News bytes
Snippets of the lastest foodservice industry news...
Papa Gino's signs first franchisee
DEDHAM, MA - Papa Gino's, with 170 New England units, signed its first franchise pact in its 40-plus year history with Rajender and Sunita Malhotra who are exploring sites on Boston's North Shore in Beverly, Salem and Swampscott. Separately, Papa Gino's sister chain, D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, expects its re-imaging program to be complete next year systemwide, says Vice President of Franchise Development Tony Padulo.
Melting Pot expands Northeast presence
BOSTON, MA - The Melting Pot will open its third Massachusetts restaurant in the Back Bay on the Arlington St. side of Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Elsewhere, units are scheduled for Albany, NY’s Crossgates Mall and Providence Place in Providence, RI.
Craigie Street Bistro to move
CAMBRIDGE, MA - Tony Maws' tiny 45-seat Craigie Street Bistro will move to new digs in Central Square's Main Street where it will occupy the former La Groceria space, growing to 99 seats.
Frank McClelland gears up for move
BOSTON, MA - Speaking at the 16th Annual Boston Restaurant Trends Seminar, L'Espalier Chef-Owner Frank McClelland who is gearing up for the move of the Back Bay restaurant from its townhouse to space in the new Mandarin Oriental Hotel this summer, sees the new "battlefield" for operators in the area of service which he called "the floor on which you will compete." The restaurant and its sibling, Sel de la Terre, are scheduled to open late this summer.
Boston expects strong summer
BOSTON, MA - Several sporting events such as the NCCA Men's Lacrosse Championships in late May, USA Gymnastic's Visa Championships in June and the Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend in late August are expected to boost summer tourism more than two percent this year, says the city’s convention and visitor bureau.
Culinary Institute wrestles with changes
HYDE PARK, NY - The Culinary Institute of America, providing culinary education for more than 60 years, is facing internal controversy as it prepares for major changes to its curriculum. Some students and faculty fired criticism of the school recently, taking their critiques to the web and the media, when teachers’ union members approved a no-confidence vote against President Tim Ryan. At CIA, a spokesman says "the college is currently working through some issues with the faculty," noting that a bachelor’s program is in development and administration and faculty "need to work together on the issues and do more joint planning to manage the changes." Ryan, who has the support of the Trustees, says he has met with faculty twice to begin a process of "productive collaboration on the issues involved." The curriculum would be reorganized to integrate liberal arts courses in a different model, moving from the current one in which students cook intensively the first two years and take liberal arts courses the last two. Today, says Senior Communications Manager Stephan Hengst, "chefs wear many hats" and need education in the business side of running a restaurant.
Zagat releases new LI Restaurants Guide
NEW YORK, NY - Zagat released its 2008/2009 Long Island guide with 786 restaurants, 71 of which are new additions. With an average meal price of $39, Long Island topped the national average of $34.
Bruegger's introduces first frozen coffee drink
BURLINGTON, VT - Bruegger's introduces the Brrrueggaccino, a new frozen, blended coffee drink along with a new breakfast sandwich, the Very Veggie and cheddar omelet on a fresh bagel. The chain now has approximately 279 units in 22 states and the District of Columbia.
Third annual Gluten-Free Culinary Summit set
PROVIDENCE, RI - The Third Annual Gluten-Free Culinary Summit is planned for Sept. 19-21 at the Providence Biltmore with an extensive lineup of educational presentations plus four holiday-focused baking classes and a special evening at some of the city's top restaurants serving gluten-free cuisine. Go to www.theglutenfreelifestyle.com.
Cornell plans new on-line course
ITHACA, NY - Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and eCornell will launch a five-course online certificate program in strategic hospitality management in partnership with the university's Johnson Graduate School of Management. The program explores techniques and skills central to a strategic approach to business analysis. Go to www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/industry/executive/online/cert/certificate-descriptions.html?id=SHM.
Fresh home-cooked meals concept ships express
GLEN MILLS, PA - Fresh From The Kitchen goes head-to-head with restaurants, offering fresh home-cooked meals made with no additives or preservatives, shipped express to the customer’s home. Meals come in microwaveable packaging with self-ventilating film and have a 10-day refrigerated shelf life. Go to www,freshfromthekitchen.net.
Great NH Restaurants provides 40,000 meals
LACONIA, NH - A three-month promotion at Great NH Restaurants, operator of T-BONES and Cactus Jack's that engaged frequent customers in a Let's Trade A Meal game in which they could try for prizes such as a new Volvo, kitchen makeover, $5,000 CD and more, resulted in a donation that will provide 40,000 meals to the needy families served by New Hampshire Food Banks across the state.
Tavern on the Green heads to West Coast
NEW YORK, NY - Tavern on the Green, one of the country’s top grossing independent restaurants with annual revenues approaching $40 million, is heading west to open on the top floor of Metreon, a retail, restaurant and entertainment venue in San Francisco, with 30,000 sq. ft. of interior space plus a 13,000 sq. ft. terrace overlooking Yerba Buena Gardens and a Maxwell’s Plum bar, says CEO Jennifer LeRoy.
Rhode Island hotelman honored
PROVIDENCE, RI - Angelo De Peri, general manager of the Renaissance Providence Hotel and board chairman of the Rhode Island Hospitality & Tourism Association, received the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2008 State Leadership Award.
NRA seeks entries for Restaurant Neighbor
WASHINGTON, DC - The National Restaurant Association is calling for entries for its 2008 Restaurant Neighbor Award by June 20. Applications can be downloaded from the Association's Web site. Four national winners will be selected to receive $5,000 each for their philanthropic efforts and a trip to Washington, DC this September to accept their awards.
First woman wins Chaine culinary competition
CAMPBELL, CA - Keriann Von-Raesfeld, a student at the Professional Culinary Institute (PCI) here, won The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs National Young Chef Rôtisseur Competition recently and will represent the US at competitions in Dubai and Paris. She is the first woman to win top honors since the event began in the US in 1990, according to PCI President Richard Battista. Keriann's winning meal included first course: artichoke mascarpone filled ravioli, seared Kona Kampachi with sautéed tomatoes and fresh chives; entrée: duo of duck (braised leg and roasted breast) served over a parsnip puree, sautéed wild mushrooms, glazed Cipollini onions, roasted fingerling potatoes and broccoli rabe with a sauce of natural duck jus; and dessert: dark chocolate mousse with a white chocolate raspberry ganache center, blood orange compote with salted caramel sauce and tuile garnish, and a butter cookie. Other winners included Benjamin Stanley of the Midwest Region earning 2nd place and David Ryba of the South Central Region earning 3rd place.
Saladworks signs three-unit pact for Boston area
CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - Saladworks signed an agreement with Arpitkumar Trivedi for three unitsin the Boston area, two of which are expected to open this year. Trivedi, along with developers, Kruti Dalsania, Manoj Patel and Veerat Kalaria are currently evaluating locations in the city’s Financial District, the Back Bay and in Cambridge.
NRA's Donna Garren named to food safety board
WASHINGTON, DC - Dr. Donna Garren, vice president of health and safety regulatory affairs for the National Restaurant Association, was elected to the board of the Conference for Food Protection, an advisory group to the Food & Drug Administration for the new food safety regulations in FDA Model Food Codes. FDA is currently gearing up to produce the 2009 Food Code.
Enodis takes a bigger offer from ITW
PORT ST. RICHEY, FL - Enodis has reportedly accepted a higher offer of cash from Illinois Tool Works (ITW) after originally talks of acquisition by Manitowoc.
Nothing But NOODLES opens in Northeast
WATERBURY, VT - Nothing But NOODLES opens this spring in Burlington, VT and construction gets underway in Syracuse, NY for a restaurant expected to open in June. Another unit is slated for the Champlain Center Mall in Plattsburgh, NY in late summer. Negotiations are underway for sites in Manchester, Porstmouth, Salem, Epping, Merrick, Concord and Rocheter, NH as well as Portland, ME. Go to www.nothingbutnoodles.com.
Villa Enterprises mourns loss of R&D chef
MORRISTOWN, NJ - Villa Enterprises is mourning the loss of Corporate R&D Chef David Rosen who died suddenly at his home last month. Rosen, who joined the chain in 2006, was one of only 2,000 chefs to be certified by the American Culinary Federation as a Certified Executive Chef and was also a member of the Research Chef’s Association as well as the Institute of Food Technologists.
Lydia Shire opens Clara’s Cupcake Café
YORK BEACH, ME - Lydia Shire opens Clara’s Cupcake Café on the first floor of the Atlantic House here on the beach serving croissants, scones, muffins, cookies cupcakes and fresh-baked breads.
Borgata to be 1st smoke-free Atlantic City casino
ATLANTIC CITY - The Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa plans to become this resort's first smoke-free casino and plans outdoor lounges that will be designated smoking areas.
Farm Sanctuary applauds Pew Commission report
WASHINGTON, DC - Farm Sanctuary applaud a Pew Commission on Industrial Animal Product report opposing confinement of animals on factory farms and the force-feeding of birds to produce foie gras. The report calls for an end to gestation crates, veal crates and battery cages as well as tail docking dairy cattle and forced molting egg cages, all practices it has sought an end to for more than 20 years. Go to www.farmsanctuary.org.
Senate/House conferees back Nutrition Title
WASHINGTON, DC - Senate and House conferees approved $10.36 5 billion in new funding for the nutrition title of Farm Bill (H.R. 2419) that provides over $1 billion for the fruit and vegetable snack program and $4 million for a six-state pilot for whole grain cereal foods for school breakfast and lunch programs. To thank them and urge passage of the measure, call 800-826-9624.
Baldor to distribute Artisanal Premium Cheese
NEW YORK, NY - Baldor Specialty Foods, a Northeast foodservice distributor, has agreed to distribute American Home Foods’ Artisanal Premium Cheese which will serve as culinary advisor to Baldor’s new premium cheese division.
NRA partners with Global Food Safety initiative
WASHINGTON, DC - The National Restaurant Association and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), managed by CIES - The Food Business Forum, will join together to strengthen food safety systems and increase consumer confidence. The alliance will entail maintaining a benchmarking process for food safety management schemes and improving cost efficiency throughout the food supply chain through the common acceptance of GFSI recognized standards around the world.
Pressed Sandwiches intros ‘green’ cups & sleeves
BOSTON, MA - Pressed Sandwiches, the three unit chain here, recently introduced new eco-friendly coffee cups and sleeves made from corn sugars that will biodegrade naturally. The chain estimates the shift alone can reduce the consumption of nearly 25,000 lbs. of non-renewable petrochemical materials a year.
Showcase Live! planned at Patriot Place
FOXBOROUGH, MA - National Amusements, Inc. and The Kraft Group announced plans for Showcase Live! a 16,000 sq. ft. live entertainment venue providing outstanding music, comedy, corporate events, children’s theater and other special programming, expected to open in August. Artist booking and promotion will be handled through a partnership with Blue Note Entertainment Group.
Staybridge Suites expands in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Staybridge Suites, with four properties in this area, expects to break ground this summer in Royersford near Valley Forge National Park on a fifth owned by Latitude Hotels Group Royersford, LP. The $10 million project will offer 65 studios, 31 one-bedrooms and eight two-bedrooms, an outdoor pool and in-room video checkout. All suites have fully equipped kitchens.
Two new summer salads at Desert Moon
VALLEY COTTAGE, NY - Desert Moon Fresh Mexican Grille introduces two new summer salads this year - Chipotle Chicken in a crispy 12-inch proprietary tortilla bowl served with complimentary fresh chips and salsa, and Mojito Shrimp Salad with a special Mojito vinaigrette.
Mohegan Sun expansion underway
UNCASVILLE, CT - A new 39-story hotel with 261 House of Blues-themed guest room plus a House of Blues Music Hall, 300-seat restaurant and retail outlet are in the works here, part of the multi-million dollar Project Horizon which will also house a new 64,000 sq. ft. Casino of the Wind. Water, the ultimate source of life, will serve as a key design element in the new hotel lobby with a reflecting pool that evokes the spirits of the sea, earth and sky. Thirteen springs will represent the new generations that will profit from the Mohegan Tribe’s vision. The project is expected open in the fall of 2010. The new Earth Tower housing the hotel will also add 40,000 sq. ft. of new space with multiple fine dining options, a burger restaurant, four bars, a pizzeria and a four station food court.
Slimfold® Grills opens Florida office
SARASOTA, FL - Slimfold® Grills LLC has a new transatlantic connection with a sales office here, says Executive Director Karen Swift. The company’s newest fully folding propane grills, praised by British and European caterers and foodservice operators for their portability, ease of transport and fuel economy, feature twin tank outdoor and stylish design. Go to www.cindersbarbecues.com.
US Foodservice launches fight against hunger
COLUMBIA, MD - U.S. Foodservice is launching a campaign to raise $1 million to support the hunger-fighting efforts of America’s Second Harvest. Called Full Plates Full Lives, the program consists of sales of a cookbook, a two-day food drive for local food banks, and a Drive Away Hunger golf tournament on Sept. 15. Go to www.fullplatesfulllives.com.
Oxfam seeks contributions in global crisis
BOSTON, MA - Oxfam America, noting that 840 million people around the global are suffering as "a 'perfect storm' of rising oil prices, escalating demand for food and grains, conversion of food to biofuels, and weather-related crop failures attributable in part to climate change" impacts their lives, raising food prices. The system of food aid needs to be faster and more flexible, says Oxfam, which is urging Congressional action and seeking donations. Go to www.oxfamamerica.org.
First NY hotel for Kors Hotel Group
NEW YORK, NY - Kors Hotel Group, under a management agreement with 330 Hudson Owner, LLC, will open its first Manhattan property in an office, hotel and retail complex at 330 Hudson St. in the new Hudson Square neighborhood. The 168-room hotel will be north of Tribeca and on the western edge of Soho.
5 NECI students win ACF Northeast Regional
MONTPELIER - Five young culinarians from New England Culinary Institute took top honors at the ACF Northeast Regional Conference and will compete for the national title at ACF’s national convention in Las Vegas, July 14-17.
NRA Culinary Scene features "Hot Chef" event
CHICAGO, IL - The 2008 NRA Show has a new event this year in its Culinary Scene live demonstration area - the "Hot Chef" Challenge on YouTube, open to both professional chefs and home cooks who submit a video of themselves making their favorite recipe. Go to www.restaurant.org/show/media/hotchef.
Martignetti's space to house numerous outlets
BOSTON, MA - Despite the rumors abounding about the space that for many years housed Martignetti's Liquors in the North End, it appears that Citizens Bank will lease some of the space to Cafe Graffiti, which will close the Hanover St. location. The remaining space will be divided between a local clothing designer, Finale, the Boston desserterie, and a Gigi Gelateria take-out window, all expected to open late this summer, according to Michelle Topor Of Boston’s North End Market Tours.
Hilton Garden Inn honors two in Northeast
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - Hilton Garden Inn named its Philadelphia Center City property the Most Improved Hotel award and also Most Improved Loyalty award, Mo this past year. In other honors, Christine Chapin, Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront, ME, was named Sales Director of the Year.
RI gives Green Certification Hospitality awards
CRANSTON, RI - Rhode Island’s Dept. of Environmental Management presented its initial Green Hospitality Awards to a large group of restaurants and hotels on Earth Day. Restaurants included 10 Prime Steak and Sushi. 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille, Boat House Waterfront Dining, Chinese Laundry, Citro Wine Bar & Bistro, Gregg’s Restaurant, Franzi Catering, Rick’s Roadhouse, The Mooring, Pranzi Catering, Rue De L’Espoir, Ted’s Montana Grill, Eleven Forty Nine Restaurant and XO Steakhouse. Among the hotels were Bay Voyage Interval Owner's Association, Hilton Garden Inn Providence/Warwick, Hilton Providence, Holiday Inn - South County/Newport, Hotel Viking, Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa, Wyndham Properties’ Inn on Long Wharf, Inn on the Harbor. Long Wharf Resort, Newport Onshore, Providence Marriott Downtown, Radisson Hotel Province Harbor, Renaissance Providence, Newport Harbor Hotel, Hotel Providence, Vanderbilt Hall and Westin Providence.
Aramark makes sustainable seafood commitment
PHILADELPHIA, PA - ARAMARK recently made a commitment to help preserve the world’s oceans and fisheries through a new partnership with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program which will help develop practices to guide the supply, purchase and consumption of sustainable seafood for as many as 180,000 employees and potentially tens of millions of consumers in businesses, universities, schools, sports and entertainment facilities, parks and other sites.
Starr catering spin-off signs contract
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Starr Events, the catering arm of Starr Restaurants, signed a pact with The Hub Meeting and Event Centers to provide select menu offerings from menus of Stephen Starr’s various restaurants representing a range of price points.
Parkhurst Dining creates EcoSteps logo
PITTSBURGH, PA - Parkhurst Dining Services has created an EcoSteps logo to identify and brand its commitment to creating a "green" future, protecting the environment, supporting local communities and expanding its role as a socially responsible organization. The program "Tray Less" days at Bucknell University helped reduce tray waste (food scraps/napkins left on trays), which generates 7.87 tons of food waste per year.
Sodexho urges trayless campus dining halls
GAITHERSBURG, MD - Sodexho is urging its campus dining accounts to go "trayless" to reduce the negative environmental impact and save water and energy. University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth and Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ are among more than 150 schools opting to stop using trays daily. The environmental impact is estimated at 200 gallons of water per day per 1,000 meals served. Other benefits include lower electricity and chemical usage.
Le Bec Fin owners to open new restaurant
PHILADELPHIA, PA - Chefs Georges Perrier and Chris Scarduzio will reportedly open Brasserie Perrier in the Comcast Center here this spring, The building, the tallest in the city, is the new Comcast corporate headquarters.
Purple Beverage Co. announces NE distribution
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL - Purple Beverage Company, Inc. announced that Northeast Beverage Co. will expand distribution of its signature beverage, Purple, into Northern Connecticut and Rhode Island. The drink is a blend of anti-oxidant-rich juices such as açai berry, black cherry, pomegranate, black currant, purple plum, cranberry and blueberry.
Castle Brands toasts 10th anniversary
NEW YORK, NY - Castle Brands, an emerging international spirits company, today announced that it is celebrating its 10th anniversary by releasing ten Knappogue Castle Whiskey "Castle Collection" cases. Six vintages of the single malt Irish whiskey, Castle’s founding brand, have been released to date. Go to www.knappoguewhiskey.com.
Not Your Average Joe's expands in Virginia
LEESBURG, VA - Not Your Average Joe's of South Dartmouth, MA will open a second Virginia restaurant in November here at The Spectrum.
New research to meet economic challenges
WASHINGTON, DC - A new research report from the National Restaurant Association is available to help operators weather a challenging economy by planning ahead and adjusting to changing Conditions. "As the cost of doing business increases over time and fluctuates over periods, America's restaurants are implementing a number of innovative strategies to adjust to their economic environment," says Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research and information services. "By monitoring and adjusting their budgets, restaurant operators can effectively respond to new challenges. For example... operators may want to allocate more to marketing efforts to drive traffic."
NEMCO elevates Michelle Wibel
HICKSVILLE, OH - Michelle Wibel becomes vice president of sales and marketing at NEMCO, which she joined 11 years ago in sales and is leading into non-traditional channels such as convenience stores.
Daily Grill opens in Prudential Center
BOSTON, MA - Daily Grill, modeled after 30's and 40's "city grills," opens its first New England unit this spring in the Prudential Center serving such traditional fare as Certified Angus steaks and chops, meatloaf and mashed potatoes, fresh seafood, chicken pot pie and classic Cobb salads.
St. Clair Hospital partners with Cura
PITTSBURGH, PA - St. Clair Hospitality and Cura Hospitality are taking a fresh approach to food preparation that supports local agriculture, with clinical expertise in providing healthy menus that speed the healing process. Cura, one of the first hospitals to remove trans fats from menus. The hospital and Cura plan $2 million in capital improvements for the new operation which will also include a concept café for retail dining with offerings such as fresh dough pizza, cooked-to-order Asian food, freshly grilled items and wholesome take-out, as well as the Barista Café, and a gourmet coffee house. Clinicians will meet with hospital staff to design food choices to help speed the healing process for post-operative and post-injury patients.
Costa Fruit & Produce honored
BOSTON, MA - New England produce specialisst, Costa Fruit & Produce, was honored with the Boston Green Business Award a number of energy saving measures, solid waste reduction and recycling, promotion of alternative transit and support of local farmers. Go to www.freshideas.com.
Number of vegetarians growing in US
EL SEGUNDO, CA - A Harris poll for Vegetarian Times Magazine shows the number of vegetarians in the US at 7.3 million, of whom one million are vegans who do not eat animal products. Additionally, 22.8 million people said they follow a "vegetarian-inclined" diet. Go to www.vegetariantimes.com.
Pearl Oyster Bar suit settled
NEW YORK, NY - Pearl Oyster Bar owner, Rebecca Charles settled a legal action against former colleague, Edward McFarland, whom she alleged had copied elements of her Greenwich Village restaurant in his Ed's Lobster Bar. The litigation was settled out of court, according to the New York Times.
Kelly's Roast Beef boots trans fats off menu
SAUGUS, MA - The five unit Kelly’s Roast Beef chain has eliminated trans fats from its menu, switching to a soybean-based oil for its fried clams, seafood, onion rings and fries.
Uno's announces five franchised CA units
TULARE, CA - U Limited Partnerships, headed by Paul and Scott Daley and Craig Cruit will open five Uno Plus units in the Fresno and Bakersfield areas, the West Roxbury, MA-based chain announced. Uno’s signed franchise agreements that will result in 30 new units over the next five years in PA, OH, CA and VA.
Bumpy road ahead for foodservice operators
ELMWOOD PARK, NJ - The Food Institute predicts a "bumpy road" ahead for foodservice this year with food inflation expected to reach heights not seen since mid-'89 when foodservice sales growth dropped sharply as consumers traded eating out for cooking at home. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve reports sharp declines in retail sales this winter except in Northeast markets such as Boston and New York, which were buoyed by international visitor spending. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman urged a move "away gradually" from corn-based ethanol production which has been driving up worldwide food prices.
Uno's Express concept eyes major growth
WEST ROXBURY, MA - Uno's Express, with four units up and running could end up being as many as 110 units. "Final details are being worked out," says Senior VP of Marketing Rick Hendrie. Existing units, he adds, "have been doing much better than projection so it¹s very encouraging."
Niagara County CC plans tourism program
NIAGARA FALLS, NY - Niagara County Community College will reportedly launch a hospitality and tourism program in a partnership with the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Sal Lupoli launches program for immigrants
LAWRENCE, MA - Sal Lupoli, president of the Lupoli Companies which owns Sal’s Pizza and Salvatore Restaurants, is working closely with city officials to offer free legal guidance, educational assistance, language skills development and citizenship training to 10 employees who hold Green Cards to help them pre-qualify for citizenship. The "Citizenship Initiative" program is funded by Lupoli with the city and The Fish Foundation. Area non-profits will also play a role.
Chow Fun Food Group opens fifth restaurant
PROVIDENCE, RI - John Elkhay, Rick and Cheryl Bready, opened Rick’s Roadhouse, a retro, casual concept featuring "down home, slow cooked cuisine" such as "fire-kissed steaks, beer gut bustin’ burgers and hickory and applewood smoked ribs." Rick’s, says John Elkhay, "will be an escape from fine dining and a messy experience."
Maine expands school breakfast eligibility
AUGUSTA, GA - This state, which has seen its "hunger rate" rise 40 percent in the past five years, recently passed an expansion of its free school breakfast program to assure that schools already offering breakfast to 3,400 children can continue to do so.
Coffee consumption rebounds
AVENTURA, FL - The National Coffee Association’s Drinking Trends 2008 study shows gourmet coffee consumption at a new high with 17 percent of the overall adult population partaking, up from 14 percent a year ago. Consumption rebounded among adults aged 25 to 39, reaching 47 percent, a high set in ’06, up three percent from 2007 levels. Among adults age 40 to 59, daily consumption held at the 61 percent high set last year, while the 60-plus group saw consumption ease to 71 percent from ‘07’s high of 74 percent. For the first time in this decade, consumption among 18-24 year-olds fell from 37 percent last year to 26 percent, reflecting high unemployment levels in that group.
Chef Michael Ballon issues jazz CD
GREAT BARRINGTON, MA - Chef-owner Michael Ballon of Castle Street Café recently issued his first cookbook and a CD featuring numerous jazz musicians who donated music, some of which was recorded elsewhere. Eleven years ago Ballon opened the Celestial Bar to continue the tradition of Music Inn, a Lenox, MA haven for jazz lovers in the '50s.
Sodexho switches to green dishwashing system
GAITHERSBURG, MD - Affirming a commitment to maintaining the sustainability of its operations, Sodexho is replacing existing dishwashing products and systems in all US client sites with one that combines technology and products to save water and energy, minimizes impact on the environment and measures results. Visit www.sodexhousa.com.
Consumers rate restaurant social issues
CHICAGO, IL - Technomic's second Corporate Social Responsibility Study of consumer attitudes finds that restaurant users rate nutritional disclosure and response to nutritional concerns among the most important of 17 social issues for restaurants. Living wages (49 percent), response to nutritional concerns (33 percent), health insurance coverage (31 percent) and nutritional disclosure (29 percent) were the top four.
RI operators complete food safety plan program
CRANSTON, RI - Thirteen restaurant and foodservice operators completed an inaugural program designed to help them by developing a RI Department of Health accepted Food Safety Plan, the state’s Hospitality Association Education Foundation announced. Graduates include Appetites Family Restaurant, Coventry, Aunt Carrie’s Restaurant, Narragansett, Ballard’s Inn, Block Island, Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant, Newport, Café Zelda, Newport, The Chandler at Cliff Walk, Newport, Fine Catering by Russell Morin, Newport, Gregg’s Restaurants, Warwick, McGrath Clambakes Inc., Newport, The National Hotel, Block Island Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, Newport, Oak Hill Tavern, North Kingstown and Siena Inc., Providence.
Tip pooling practices ruling handed down in CA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - A California Superior Court judge awarded a $105 million judgment against Starbucks in a tip pooling case involving shift supervisors sharing barista tip jar tips. Because shift supervisors function in different roles throughout the day, the ruling was viewed as potentially problematical for employers.
Guide available to rBGH-free dairy products
WASHINGTON, DC - Food & Water Watch, an advocacy group for safe food and water that has been involved in the effort to get Starbucks to remove milk with added growth hormones from 51 percent of its stores, lets operators see where they can find rBGH-free products. Go to www.foodandwaterwatch.org.
Ted Turner urges restaurants to recycle
NEW YORK, NY - Ted Turner, speaking at his Ted's Montana Grill here recently, urged chefs and restaurateurs to recycle, switch to biodegradable straws and cornstarch-based cups for takeout beverages, and more, according to Crain’s New York Business.
Congratulations on two anniversaries
BOSTON, MA - Congratulations are in order for two companies celebrating anniversaries this year - WoodStone Corp., manufacturer of stone hearth commercial cooking equipment, which turned 18, www.woodstone-corp.com and Yankee Marketers, Middleton, MA, a major New England food brokerage for 37 years, www.yankeemarketers.com.
Fitz Vogt acquired by Trusthouse Services
CHARLOTTE, NC - Trusthouse Services Group, a new contract foodservice provider, recently acquired Fitz Vogt & Associates, a regional food management services provider in the Northeast for 31 years with 135 client accounts.
Raising the bar on hospital foodservice
BOSTON, MA - A member survey by the National Society for Healthcare Foodservice Management shows more than half who plan major construction or remodeling projects expect to break ground within two years, with 40 percent budgeting in excess of $800,000. Thirty-seven percent have instituted a room service model, and 81 percent report patient satisfaction scores up more than 10 percent. Visit www.hfm.org.
BostonChefs.com survey details spending
BOSTON, MA - A BostonChefs.com survey of more than 15,500 visitors shows each user spent $2,820 on fine dining in the past year. Forty-four percent of visitors reported household incomes in excess of $100,000, and 84 percent have no school age children at home. Visit www.bostonchefs.com.
France reclaims World Cup of Baking
PARIS, FRANCE - The French baking team reclaimed first place in Coupe de Monde de la Boulangerie, here at Europain, a baking trade show where they took back top honors last won by the US team in 2005. Second place winner was the Thai team, with Italy taking third place.
HFM Leadership Conference set for Sept.
HOT SPRINGS, VA - The Society for Healthcare Foodservice Managers, celebrating its 20th anniversary, holds its annual Leadership Conference this fall at The Homestead here.
East Coast Grill manager to open on North Shore
NORTH ANDOVER, MA - Kristi Morris, general manager of East Coast Grill in Cambridge, will open the High Street Grill here this fall.
Panera rolls out new grilled breakfast ‘wiches
RICHMOND HEIGHTS, MO - Panera Breads recently introduced a new line of grilled breakfast sandwiches with three choices - egg and cheese, sausage, egg and cheese, and bacon, egg and cheese priced from $3 to $4.
Barking Crab to open in Newport, RI
BOSTON, MA - Barking Crab Restaurant, celebrating 15 years on the Boston waterfront, will open a new 6,660 sq. ft., 200-seat restaurant in Newport, RI with a full bar and outdoor seating this June in space formerly occupied by Seafare’s American Café at Brick Market Place II . Executive Chef Allen Bohnert will oversee both operations.
Zebu Forno opens third unit in NJ
HOBOKEN, NJ - Zebu Forno, a European style bakery/café, opened its third NJ unit in Marineview Plaza. The 56-seat restaurant is owned by Gallucci Associates, owner of Suzon Dining Services, which operates corporate dining facilities.
Wine & Food Festival planned in New York
NEW YORK, NY - The Food Network plans its inaugural Food Network Wine & Food Festival here this fall, Oct/ 10-12, to benefit Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength. The event will take place in the Meatpacking District and kicks off with a neighborhood block party featuring the area’s restaurants, retailers and live entertainment. For information, go to www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com.
PRODUCTS ON PARADE
New and improved Slimfold 6 grill
Cinders' new, improved version of the Slimfold 6 barbecue grill. features a newly engineered and designed cooking surface to provide more even cooking, and requires two tanks. Constructed in England with all US controls, the propane grill weighs 105 lbs. and folds flat to 7.5 inches for easy transport. Total heat input is 68,000 BTU per hour. Cinders recently opened a US office in Sarasota, FL to promote the grills with their ease of storage and transport and gas economy.
For more information, www.cindersbarbecues.com
Grill Daddy for spotless grills
Grill Daddy keeps all grill surfaces sanitized. Grill Daddy makes cleaning grills of all types - stainless steel, iron or porcelain - simple, says the manufacturer. Simply preheat the brush, rinse, sterilize and leave the grill spotless thanks to the steam-cleaning action. Brush heads are removable and dishwasher safe.
For more information, www.grilldaddy.net
Polish Sobieski vodka enters US
Sobieski Vodka from Imperial Brands enters the US market from Poland to dispel the notion that vodka must be high priced to be excellent. With smoothness and crispness, The beverage, named for King Jan III Sobieski who is said to have saved Europe from the Ottoman Empire, is competitively priced.
For more information, www.vodkasobieski.com
A safer way to secure handbags
Created by an Indiana businesswoman, Hook-its are completely retractable hooks that can be attached to almost any surface, including under tables or bars, provide theft deterrence by securing a safe environment for personal items, and belongings can be kept clean and free of germs that lurk on dirty floors and are easily transferred. Also, traffic areas can be kept clear and table and chair clutter can be kept to a minimum.
For more information, www.hookits.com or call 1-888-HOOKITS
Structural Concepts’ intros noise-reduction technology
Structural Concepts’ new Whisper CoolTM noise-reduction technology for temperature-controlled display cases has been proven in independent lab testing to reduce loudness by 45 percent. Whisper Cool technology is available only on Concepts’ cases with the new Breeze-ETM refrigeration system package.
For more information, www.structuralconcepts.com
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