FREE Networking, Tasting and Educational Event

Monday, Sept. 11 5 - 9 p.m. Event Co-Sponsors

Open to all Food Industry News readers. No RSVP needed.

Our next Shmoozefest will feature Erik Baylis, Founder and President of Big Onion Hospitality, operators of several restaurant concepts and multiple locations, including Fatpour Tapworks, Woodies Flat, Hopsmith Tavern and CSK Chicago

Join us for valuable insights, leadership and ideas on how Erik has consistently developed new concepts resulting in high volume and culinary excellence.

Chef Profile

Jorge Mosquera

Double Tree

Oak Brook

1909 Spring Rd. Oak Brook, IL 60523

Birthplace: Ecuador

Current Position:

Executive Chef

First Foodservice Job:

Mezaluma Restaurant Aspen, Colorado.

Favorite Food: Steaks.

Awards/Honors: Manager of the Year.

Memorable Customers: Sylvester Stalone.

Worst Part of Job: When you have to fire someone.

Favorite Food to prepare: Pasta.

What part of the job gives the most pleasure? Happy guests.

If you couldn’t be a chef, what would you be? Teacher. Best advice you ever got was...[Bring a] great attitude. Where do you like to vacation? Ecuador.

Feeding People for 40 Years

City Harvest, a New York nonprofit that distributes food to people in need, is celebrating its 40th year. The organization works with chefs, bakers and mixologists for events like its recent Summer in the City tasting event to raise funds and awareness of food insecurity.

– Source: Forbes

Panera Combats Food Waste

Sustainability has been a key value at Panera Bread since its founding, and Chairman Niren Chaudhary is building on that legacy as he stresses the urgency of addressing the foodservice industry’s role in combating food waste and the effects of climate change. “Having a broader impact as a leader at this time in the economy, in the world, I think is massively important,” Chaudhary said.

– Source: QSR

Make Way for Deli-Style with Subway Slicers

Subway has invested about $80 million to install meat slicers at its more than 20,000 US restaurants in recent months, and the new equipment will enable the brand’s next menu update. The chain will introduce its four new Deli Heroes, including the Titan Turkey and the Garlic Roast Beef, with plans to give away 1 million of the six-inch sandwiches.

– Source: Restaurant Business

Performance Foodservice – Chicago recently hosted a Summer Flavor Fest at their Culinary Event Center in Oswego, IL . The party featured Performance’s family of exclusive brands, including Braveheart Black Angus Beef, Allegiance Pork, Contigo Hispanic ingredients, and Peak produce. The party highlights were a BBQ tent manned by Chris Holden (Performance Center of the Plate Specialist) and chefs from Main Street Smokehouse (Mendon, MI) and Bourbon’s Smokehouse (New Lenox, IL) plus a burger competition featuring local chefs: Chef Brad – The Grill at Fritz’s Pour House (Joliet, IL); Chef Ryan – Moe Joe’s Restaurant (Plainfield, IL); Chef Juan – Beach Ave BBQ (Brookfield, IL). Congratulations to Chef Ryan who won 1st place in both categories (Judge’s selection and People’s Choice).

In addition to the Center of the Plate activities, guests enjoyed a variety of summer drink recipes, music provided by the Red Bull Event Vehicle DJ, plus outdoor games including Axe Throwing.

For more information about Performance Foodservice – Chicago or to schedule a personalized business consultation at their Culinary Event Center Test Kitchen, please contact a Performance Foodservice Area Manager at 630-896-1991.