsideworld,LoriJonesisatwo-timeinternational award-winningentrepreneur,thefounderandCEOof Blackology Coffee Company.Sheisakeynotespeakeranda transformationalcoach.Butinthiskitchen,sheisateacher,a mentor,aleaderwhounderstandsthatasecondchanceoften startswithasingleskill.Thisrole,managingtheCulinary ApprenticeProgramforindividualsfacingunemployment andotherlifechallenges,istheheartofherstory.Itisafullcirclejourneyforawomanwhooncefoundherowncareerin ashes,onlytobuildanewlifefromtheembers.Herwork nowistohandthatblueprinttoothers,showingthemthata crisisisnotjustanending,butaspacewhereanewlifecan bebuilt.

TheFirstCourse

Longbeforeshebuiltacoffeeempire,LoriJonesbuilt communitiesaroundadinnertable.Herpassionforfoodtook rootearly,andshechanneleditintoaculinarycareer.Asa headchef,shefoundpurposeincreatingmealsthatdidmore thanjustnourishthebody.Food,forher,wasamediumfor connection.Thiswasmostevidentduringhertimeasthe headchefforasororityhouseattheUniversityofNorth CarolinaatChapelHill.

Forhundredsofyoungwomenawayfromhome,shewas morethanacook.Shecuratedseasonalmenus,ledakitchen team,andcreatedanenvironmentthatfeltlikeasanctuary. Sheblendedtraditionwithnewideas,transformingthedining hallintoaplaceofcomfortandcommunity

Shelearnedhowtomanageateam,howtoplanand executecomplexoperations,andhowtoservea communitywithintention.Thisexperiencewasherfirst realleadershiplaboratory.Ittaughtherthatservicewas notaboutsubordination,butaboutanticipatingneedsand creatingspaceswherepeoplefeelvalued.

TheUnraveling

In2020,theworldshutdown,andthefoundationofLori Jones’slifecracked.TheCOVID-19pandemicswept throughthefoodserviceindustry,andshelostherjob. Thelayoffwasmorethanaprofessionalsetback;itwasa personalcrisis.Asasinglemotheroftwoboys,shefound herselfatacrossroads,thepathforwardobscuredby uncertainty Thecareershehadbuilt,thecommunityshe hadserved,vanishedalmostovernight.

Manywouldseethismomentasadefinitiveend.For Jones,itfeltlikeaprofoundandunsettlingsilence.The dailyrhythmofthekitchendisappeared.Thepurposethat haddrivenherforyearswasgone.Yet,inthatsilence,she foundadifferentkindofdirection.Shecallsitadivine redirection.Itwasaforcedpausethatcompelledherto lookinwardandaskafundamentalquestion:whatnext?

AKitchenTableEpiphany

Theanswerbeganwithamorningritual.ForLoriJones, coffeewasneverjustabeverage.Itwasaquietmoment ofpeaceandprayerbeforethedaybegan,asymbolof warmthandamediumforreflection.Withnojobanda deepwellofpurpose,sheturnedthispersonalritualintoa professionalvision.Fromherownkitchen,shestartedto buildBlackologyCoffeeCompany

Theideawastocreatealuxuryminimalistcoffeebrand thatcelebratedBlackcultureandlow-aciditybrews.It wasanextensionofheridentity:intentional,rootedin service,andunapologeticallyauthentic.

Thebeginningwashumble.Shestarted atlocalpop-upmarkets,herbrand growingorganicallythroughwordof mouth.ButJoneswasaquickstudy.She threwherselfintolearningthemechanics ofdigitalentrepreneurship.Shelearned webdesign,searchengineoptimization, branding,shippinglogistics,andgrant writing.Itwasacrashcourseinbuilding abusinessfromthegroundup.

Shedidnotjustsurvivethepandemic; shebuiltaninternationalbrandfromits chaos.Blackologyexpandedbeyond premiumbeanstoincludemerchandise, coachingprograms,anddigitalresources forotheraspiringentrepreneurs.She turnedthecrisisofherlayoffintoa calling,buildingacompanythatwasnot justabusiness,butatestamenttoher resilience.

BrewingaMovement

LoriJonesdidnotjustcreateaproduct; shebuiltaplatform.BlackologyCoffee Companybecameavehicleforherlarger missionofserviceandempowerment. Thebrand’ssuccessisintrinsically linkedtoitspurpose.Aportionofits proceedsgoestononprofitsthatsupport survivorsofdomesticviolence,sexual assault,andcancerresearch—causesthat resonatewithherdeepsenseofempathy.

Hercommitmenttocommunityextends beyondherowncompany.Sheserveson theBoardofDirectorsforthe ReintegrationSupportNetwork,an organizationthatworkswithyouth impactedbysubstanceuse,mentalhealth challenges,andthejusticesystem.Inthis role,shehelpsguideeffortstopromote wellness,self-advocacy,andhealthy relationships.Itisanaturalextensionof herwork,creatingsafespacesfor transformationforthosewhoneedit most.Throughherbusinessandher volunteerwork,Jonesdemonstratesthat legacyisnotmeasuredinprofit,butin impact.

Leadingacompanywhileraisingtwoboysdemandsaunique blendofstructureandgrace.LoriJonesnavigatesthis complexitywithfierceintentionality.Herlifeisacarefully orchestrateddancebetweenboardroomstrategyandbedtime stories,betweencustomercallsandcarpoolduty.Sheserves asthePTAVicePresidentathersons’school,seamlessly integratingherleadershipskillsathomeandinherbusiness.

Disciplineisheranchor.Sheusesdigitalplannersandtimeblockingtechniquestoallocateherenergytothetasksthat mattermost.Herdaystillbeginswiththatsacredcoffee ritual,aquietmomentofgroundingbeforethewhirlwind begins.Butperhapsthemostsignificantevolutioninher leadershipstylehasbeenherdecisiontostopdoing everythingalone.Foryears,sheworeherabilitytocarrythe entireloadasabadgeofhonor.Shehassincelearnedthat truestrengthliesindelegationandtrust.Shenowhires virtualassistantsandleansonhercommunity,drawingclear boundariestoprotectherpeace.Herchildrenwitnessnotjust amotherwhoworkshard,butaleaderwholeadswithafull heartandaclearmind.

Herworktodaybringsherjourneyintosharpfocus.As theCulinaryApprenticeProgramManagerandInstructor attheInter-FaithFoodShuttle,shestandsbeforepeople whoareexactlywhereshewasjustafewyearsago: unemployed,underemployed,lookingforasecond chance.Shedevelopedtheprogram’sentirecurriculum, acomprehensivecoursethatearnedaccreditationfrom theAmericanCulinaryFederation.Itistheonlyprogram ofitskindinNorthCarolina.

Thisachievementisnotjustaprofessionalmilestone;it isaprofoundpersonalone.Inthatkitchen,shedoes morethanteachknifeskillsorplatingtechniques.She mentorswithcompassion,fostersself-worth,andopens doorstocareersthatonceseemedimpossible.Shesees thetransformationinherstudentsastheylandtheirfirst culinaryjobsandreclaimtheirfutures.Theirwinsare herfuel.“Helpingothersbelieveinthemselvesismyreal jobtitle,”shesays.Itisthethreadthatconnectsthechef, theentrepreneur,themother,andthementor.Itisthe workofbuildingalegacy,onepersonatatime.

TheDailyGrind

TheFullCircle

Top 10 BiggestCRUISE SHIPS IN THE WORLD

Journey Through Giants

Letmetellyousomething.Beforethebiggestcruiseshipsintheworldeventouch thewater,somethingremarkablestartstakingshape.Noweldsyet.Norivets.Just purevision—drivenbyscale,precision,anddaringideas.

Thesearen’tjustcruiseships.Notevenclose.

They’removingcities—filledwithenergy,design,andlifeateverylevel.From theirtoweringdeckstohiddenenginerooms,everythingisbuilttoamaze.

Still,there’ssomuchmorethanwhatbrochuresoradsevershow

So,whatreallygoesintocreatingthesegiants?Whatdotheirnamesmean?And howdoeseverycurve,cabin,andcorridorcometolife?

Inthisguide,we’llbreakitalldown—clearly,honestly,andin-depth.Whether you’recuriousorpassionate,you’reexactlywhereyouneedtobe.

Thisisyourinsidelookatthebiggestcruiseshipsintheworld—toldlikeittruly deserves.

Excited?Let’sbegin.

Here’stheListoftheBiggestCruiseShipsintheWorld

1.IconoftheSeas,RoyalCaribbean

· ANameThatSaysItAll

WhenRoyalCaribbeannamedthisshipIconoftheSeas, theyweren’tjustpickingacoolname.Itwasabold statement,adeclarationofintentforboththeirmarketing andengineeringteams.Theywereaimingtocreateanew goldstandardformoderncruising.Thenameitselfis meanttosymbolizeamassiveleapforward,blending game-changingenvironmentaltechwithanunforgettable guestexperience.

· AnatomyofaGiant:TheNumbersDon’tLie

- GrossTonnage:Holdontoyourhat—we’retalking aboutapproximately248,663GT Thismakesitthe largestcruiseshipintheworldbyinternalvolume.That massivespaceiswhatallowsforfacilitiesyoujustwon’t findanywhereelse.

- Length&Beam:Shestretchesastaggering365meters longwithabeam(width)ofover65meters.These incredibledimensionsarecrucialforherstabilityand alsodictatewhichfewportsintheworldarelarge enoughtowelcomeher

- Propulsion:Thisiswhereitgetsreallysmart.Sheruns onnext-generationLNGdual-fuelpropulsion.Foryou andme,thatmeansincredibleefficiencyandadrasticcut innastyemissionslikeSOx,NOx,andCO₂comparedto olderdieselsystems.It’sahugewinfortheoceans.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:With5,610passengers(at doubleoccupancy)andadedicatedcrewof2,350,the serviceisdesignedtomatchtheneedsofaliteral ‘floatingmetropolis.’

· AnEngineeringMasterpiece

Theconstructionofthisshippushedtheboundariesof what'spossible.Imaginebuildingwithenormous, prefabricatedblocks,eachonealreadypackedwith pre-installedwiringandsystems.Thismodularmethod maximizesboththequalityandthespeedofthebuild.Her hulliscraftedfromhigh-tensilesteel,givingherimmense strengthwithoutaddingunnecessaryweight,whichis criticalwhenyou’resupportingsky-highstructureslike massivewaterparks.

· The‘Wow’FactorThatDropsJaws

Let’stalkaboutthe‘Category6’waterpark.From anengineeringstandpoint,thisisamarvel.It’sthe largestconcentrationofwaterslidesatsea!Think aboutthechallenges:managingallthatwaterat suchaheightanddealingwiththeuniquephysics ofashipinmotion.It’smind-boggling.Ontopof that,herenergysystemsaremanagedbyadigital braintoperfectlybalancepassengercomfortwith resourceefficiency,whileadvancedstabilizers maketherideincrediblysmooth,evenwithall thatweightuptop.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

Noshipbeforehassoperfectlymarriedthislevel ofscalewithsustainability Thecombinationof LNGpower,intelligentenergymanagement,and world-classfamilyattractionsputsIconofthe Seasattheabsolutepeakofmodernship innovation.

· TheSouloftheShip

IconoftheSeasfeelslikethefuture.She’sa game-changerforboththeenvironmentandthe passengerexperience,completelyredefiningwhat wethoughtwaspossibleonthewater.

2.WorldEuropa,MSCCruises

· ANameRootedinTransformation

ThenameWorldEuropaisabeautifulnodtothe mythologicalfigureEuropa,whorepresents culturaltransformation.It’saperfectfit,signaling MSC’sgrandambitiontofuseglobal sophisticationwithcutting-edgetechnology

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Ataround215,863GT,shesits comfortablyamongthelargestshipsbysheer volume.

- Dimensions:She’sover333meterslongwitha beamof47meters.Thesedimensionsare cleverlyoptimizedforcruisinginthe Mediterraneanandotherinternationalwaters, givingheraccesstoawidervarietyofports.

World Europa, MSC Cruises

- Propulsion:JustlikeIcon,she’spoweredbyLNG, dramaticallycuttingSOxandNOxemissionsand settinganewstandardforbeingeco-friendly.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Shecanhost approximately6,762guests,supportedbyacrewof 2,138.Thisshowsasmartbalancebetweenhigh capacityandprovidingattentive,personalservice.

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Theuseofsophisticatedblockconstructionand digitalmanufacturinghelpedgetthisshipbuiltfaster whileintegratingadvancedsystemslikewasteheat recovery Thehullandpropelleraredesignedto reducedragandnoise,whichnotonlymakesher moreefficientbutalsogivespassengersaquieter, morecomfortableride.

· The‘Wow’FactorThatWows Stepinside,andyou’llseeMSC’sgeniusin managingpassengerflow Theshipisdividedinto distinctzones,fromthecalming‘ZenDistrict’tothe lively‘AftPromenade.’It’samasterclassindesign, supportedbyincredibletechlikeadvancedHVAC andwaterrecyclingsystemsworkingsilentlybehind thescenes.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

WorldEuropaisatruepioneerinitsuseofLNGandwaste managementtechnology.It’saclearsignalthatMSCispaving thewayforamoresustainablefutureforitsentirefleet.

· TheSouloftheShip

ShefeelslikeafloatingpieceofEuropeanrefinement,powered bythebestenvironmentaltechnologyanddesignedforthe moderntraveler.

3.QueenAnne,Cunard

· ANameSteepedinRoyalLegacy

Cunardhasalongandstoriedtradition,andthenameQueen Annefitsrightin.IthonorstheregallegacyofBritishmonarchs, apowerfulnodtothehistoriclinkbetweenanation'sseapower anditsprestige.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Astately~113,000GT.

- Dimensions:Shemeasures322.5metersinlengthwitha beamof35.6meters.Herlinesareclassicandmeasuredfor thestabilityneededtocrosstheAtlanticwithgrace.

Queen Anne, Cunard

- Propulsion:Sheusesdiesel-electricengines.Thischoiceisall aboutefficiencyand,cruciallyforaluxuryliner,reducingnoisefrom thetransmission.Silenceisgoldenhere.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Witharound3,000passengersto1,200 crew,thefocusissquarelyonprovidingluxuryserviceonagrand scale.

· AnEngineeringMarvel

TheuseofmodularblocksinQueenAnne’sconstructionallowedfor incrediblyintricateandluxuriousdetailstobefittedoutinher interiors,evenbelowthewaterline.Hersteelhullisbuiltwiththe strengthofanoceanliner,ensuringcomfortinanyweather

· The‘Wow’FactorThatInspiresAwe

WhattrulysetsaCunardshipapartisthecultureonboard.You’llfind uniqueartandmuseum-qualitycollectionsthatbringBritishheritage tothehighseas.Thisculturalrichnessisbackedbyengineering excellencethatpromisestheresilienceofatruelineronthoselong transoceanicvoyages.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

Sheistherightfulheirtothelegacyofocean-goingluxury.Queen Annecarriesforwardasenseofmaritimearistocracy,blendingit perfectlywithmodernsafetyandcomfort.

· TheSouloftheShip

Sheis,ineverysense,aclassicocean liner—timeless,proud,andabsolutelycommitted tothehigheststandardsofnauticalgrace.

4.WonderoftheSeas,RoyalCaribbean

· ANameThatPromisesAwe

Thename‘Wonder’isjustperfect,isn’tit?It capturesthemarvelyoufeel,whetheryou’re thinkingaboutthesheerengineeringgreatnessof theshiporstandinginitsimmenseatrium,looking upinawe.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Anincredible236,857GT.

- Dimensions:She’s362meterslongandabout 66meterswide.Herdraught(howdeepshesits inthewater)isengineeredformajorports, whichmeansshecan’tvisitsmallerdestinations.

- Propulsion:Adiesel-electric/azipodsystem deliverssmoothandreliablepower,givingthis giantbothagilityandstability

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Shecancarryupto6,988passengers and2,300crew That’snotaship;it’savillageatsea!

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Thescaleofherconstructionisjuststaggering.We’retalking aboutover500,000bespokesteelcomponents!Her ‘neighborhoods’werepre-wiredandbuiltinmodules,andthe entertainmentvenuesarestructurallyisolatedtocutdownon vibrationandnoise.Herhullisevendesignedwitha wave-breakingsterntomaximizeefficiency.It’sgenius.

· The‘Wow’FactorYouHavetoSeetoBelieve

FeatureslikeCentralPark,anopen-airparkwithover10,000real plants,arefeatsofengineering.Thetallestslideatsea,multi-deck theaters...allofitrequiredunprecedentedcalculationsforload, watermanagement,andplanninghowthousandsofpeoplewould movearound.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

ThewayWonderiszonedintodifferent‘neighborhoods’and incorporatesverticalgardenscompletelyreimagineshowguests experienceaship.It’ssomuchmorethanjustacollectionof amenities;it’sathoughtfullydesignedcity

· TheSouloftheShip

Sheisanimmersivecity-at-sea—atrueengineeringmarvel,an entertainmentpowerhouse,andanenvironmentalpioneerallin one.

5.HarmonyoftheSeas,RoyalCaribbean

· ANameThatSingsofUnity

‘Harmony’isaboutbringingdifferentthingstogethertocreate somethingbeautiful.Andthat’sexactlywhatthisshipdoes.It blendsahugevarietyofonboardfeaturesandtechnologiesinto onecoherent,spectacularexperience.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Amassive226,963GT.

- Length/Beam:362meterslongand66meterswide.

- Propulsion:Diesel-electricwiththreefixedpoddrives.This systemincorporatestechnologyspecificallydesignedto minimizenoiseandvibrationforasmootherjourney.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:She accommodates5,479passengersand2,300 crew,aratiodesignedtomaximizeboth servicequalityandenergyefficiency.

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Shefeaturesaspecialhulldesigncalledthe ‘LiverpoolWaveDumpingAfterbody’and somethingcalledaCLskegoptimization. Itsoundscomplex,butitallboilsdownto makingtheshipmoreefficient.Ahightensilesteelskeletonandtriplepod propulsionalsogiveashipofthisscale incrediblemaneuverability

· The‘Wow’FactorThatThrills

Multi-storywaterslides,anicerink,surf simulators,andaziplinethatflieshigh abovethedeck!Everysingleoneofthese featuresdemandsseriousstructural reinforcementanddynamicstabilization systemstoworksafelyandflawlesslyona movingship.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

Thefamilyentertainmentinfrastructureon thisshipissimplyunrivaled.What’smore, it’sintegratedwithadvancedenergy recoveryandvibrationcontrolsystems, makingitbothfunandsmart.

· TheSouloftheShip

Amasterpieceofpassengerflowengineering andpureentertainment,designedtodeliver bothincrediblespectacleandmomentsof quietserenity

6.SymphonyoftheSeas,Royal Caribbean

· ANamethatEvokesaMasterpiece

Justlikeamusicalsymphonybringstogether diverseinstrumentstocreateamasterpiece, SymphonyoftheSeasharmonizesworldclassentertainment,brilliantengineering, andimpressiveenergyefficiency.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Astunning228,081GT

- Dimensions:Sheis362.1meterslongandover65 meterswide.

- Propulsion:Diesel-electricwithAzipods,fittedfor maximumefficiencyandreducedemissions.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Abustlingcommunity of6,680passengersandover2,200crew.

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Theship’sresiliencecomesfromahigh-tensilesteel structuralsystem,modularassembly,andaspecial bowdesignedtoprevent‘slamming’inheavyseas.A hugeamountofeffortalsowentintooptimizingthe soundpackagesforcabinsandpublicspacesto ensuretheyareincrediblyquiet.

· The‘Wow’FactorThatDazzles

Thisshipisatechnologicalshowcase,especiallyin itslightingandmultimediaexperiences.Thestages featureroboticscreensandentertainmentvenuesthat cantransformfordifferentshows.It'safeastforthe senses.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

Sheisaleaderinspatialdesign.Youfeelitinthe vastpublicareas,therefinedsilenceinthequieter zones,andthehigh-endluxuryyoufindinthecabins.

· TheSouloftheShip

Theperfectperformance,whereengineering sophisticationandguesthappinessplayinperfect harmony Atrueorchestralmarvel.

7.Iona,P&OCruises

· ANameofBritishTranquility

IonaisnamedafterthebeautifulScottishisland knownforitsdeeptranquilityandspiritualhistory It’sanamethatperfectlyreflectsbothBritish heritageandthepeacefulfeelingoftravelingonthe opensea.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Asignificant184,000GT

- Dimensions:Shemeasuresover344meterslongwitha beamspanning42meters.

- Propulsion:LeadingthewayforP&O,sherunsonLNG dual-fuelengines,providingcleanandefficientpower.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Withapproximately5,200 passengersand1,800crew,thefocusisondelivering premiumBritishhospitality

· AnEngineeringMarvel

IonawasapioneerinitsuseofLNGpropulsion.This, combinedwithsustainableinteriordesign,modularblock assembly,andacarefullyshapedhullforbothstrengthand beauty,makesheratrulymodernvessel.

· The‘Wow’FactorUndertheDome

TheSkyDomeisthestaroftheshow.Thisglassatrium completelyredefineswhatanopendeckexperiencecanbe, andachievingitwithoutcompromisingtheship’s structuralintegrityisamassiveengineering accomplishment.Thisincreasedintegrationwiththe outdoorsalsoaddscomplexitytomanagingweightand windloads.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

IntheBritishcruisemarket,Ionaistheundisputedleader inenvironmentalperformance,seamlesslyblendingalove fornaturewithmoderndesignandcomfort.

· TheSouloftheShip

Sheiswherecalmmeetsinnovation.Amodernexpression ofthatclassicislandspirit,poweredbyforward-thinking design.

8.CarnivalJubilee,CarnivalCruiseLine

· ANameThatScreamsCelebration

‘Jubilee’isawordthatjustmakesyouwanttosmile.It evokescelebration,afeelingthatisacoretraditionat Carnivalandisbroughttolifeineverysingledesign choiceonthisship.

Wonder of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Aplayful183,900GT.

- Length/Beam:About344.5meterslongand42meters wide.

- Propulsion:HerenginesareLNG-ready,prioritizing sustainabilityandensuringshemeetsfutureregulations.

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Apartyof5,374passengers and1,735crew

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Likehermodernsisters,shewasbuiltusingablockassemblyapproachwithmodularsegments.Withnew enginetypeslikeLNGcomestheneedforenhancedfire safetyandstructuralregulations,allofwhicharebuiltinto hercore.

· The‘Wow’FactoronRails

Thisisabigone:shefeaturesareal,at-searollercoaster! Canyoubelieveit?Theengineeringbehindthisis incredible,demandinguniquesupportstructures, advancedvibrationdampening,andawaytointegrateits powerneedsintotheship’sgrid.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

ThisshipistheevolutionofCarnival’sfamous‘fun’brand.It takesthatfestivespiritandhousesitwithinasmart,efficient architecturewithoutlosinganounceoftheparty

· TheSouloftheShip Bright,dynamic,andunapologeticallydesignedforcelebration.

9.MSCEuribia,MSCCruises

· ANamefromAncientPower

MSCEuribiaisnamedaftertheancientGreekgoddesswho wasthemasteroftheseaandweather.It’safittingand powerfulemblemforashipthatrepresentsMSC’sambitionfor sustainablemasteryovertheoceans.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Animpressive184,011GT

- Length/Beam:331meterslongby43meterswide.

- Propulsion:SheboastsadvancedLNGdual-fuelengines, makingheratrueflagshipforgreentechnologyinthecruise world.

Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Shecancarry6,334passengers, supportedby1,704crew.

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Everydetailisgearedtowardsefficiency.Herhulliscoatedin specialanti-foulingpaint,andherpropellerisoptimizedfor hydrodynamics.Itallworkstogethertoreduceherecological footprintandimprovefueleconomy.

· The‘Wow’Factor:AWorldFirst

Getthis:MSCEuribiacompletedtheworld'sfirstnet-zero greenhousegasemissionvoyage.Thatisabsolutely groundbreaking!Herintegrationofemissioncontroland energyrecoverysystemsisunmatchedintheindustry.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

Sheisagenuineleaderingreentechnologyandoperational efficiency.Euribiaislivingproofthatthesemassivecruise giantscanalsobededicatedstewardsoftheocean.

· TheSouloftheShip

Theabsoluteepitomeofresponsibleinnovation.Thisisaship thatissettingthepacefortheentireindustry’senvironmental agenda.

10.CarnivalMardiGras,CarnivalCruiseLine

· ANameThatHonorsaLegacy

‘MardiGras’isallaboutthefestivalandfun,andthis ship’snamedoestwothings:itcelebratestheworldfamousNewOrleanstradition,anditpayshomagetothe veryfirstCarnivalshipfrom1972.

· AnatomyofaGiant:BytheNumbers

- GrossTonnage:Afestive180,000GT.

- Length/Beam:344.5meterslongand42meterswide.

- Propulsion:SherunsonLNG,achoicemadefor reducedemissionsandgreateroverallefficiency

- Passenger-to-CrewRatio:Roomfor5,282guestsand 1,745crewtojointheparty.

· AnEngineeringMarvel

Integratingfeatureslikemulti-deckatriumsandthat headline-grabbingrollercoasterdemandedsomeserious engineering,includingreinforceddeckplatesand extensivedynamicstresstestingtoensureeverything wassafeandsound.

· The‘Wow’Factor:ACarnivalFirst

Notonlywasshethefirsttofeaturearollercoasterat sea,buthersegmentationintodifferentfun-filledzones presenteditsownsetofmechanicalandstructural challenges,allofwhichwerebrilliantlyovercome.

· HerCompetitiveEdge

SheexpertlycombinesCarnival’svibrant,high-energy entertainmentethoswithinnovativetechnologyanda realenvironmentalconsciousness.

· TheSouloftheShip

Aspirited,floatingfestival,builtforpurejoyand designedtobeanecologicalpace-setter

MyThoughts

WhereDoWeSailFromHere?

Well,Icantellyouthattheboundarieshavebeen pushedofwhatisphysicallypossible.Today’s mega-shipsaresolargetheyfillentiredocksand challengetheheightsofbridges.Thingslikenavigation, stability,andenvironmentalrulesaresettingnatural limitsonjusthowmuchbiggertheseshipscanget.

So,theindustry’sfocusisshiftinginareallyexciting way.It’smovingawayfrombuildingbiggerjustforthe sakeofbeingbigger,andtowardrevolutionizingthe experienceforeveryoneonboard,maximizing sustainability,anddeliveringdeeplypersonal, immersivejourneys.

Thenextgenerationofcruiseshipswillbedefinedless bytheirsizeandmorebytheirtechnologicalheartbeat. ThinkAI-drivenautomation,systemsthatcanpredict maintenanceneeds,andsmartenergymanagement wovenintoeverypartoftheship’soperation.We’re alsoonthecuspofafuelrevolution—greenmethanol, hydrogen,andfuelcellapplicationswillstarttoreplace heavyoilsandevenLNG,gettingusclosertotrue net-zeroemissions.Howamazingisthat?

Atthesametime,theattractionsonboardwillcontinue toevolve,blendingentertainmentwithwellness, creatingimmersiveaugmentedandvirtualreality environments,alldesignedwithsafetyandcomfortat thecore.

HereAreMyInsiderSecretsforYourFirst Voyage

Herearefivelesser-knowntipsI’vepickedforyou. Keepthembetweenus!

· TheMidshipSecret:Ifyou’reworriedabout seasickness,bookacabininthemiddleoftheship (midship).Thisisthenaturalpivotpoint,meaning you'llfeeltheleastamountofmovement.Itmakes foramuchsmootherpassage.

· Portvs.StarboardStrategy:Thinkaboutyour itinerary!Forsceniccruisesheadingeast,the starboard(right)sidewillcatchthesunrises. Headingwest,theport(left)sidewillgetthose glorioussunsets.Alittleplanninggoesalongway forthebestviewsfromyourbalcony.

· DecodetheDeckPlan:Beforeyoubook,lookat theship’sdeckplan.Trytoavoidbookingacabin directlybelowthepooldeck,anightclub,oramain diningvenueifyouwanttoguaranteepeaceand quiet.

· TheUnsungHero-GuestServices:Make friendswiththefolksattheGuestServicesDesk. Theyarethemiracleworkersonanyship.Theycan helpresolveissuesquickly,sometimessecure upgrades,andgiveyouaheads-uponexclusive experiences.

· MastertheMusterDrill:Don’tjustgothrough themotions.Payattentionduringthesafetydrill. Knowwhereyourmusterstationis,takeaminuteto mapouttheescaperoutesfromyourcabin,and internalizetheemergencysignals.Thisisn’tjusta formality;it’sthecornerstoneofrealsafetyatsea.

Let’sKeeptheConversationGoing!

Theworldofthesemagnificentshipsisvastand alwayschanging.Ifthisdeepdiveintothetitansof thetideshassparkedyoursenseofwonder,please sharethisarticlewithyourfriendsandfellowtravel lovers.Let’sspreadthefascinationforthese incrediblefeatsofengineering!

Well,Ihavetoask:whoinyourlifewouldyoumost wanttosailwithononeofthesegiants?Let’sshare thisblogwiththem!

TheairinWestville,NewJersey,carriesthescent offreshlybakedbreadandItalianmeats.Itishere, amidsttheunassuminglandscapeofSouthJersey, thatNicholasPapanierJr.orchestratesaquietrevolution.He runsasandwichempire,PrimoHoagies,anamethat resonateswithagrowinglegionofloyalcustomersacrossthe EastCoastandbeyond.Papanier,amanwhoselineageties directlytothefirstPrimoHoagiesshop,nowleadsoneofthe fastest-growingbrandsinfast-casualdining.Heembodiesa blendoffiercededication,strategicforesight,andan unwaveringcommitmenttohisfamily’slegacy.

FromFamilyShoptoNationalPresence:AStoryof Growth

NicholasPapanierJr.’sjourneybeganintheshophisfamily built.Helearnedtherhythmofthebusinessfromhisfather, absorbingthevaluesandunderstandingtheintricate operationsthatmadePrimoHoagiesspecial.Hegrewup smellingtheprovolone,watchingthecarefullayeringof ingredients,andhearingthelaughterofcustomers.This immersiveupbringingforgedadeepconnectiontothebrand, abondthatguideshisdecisionstoday

Herosethroughtherankswithpurpose.In2017,hebecame ChiefOperatingOfficer.Twoyearslater,in2019,hetookthe helmasOwner,President,andCEO.Thesewerenotmere titlechanges.Papanierassumedfullresponsibilityforthe company’strajectory.Hecommittedhimselftopreservingthe qualityandtraditionthatdefinedPrimoHoagies,evenashe pushedforambitiousnationalexpansion.

Underhiscommand,PrimoHoagieshasachievedremarkable milestones.Saleshit$94.6millionin2024,atestamenttohis strategicprowess.Thecompanyopenedits125thstore,a significantmarkerofitsexpandingfootprint.Since2020, PrimoHoagieshasseencontinuousyear-over-yearincreases,a featmademoreimpressiveconsideringtheglobalchallenges ofthatperiod.

Papanier’sstrategicexpansioneffortshavetakenthebrand tonewmarkets:upstateNewYork,Texas,NorthCarolina, SouthCarolina,andColorado.Eachnewlocationmarked avictory,showcasingthebrand’srapidascentinthe competitivefast-casualdiningrealm.

IndustryleadersrecognizedPapanier’svisionary leadership.In2021,hereceivedthetitleofPhiladelphia CEOoftheYear.Healsoearnedtheprestigious Titan100awardforthreeconsecutiveyears, culminatinginhisinductionintotheirHallofFame.These accoladesunderscorehisimpactonthebusiness landscape.

ThePapanierPhilosophy:TraditionMeetsStrategy

NicholasPapanierJr.’sleadershipisauniqueblendofoldworldvaluesandmodernbusinessacumen.Hemakesbold decisions,communicatesdirectly,andfostersafamily-like teamculture.Thesequalitiesprovedinvaluablewhenthe worldfacedunprecedentedchallenges.Duringthe pandemic,Papanier'sleadershipguidedPrimoHoagiestoa remarkable22%revenueincrease Thisresiliencespeaks volumesabouthisabilitytonavigatedifficult circumstancesandturnthemintoopportunitiesforgrowth. Furtherrecognitionforhisleadershipcamewiththe2024 Titan100,NJBIZ40Under40,andPhiladelphiaBusiness Journal's40Under40awards.Thesehonorssolidifyhis reputationasaformidableleader

AtthecoreofPapanier’sleadershipliesacommitmentto traditionandfamilyvalues.Theseprinciplesguidehis everydecision,ensuringeachchoicealignswiththe heritageofPrimoHoagies.Helearnedacruciallesson:the importanceofstrategicforesightandcalculateddecisionmaking.Heoftenoperatesundertheprinciple,“Neverlet anyoneknowyournextmove.”Thisblendofvalue-driven leadershipandcalculatedstrategyallowsPrimoHoagiesto stayahead,allwhileremainingtruetoitsroots.

PrimoHoagiesdefinesleadershipthroughan unwaveringcommitmenttoexcellence.Thebrand setshighstandardsforquality,customer satisfaction,andbrandvalues.Itexpects consistencyacrossalllevels,fromfranchiseesto staff,andnevercompromisesonitscoreprinciples. Thisdedicationtoexcellenceresonatesthroughout theentireorganization.

CultivatingConnection:BuildingaUnified Team

Papanierunderstandsthatastrongteamculture formsthebackboneofanysuccessfulenterprise. PrimoHoagiesprioritizesopencommunicationand fulltransparency,fosteringconnectionandunity amongitsfranchiseesandteammembersasit expandsnationally.Regularteamoutingshelpkeep everyonealigned,connected,andunitedasthe brandgrows.Thisfocusoninternalcohesion ensuresthatevenasthecompanyexpands,itretains itsclose-knitidentity

PrimoHoagiesstrikesacarefulbalancebetween preservingitstraditionalbrandstandardand embracingmoderntrends.Papaniercultivates innovation,yetheremainstruetothebrand's heritage.Thisapproachallowsthecompanyto evolvewithoutlosingitsdistinctivecharacter

TheFutureForward:Technologyand Accessibility

NicholasPapanierJr.anticipatesthataccessibility willdrivethefutureoffast-casualdining Tostay ahead,PrimoHoagiesfocusesonexpandingits digitalpresence,enhancingsocialmedia engagement,andprovidingaseamlessonline orderingexperienceacrossallplatforms.He recognizesthatcustomerexpectationshaveshifted towardsspeed,convenience,anddigitalconnection.

PrimoHoagiesenhancesthecustomerexperience throughstrategictechnologyinvestments.The companyupgradesitsapp,refinesitswebsite,and buildsarobustinfrastructure.Thisensuresseamless interactionsandmeetscustomers'evolvingneeds, allwhilemaintaininghighstandardsforqualityand service.Papanierunderstandsthattechnology servesasatooltoenhancethecoreexperience,not replaceit.

ThePrimoHoagiesDifference:QualityandConsistency

PrimoHoagiesstandsoutinthecompetitivefoodservicelandscapedue toitsunwaveringcommitmenttoqualityandtradition.Thisdedication createsadistinctivebrandidentity,onethatresonatesdeeplywith customersandsetsitapartfromthecompetition.Itisnotjusta sandwich;itisanexperience,atasteofalong-standingtradition.

Papanierensuresqualityandconsistencybyimplementingrobust systemsandcheck-insateverystore.Thebrandalsofostersstrong connectionswithfranchiseesthroughregularmeetings,promotinga unifiedapproachtodeliveringanexceptionalcustomerexperience. Thishands-oninvolvementensuresthateveryhoagie,nomatterthe location,meetsthePrimoHoagiesstandard.

PartneringforSuccess:SelectingtheRightFranchisees

NicholasPapanierJr.doesnotseekjustanyfranchisepartners.He looksforindividualswhosharethesamepassionforqualityand committohardwork.HeseeksouttrustedfansofPrimoHoagies, ensuringasharedvisionanddedicationtodeliveringexceptional customerexperiences.Heunderstandsthatafranchisee'sgenuine beliefintheproducttranslatesdirectlytocustomersatisfaction.

Keepingthe“FamilyFeel”:CommunityattheCore

PrimoHoagiesmaintainsitsfamilyfeelbystayingtruetoitsfamilyownedandoperatedroots.Thebrandbuildsstrongtieswithinevery communityitserves,fosteringasenseofconnectionandloyaltythat transcendsitsnationalexpansion.Thiscommunity-centricapproach ensuresthatevenasthecompanygrows,itremainsgroundedand connectedtothepeopleitserves.

PrimoHoagiesprioritizessustainabilityandcommunityengagement.

PrimoCares,thebrand’sinitiative,standsattheforefrontofitsefforts. Throughthisprogram,thebrandgivesbacktothecommunity, focusingonsupportingchildrenandbuildingastrongerfutureforboth thecommunityandthebranditself.Thiscommitmentreflects Papanier’sbeliefthatasuccessfulbusinessalsoservesagreater purpose.

ALegacyofLeadership:FearlessandFocused

NicholasPapanierJr.envisionsalegacyoffearlessleadershipfor PrimoHoagiesandthewiderfoodandfranchiseindustry.Heaimsto setahighstandard,blendingboldvisionwithanunwavering commitmenttoquality,stayingtruetothebrand’svaluesand traditions.Thisapproach,hebelieves,willinspireothersandleavea lastingimpactontheindustry.Heisnotsimplybuildingabusiness;he iscraftingalegacy,onedelicioushoagieatatime.Whatwillhebuild next?

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