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With nearly 30 dressings, sauces and dips to choose from, Butcher Boy single-serving dressing cups offer on-the-go flavor that pairs perfectly with all your customers’ favorite foods. Save time and cleanup for yourself while providing your custome with the quality they demand and the safety they need.

customers

• Featuring BBQ, Hot Sauce, Ranch, Mayonnaise, Pancake Syrup, and many more!

• Gluten-free and nut-free

• Private labeling also available

For more information contact Columbus Vegetable Oils: 847-257-8920

This month I am proud to be pictured with award-winning chef, Bill Kim: a gentleman who’s honed his culinary skills at world-renowned establishments Charlie Trotter’s and Le Lan. Bill’s story is a quintessentially American one that dives into the melting pot of cultures and experiences to create an identity that is uniquely his own. In addition to operating his restaurant portfolio, Bill is the Director of Asian Concepts at Cornerstone Restaurant Group, operators of notable eateries which include Michael Jordan’s

Bar & Grill, Soltoro, The Table at Crate,

The team at Image Apparel Solutions works closely with all types of business owners to help them strengthen and reinforce their brand with high quality custom printed apparel, which includes shirts, jackets, hats, aprons, polo shirts and more. Headed by Tim Kelliher, the locally based company has a dedicated staff and commitment to innovative technology that help deliver the very best product at the best value every time. In addition to clothing, the company also produces custom printed bags, mugs and thousands of other items designed to help you create a profit center resulting in your customers buying products with your logo on it . For more information, contact me and I will be happy to help you to connect with them.

Ryan Anderton and Chris Capcik are with Let’s Get ERC, a firm working with all types of food business owners helping them to take advantage of the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), which was authorized under the CARES Act, giving money back to business owners who kept employees on the payroll during the pandemic Surprisingly, only 10% of all eligible businesses have taken advantage of this free money that business owners are entitled to. Throngs of business owners have received tens of thousands of dollars (or more) from the government through this program, giving them money that does not have to be repaid. For more information, contact me for contact information for Chris or Ryan.

Brian Irwin is with Michigan-based DC Norris North America, leaders in Sous Vide equipment and technology. The firm enables restaurant owners and food processors to achieve labor savings, increased consistency and greater efficiencies, reducing costs and saving time. The firm designs, manufactures and installs turnkey industrial food processing equipment and systems that lead the globe in innovation, efficiency and safety. DC Norris North America helps the nation’s most purchased food brands innovate to the taste and demands of today’s consumer. And now, they are turning their focus to helping America’s leading independent and chain foodservice operators to do the same. I would be happy to help you to connect with Brian and his team. Contact me for more information.

Linda Guan and Julia Hui are with Juan Xing Lin, direct importers of all types of carry-out packaging and disposables . This Chicago-based company realizes that to give their customers the best service possible, they must have high-quality products with the lowest and most aggressive prices . This is why they work directly with leading disposable products manufacturers in Asia and bring aggressive pricing to their customers in the states. If you are looking for ways to reduce the cost of your packaging, contact Linda or Julia today. See their ad on page 41.

Fresh Lambs Fresh Goats Roasting Pigs All

7-DAY

The Affinity Group Evolves Space to Support Culinary Professionals

The Affinity Group Illinois moved into their new office in Arlington Heights early in 2022. Since then, a state-of-the-art meeting space and culinary center has evolved to service local and regional foodservice professionals.

The space itself speaks directly to the Mission statement of Affinity Group across the country, to establish relationships, listen, share and collaborate to support the amazing food professionals dedicated to serving and feeding our communities and families.

The sales team at Affinity Group seeks to engage in more impactful presentations and meetings with their clients and customers to deliver mutual success.

According to Chef Bob Jantz, Affinity Group Culinarian, “The ability to host our customers, clients and distributors in a teaching and learning facility gives us a unique advantage. Guests can focus on what’s being presented, free from the distractions of day-to-day operations. The Affinity Group Culinary team collaborates to showcase new products, build menu concepts, preform competitive cuttings, discuss current trends and build mutually beneficial relationships.”

Formed in 2014, Affinity Group is a North American food sales & marketing agency committed to providing superior service and outstanding execution through sales analytics and comprehensive planning to drive results. Operating in a collaborative environment, Affinity Group shares their strengths, expertise, and resources to benefit their clients, customers, and their organization. They are focused on the foodservice and retail fresh food channels, helping their customers and clients succeed with highly engaged leaders and tenured top sales and culinary talent in North America.

Every year, tens of thousands of people from around the world travel to southeastern Minnesota with one particular destination in mind: the Spam Museum. The Global Marketplace exhibit in particular puts forth a snapshot of what the Spam brand means to cultures around the world, spotlighting places like South Korea, second only to the United States in consumption of Spam products. Museum guests are invited to take a journey around the world to learn more about how various countries embrace the Spam brand within their respective cultures and cuisine.

We are FoodPhotoStudio and you guessed it, We Shoot Food.

We shoot for packaging, websites, recipes, menus, social media and much more–both stills and motion. We also provide graphic design and copywriting for any of your projects.

Our studio is conveniently located in Elk Grove Village, IL near O’Hare Airport, with ample parking. Can’t make it to a shoot? We also have a virtual studio.

Do you have an immediate need or want to plan a shoot together in the future? Let’s chat!

@chifoodphoto #weshootfood 630-283-0038

Clean Juice, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice and food bar franchise, announced its latest menu innovation with its $6 Summer Value Menu to commemorate the season. “At Clean Juice, we believe that healthy, nourishing food should be accessible to everyone, and it should taste good, too,” said Landon Eckles, CEO of Clean Juice. “Our $6 Organic Summer menu line-up offers new guests a way to try our organic smoothies, juices, and food items at a price that won’t break the bank. For 100 Days of Summer, our guests can enjoy a limited-edition menu featuring summer-forward items, each for $6!”

– PR Newswire

Just in time for summer, the makers of the Planters snack nuts brand are introducing a trio of ingenious twists on an American classic . Now available in select retail stores nationwide are three new flavors of Planters world-famous cashews: Cinnamon Brown Sugar Cashews, Dill Pickle Cashews and Rosemary and Sea Salt Cashews.

– PR Newswire

Barbecue varies by region, with the four main styles named after their place of origin: Kansas City, Memphis, North Carolina and Texas. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat. If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc. Don’t wash your berries until you plan to eat them. Wash blueberries, blackberries and raspberries by placing the berries in a colander and then dunk them in a bowl of cool water and apple cider vinegar. Drain and then place on paper towels and pat dry. Keep your food safe —from the refrigerator/freezer, all the way to the picnic table. Keep cold food cold. Place cold food in a cooler with ice or frozen gel packs. Cold food should be stored at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth. Meat, poultry, and seafood may be packed while still frozen so that they stay colder longer. Smore’s is a summer favorite treat that can be made outdoors over a campfire or in a microwave. You will need three ingredients; graham crackers, marshmallows and a Hershey bar. Place a paper towel on a plate, then the graham cracker, the chocolate, then the marshmallow, heat 15 seconds, remove, then place another graham cracker on top. Stay safe on the water. Life jackets are at the core of safe boating, whether using a motorized or nonmotorized vessel. The U.S. Coast Guard reports 81% of boating deaths in 2021 were due to drowning, and 83% of the victims were not wearing a life jacket. The Fourth of July is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. It is celebrated with fireworks, barbeques, picnics and parades. The National Confectioners Association is the leading trade organization for the U.S. confectionery industry, which generates $42 billion in retail sales each year. NCA advocates for an environment that enables candy makers to thrive and works to ensure that chocolate, candy, gum and mints are celebrated for their contributions to culture, society, the economy and everyday moments of joy. The Ohio State University will establish Trimble Technology Labs for Agriculture and Construction The multidisciplinary labs will enhance Ohio State’s teaching, research and outreach activities in food and agricultural engineering and construction management. The USO strengthens America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation. At hundreds of locations worldwide, they are united in their commitment to connect their service members and their families through countless acts of caring, comfort and support. Visit Orlando—The Official Tourism Association for Orlando, announced 74 million annual visitors in 2022. With a 25% increase in visitors over 2021, Orlando maintains its leadership position as America’s most-visited destination. By reaching 74 million visitors in 2022, Orlando achieved 98% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. WHP Globa l, the parent company of Toys’R’Us, announced a new partnership with travel retailer Duty Free Americas to open the first-ever Toys’R’Us airport store at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the world’s second busiest airport. The store will be located in Terminal A, and is slated to open in time for Holiday 2023.

DAIRY-DISTRIBUTOR Instantwhip Chicago Page 04

DATABASE SOFTWARE CONSULTING

IT Impact Inc Page 30

DECOR Zap Props

DESSERT SUPPLIES

Fox Valley Farms

DESSERTS

Chicago Sweet Connection Page 12

Eli’s Cheesecakes

Fox Valley Farms

DESSERTS-WHOLESALE

773-235-5588

844-DAT-AMEN

773-376-2278

630-231-3005

773-283-4430

773-736-7417

630-231-3005

708-547-5969 DIRECT MAIL PROGRAMS Food Industry News

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts Page 02

DISHWASHING & CHEMICALS

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 43

Kleen Teem Group

DISPOSABLE PACKAGING Wan Xing Lin Inc Page 41

DRAM SHOP INSURANCE Viti Insurance

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 43

DUCT CLEANING Enviromatic Corp of America Page 14

Meadowbrook Egg & Dairy Company

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS Employco USA Page 19

EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS

Rob Bernstein - Laner Muchin

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Laner Muchin

ENERGY BROKER

Energy Solutions Page 28

ETHNIC FOODS Kikkoman Sales USA

FILTERS-EXHAUST SYSTEMS Olympia Maintenance

FIRE SUPRESSION SYSTEMS

Valley Fire & Safety

FOOD DISTRIBUTORS

Chef’s Kitchen/Dearborn Page 24

Cugini Distribution Page 20

Devanco Foods Page 11

Brothers

Chef’s Quality Meats

Food Industries

MEDITERRANEAN

Anichini Brothers 312-644-8004

Crawford Sausage 773-277-3095

Red Hot Chicago 800-249-5226

SCALES

Berkel Midwest

SCALES-SALES & REPAIR

Accurate Scale Company Page 18

SEAFOOD

Fisherman’s Pride Page 31

SEATING

Trendler Inc Page 12

Solo Seating LLC

Waco Manufacturing

SELF-SERVICE ORDERING KIOSKS

Alpha POS Services Inc

SEWER(MAINT)-RODDING & JETTING

Tierra Environmental Page 44

SHAKE MIX Fox Valley Farms

800-921-9151

773-847-1820

800-543-2110

773-255-4407

231-284-9996

312-733-0054

630-690-9232

888-551-1998

32

SOFT DRINKS

PepsiCo Foodservice

SOFT SERVE-ICE CREAM/EQUIP & SUPPLIES

Kool Technologies Page 26

SOFT SERVICE MIX Fox Valley Farms

Tec Foods Inc

Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef)