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“To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist.” -Gail Sheehy

At Papa John’s, Supersize is Now a Shaq-a-Roni

Papa John’s announced the launch of the new Shaq-a-Roni pizza, a pie developed with Shaquille O’Neal.

The pizza is supersized like the basketball legend for which it’s named. The pizza features twice the mozzarella cheese, double the pepperoni and extra-large slices compared to the chain’s standard pies. The item was conceived by O’Neal, according to Papa John’s, and sells for $12 at most locations. Papa John’s will donate one dollar from every Shaq-a-Roni sold through Aug. 23 to the Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, which supports communities as they work together for equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all. -Source: Papa John’s

ALDI will expand curbside grocery pickup availability to nearly 600 stores. New curbside locations will provide shoppers with added convenience this summer.

American Society of

Travel Advisors announced that its annual global convention, set to take place in Washington, D.C., Aug. 25-28, is being transitioned into an online virtual experience with a robust and diverse digital program. The dates will remain the same, and the event has been renamed ASTA Global Live.

Circa Resort & Casino

in downtown Las Vegas will become an adult-only property when it opens later this year.

Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company, CEC Entertainment, filed for bankruptcy blaming the financial strain caused by COVID-19 and the prolonged closures of its entertainment centers from stay-at-home orders. CEC said it will use Chapter 11 protection to “achieve a comprehensive balance sheet restructuring that supports its re-opening and longer term strategic plans.”

Dinova launched Business Dining 2.0 Tools for COVID-19 conscious companies, restaurants and diners. The customer-driven guide sets a foundation for safety as a shared responsibility. A mobile app update will follow.

James B. Beam Distill

ing Co. relaunches Old Tub for a limited time as a tribute to its first groundbreaking whiskey. First-edition Old Tub, an unfiltered, bottledin-bond selection, paved the way for what would become the world’s No. 1 bourbon.

The Plant-based Beverage Market Analysis Re

port 2024 from Radiant Insights Inc. will showcase swift growth based on increasing consumer emphasis on fitness and wellness.

Schnucks Markets Inc.

recently opened EatWell: A Natural Food Store by Schnucks, in Columbia, Mo. EatWell will be the second Schnucks-owned store in Columbia.

The Kroger Family of

Companies, America’s largest grocery retailer, and Ocad, a world leader in technology for grocery ecommerce, announced the continued expansion of their partnership with plans to construct three new Customer Fulfillment Centers in the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest and West regions.

How to Strengthen Purchasing Power

If you want to save money when you shop, try some of the following tips: n Plan, plan, plan. Do not give in to impulse buys. n Make sure you know what you are doing. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest. n Check the aisles for specials that aren’t advertised. n If you go to a store for a sale item and find that it is out of stock, ask for a raincheck. n To make your shopping forays more enjoyable, try to avoid times that you know will be more crowded; for instance, just after the traditional workday is over or just before a holiday. n Buy items when you find them on sale, not when you run out. n If something is on sale but you won’t use it—don’t buy it. n Try to limit your emotions in shopping. If you’re telling yourself to “go ahead, I deserve it,” it’s proba bly better to go home and think about it. n Look at unit prices. n Don’t be sucked in by fancy packaging. n Never pay full price. n Always check receipts. - Adapted from thefrugalshopper. com

Wings Concept from Parent Company of Chili’s, Maggiano’s restaurants The parent of Chili’s and Maggiano’s is giving the wings delivery business a try through the launch of a virtual restaurant concept, It’s Just Wings. According to parent company Brinker International, the wings will be prepared in the kitchens of 1,000 companyoperated Chili’s and Maggiano’s units. The popular finger foods will not be added to the menus of the two brick-and-mortar brands. Instead, they can be ordered only digitally through the app, or through DoorDash for delivery by the third-party service. Brinker’s two full-service chains are the latest brickand-mortar operations to create a virtual wings concept in hopes of capturing the strong off-premise sales that wings specialists have enjoyed while most dining rooms have been closed because of COVID-19. Wingstop, for instance, posted a 33% jump in samestore sales for April, when many casual chains were striving to recapture 60% of their pre-pandemic sales volumes. -Source: Restaurant Business Should To-Go Alcoholic Drinks Sold by Restaurants Go Legal Permanently? It’s been a few months, but the effects of the novel coronavirus have changed the future of the restaurant industry Those that didn’t entirely shut down operations scrambled to create new streams of income. One such stream is the ability to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption. Traditionally, this was not permitted, but varying emergency legislations passed in all but a handful of states allow restaurants to offer beer, wine and, in some cases, batched cocktails to go. Some states have already begun discussions to make this legislation permanent, but whether restaurants will be permitted to sell carryout alcohol post-pandemic remains to be seen. “This could be an interesting game changer for restaurants to be able to capture some of that lost revenue to competing forces (and) to consumers nervous about dining out,” says Alpana Singh, host of “Check, Please!” and co-owner of Terra & Vine in Evanston, Ill., which recently began offering wines and batched cocktails to go. -Adapted from Beverage Industry Enthusiast Colorful Sunglasses from Dunkin’ Will Keep You Cool

Gray Whale Gin. Distilled from Grain. 43% alc./vol. ©2020 Golden State Distillery. Stamford, CT. Please Enjoy Responsibly.

With summer fun in full swing, Dunkin’ is celebrating the season with new ways to keep Americans sippin’ and snackin’ in style. To help fans rock a cool, new look while running on Dunkin’, the brand has teamed up with goodr sunglasses to design and launch two sets of Dunkin’ inspired shades for the perfect summer accessory. The sunglasses, available in two bright, bold designs featuring Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange, are fashionable and functional, with polarized lenses and UV400 filters to ensure protection while having fun in the sun.

“Dunkin’ inspired goodr sunglasses help people both look good and do good, with $3 from every pair donated to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to help bring the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness,” said Drayton Martin, vice president of brand stewardship at Dunkin’.

Dunkin’ branded goodr sunglasses are available for purchase exclusively on Dunkin’s online pop-up shop for $25 (plus applicable tax and shipping), while supplies last. For each pair sold, Dunkin’ will donate $3 to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation to support health and hunger relief for children in underserved communities. For more information on the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, visit bringjoy.org.

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CHEF PROFILES

Martin Murch, left, and John Mclean own Good Eats Group LLC, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Martin Murch and John Mclean Good Eats Group: Burger Bar Chicago, Sociale and Cafe Press, Chicago; coming soon: Sono Wood Fired, Columbus, Ohio Current positions: Chefs and managing members Mclean’s Birthplace: Arlington Heights, Ill. Murch’s Birthplace: Painesville, Ohio First Food-Service Job? Mclean’s: Cooking Murch’s: Dishwasher Favorite Food? Mclean’s: Barbecued ribs Murch’s: Hands down, Mom’s mac and cheese Awards/Honors: Best Pizza (“Chicago’s Best”); Top Restau rants Chicago (Crain’s); Bon Appetit Chicago Gourmet Hamburger Hop finalist; and many more. Memorable Customers: We want to celebrate all our guests and team members that have visited with us since we first opened 10 years ago. Our friendship has blossomed into an extended part of our families. Worst Part of Job: The ever-changing landscape of city, state and federal policies. Most Humorous Kitchen Mishap: We were working together when we were coaching a team member on preparing hollandaise in the Robot Coupe, and he pulled off the lid during the process. Favorite Food to Prepare? Mclean’s: Barbecue Murch’s: Mexican What part of the job gives the most pleasure? When guests experience the love and joys of our restaurants with the team members, it is truly our most enjoyable pleasure. If you couldn’t be a chef, what would you be? Mclean: Contractor, I love to build things. Murch: Musician, the art of creating connections with people is such a joy in enriching our journeys. Best advice you ever got? Mclean: Don’t take it personally. Murch: - If your passionate, commit your best in whatever you touch and it will be awesome! What do you enjoy most about FIN? Whether its new product discovery, industry trends and ideas or professional development sharing, FIN is always a great read. Other than family, who was your greatest culinary influence? Mclean: Michael Northern, he took me under his wing and shared everything he knows. Murch: Toby Wotring, we started cooking in my mother’s kitchen at 10 years old and whenever we are together we always find time in the kitchen.

Ocean Spray Incorporates Nature into New Advertising Campaign

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 farmer families, has unveiled its newest marketing campaign, “Ocean Spray X Nature,” highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainable processes and regenerative agriculture.

The campaign supports Ocean Spray’s mission to continue connecting farms to families for a better life and spotlights the passion and care with which Ocean Spray farmers grow their fruit.

Most recently, Ocean Spray announced that its cranberries have been verified as sustainably grown through the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform benchmark.

Developed with Energy Chicago-based BBDO, the TV spots and accompanying digital ads take a unique spin on the idea of a buzzy fashion collaboration and apply it to farming practices that have existed at Ocean Spray for decades. The creative features elements of nature including bees, soil, sun and water, which show how Ocean Spray farmers work with each element individually and together to benefit the entire farm’s ecosystem.

“This campaign puts front and center the dedication to growing food the right way— that’s good for the environment and our future,” said Chris O’Connor, vice president of marketing at Ocean Spray.

Advertisements launched across TV and digital in June. -PRNewswire.com Introducing Convenient To-Go Packets A FULL LINE OF SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS—FROM SOY SAUCE AND TERIYAKI NEW! TO THAI STYLE CHILI SAUCE, SRIRACHA AND MORE. THEY’RE READY TO ENHANCE ALL YOUR TAKEOUT ITEMS, FROM ASIAN SPECIALTIES TO BURGERS, BOWLS, SANDWICHES AND SALADS.

Kikkoman offers a whole new selection of sauces and condiments in high-quality to-go packets. Introducing Convenient To-Go Packets These individually sealed packets are made in state-of-the-art production facilities in the USA A FULL LINE OF SAUCES AND CONDIMENTS—FROM and can provide an extra level of food safety and convenience for customers while enhancing the SOY SAUCE AND TERIYAKI TO THAI STYLE CHILI SAUCE, flavor experience of takeout meals. SRIRACHA AND MORE. THEY’RE READY TO ENHANCE ALL

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Kikkoman offers a whole new selection of sauces and condiments in high-quality to-go packets. These individually sealed packets are made in state-of-the-art production facilities in the USA and can provide an extra level of food safety and convenience for customers while enhancing the flavor experience of takeout meals.

Kikkoman is the leading supplier of Asian sauces and the #1 soy sauce brand in America. Your customers will recognize the Kikkoman brand and the quality that comes with it.

For Free Samples, Recipe & Menu Ideas, Call Today. (630) 954-1244

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J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Wins 2020 Green Medal

SAN FRANCISCO—The Green areas with sus tain abil i ty being how many grow ers and vint ners Medal Leader Award has been clear ly inte grat ed into the overin Cal i for nia focus on sus taingiv en to J. Lohr Vine yards & all busi ness.” abil i ty. This recog ni tion belongs Wines. The medal hon ors the J. Lohr CEO Steve Lohr, who to our entire J. Lohr team.” vine yard or win ery that “best heads J. Lohr’s Sus tain abil iThe list of judges who re demon strates the abil i ty to ty Com mit tee, notes that the viewed and eval u at ed the 2020 bal ance mul ti ple objec tives of award is the result of the efforts Green Medal can di dates feaenvi ron men tal, eco nom ic, and of many peo ple: “We are humtured a pres ti gious ros ter from social goals, excelling in these bled to receive this hon or giv en across mul ti ple wine indus try dis ci plines, includ ing acad e mia, media, retail, viti cul ture and production.

Now in its sixth year, the Cal i for nia Green Medal Sus tainable Wine grow ing Lead er ship Awards pro vide recog ni tion to vine yards and winer ies.

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National Basketball Referees Assn. Teams Up with Salvation Army In response to the significant negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the country’s most vulnerable, the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA) will partner with the Salvation Army, the country’s largest social services provider, to support ongoing relief efforts. Members of the NBRA, which includes members from the National Basketball Association, Women’s National Basketball Association and G League, selected the Salvation Army as their partner due to the organization’s ability to provide a wide range of essential, tailored services to meet the needs of local communities, as well as their national and international reach. A $25,000 gift from the NBRA will be divided among the Salvation Army USA and the Salvation Army of Canada, representing the breadth of teams in the three member leagues. The funds will be used specifically for COVID-19 response and services, including food, shelter, rent and utility assistance and other services for those affected by the novel coronavirus. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army has worked hard to mitigate the devastating health and economic effects on those COVID-19 Spurs who were already on the verge of crisis. With a More Snack Eating presence in nearly every ZIP code in the United

U.S. consumers have hisStates, the Salvation Army is uniquely situated to torically turned to snack meet the needs of local communities during this foods for comfort and endifficult time. Since the start of the crisis, the Saljoyment during challengvation Army has provided: ing times, like the Great Ren 6.5 million prepared meals cession, but this behavior n 1.8 million food boxes has been heightened durn 606,000 emotional and spiritual care sessions ing the COVID-19 pandemn 1 million nights of shelter ic, reports the NPD Group. “During this challenging time, we have disGiven both the economic cussed as a group how we can best give back,” and well-being stressors said Mark Denesuk, NBRA spokesperson. “Like so related to COVID-19, indulmany, our jobs were put on hold, but we are forgent snacking is playing an tunate that the financial impact was not as great even more important role for us as it is for the country’s most vulnerable. Upgrade To Free-Range Eggs We know the the Salvation Army has the network and capability to use this gift to its fullest potenduring these current challenging times. Snack food consumption has increased tial and impact the lives of those who are strugBetter For The by +8% during the pandemic as consumers seek comgling in the United States and Canada.” “Generous gifts such as these allow us to conHens; Better For YOU! fort through savory and sweet snacks, according to NPD’s Snack Food Behavtinue providing essential services to those who have been disproportionately affected by this crisis,” said Commissioner David Hudson, the iors in Challenging Times Salvation Army’s national commander. “Due to study. During the Great the NBRA’s support and continued partnership, Recession, between 2008 and 2010, snack foods inFor Samples and Ordering Info: we will be able to lift up people in poverty, visit the elderly suffering in isolation, feed children creased by 4.8 billion eatings, a +1% increase. -Source: Call 319-683-2206 who can no longer rely on school lunches and aid frontline workers who are risking everything for Cison PRWeb the rest of us.”