Food Industry News: June 2023

The Breakfast Queen Turns 80!

The Chicago Chefs Cook philanthropic organization recently hosted the fifth installment of its celebrated Chicago Chefs Cook series. Chicago Chefs Cook for Ina’s 80th Birthday Bash boasted an extraordinary volunteer line-up of 60 chefs who gathered to celebrate the life and leadership of Chef Ina Pinkney, while raising funds for Green City Market and Pilot Light.

“When Paul and Donnie (Paul Kahan/ Donnie Madia, One Off Hospitality), Kevin (Kevin Boehm, BOKA Restaurant Group), Penny (Penny Pollack, Chicago Magazine) and Phil (Phil Vettel, legendary retired Chicago

Tribune restaurant critic) approached us to organize this event, it was a no brainer and an immense honor for us” expressed Chef Tony Priolo, Executive Chef of Piccolo Sogno and Chicago Chefs Cook founding member.

“How many chances in life do you get to celebrate an icon?”

Pinkney, affectionately known as the “Breakfast Queen,” closed her legendary restaurant, INA’s, in 2013 but remained a beloved figure in the culinary arena far after her breakfast destination served its last meal. That admiration culminated in a packed house at The Geraghty, See ‘Breakfast Queen’ page 19

All Hail the Queen: Chef Ina Pinkney, enjoys a well-deserved treat, courtesy Eli’s Cheesecake

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2023 Global Tastemakers Awards

Food & Wine announced its Global Tastemakers Awards, the firstever Food & Wine readers’ choice awards celebrating the best culinary experiences and destinations in the U.S. For the Best Restaurants in the U.S., Yolan in Nashville, TN, topped the Best Restaurant list, followed by Merois and Camphor in Los Angeles, CA, ranked No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Daru in Washington, DC, received the Editors’ Pick. Portland, OR, captured the title of Top Food Truck City; New Orleans, LA, was named the Top U.S. City for Neighborhood Restaurants, and The Violet Hour in Chicago, IL, earned the title of Most Creative Bar in the U.S. Food & Wine Global Tastemakers:

THE 2023 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN FAST CASUAL & QSR SUMMIT

How do you make Split Pea Soup Sexy?

To entice guests, Food Photo Studio used a dark navy linen background and plate to allow the bowl to pop off the surface. With a soft, natural light and minimal background props, the green of the soup intensifies in color, and edible garnishes create beautiful interest. Depending on your product, your audience and where you may use the photo, the firm takes the time to get to know each client and product, to find the perfect tone for your shoot.

– See the firm’s ad on page 23 of this issue.

Quality Matters.

Support our advertisers and ensure that you’re getting reputable products and services at the same time.

The Oakville Grill & Cellar: A New Concept from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

The Oakville Grill & Cellar, which aims to bring the ethos of Napa Valley to Chicago’s Fulton Market District 163 N. Green St. is now open. The Oakville Grill & Cellar, from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, will be a collaboration between Chef Max Robbins (former Culinary Director and Managing Partner at Land and Sea Dept., and Executive Chef of Longman & Eagle) and Wine Director Richard Hanauer, Partner at RPM Restaurants. Chef Robbins recently joined Lettuce Entertain You as Culinary Director, assisting in concept creation, menu development and chef training. The Oakville Grill & Cellar will mark his first opening with the restaurant group.

The restaurant is located at the base of 167 Green, a newly built 640,000 square foot office building. The space is inspired by the vineyards, tasting rooms and rustic comfort of Northern California and was designed by Lettuce Entertain You’s in-house Interior Design and Architecture teams led by Design Director Avril Zayas and Director of Architecture John Cinelli, in collaboration with Weiss Architects. The restaurant is composed of two floors connected through a sculptural staircase. The first floor includes the main dining room and outdoor seating in The Mews for up to 250 guests, and the second floor opens up to an all-seasons terrace and fullservice bar.

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June 2023

BURT’S PLACE

8541 N. Ferris Ave. MORTON GROVE, IL 847-965-7997.

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CRACKER BARREL • 2147 E. Springs Drive, MADISON, WI 608-242-0560. This is one of my favorite restaurants to stop when I’m on a road trip. They have so many locations. This time I stopped in for breakfast. I ordered the pancakes and bacon. The pancakes were huge and they came with a small bottle of syrup—so cute. Browse around their shop. They have a lot of fun stuff for sale. You can even find some clothes along with a big selection of candy, chips and other munchies. It’s great to stock up for the car ride.

MARS CHEESE CASTLE • 2800 W. Frontage Rd. KENOSHA, WI 262-859-2244. Stop in for all your Wisconsin favorites; beer, cheese, bakery goods, bacon, cheeses, meats, specialty items and souvenirs. It’s definitely a tourist attraction. They have a bar and restaurant. The first stop was to the restaurant for an order of the “World’s Best Fried Cheese Curds.” I picked up some Pine River pimento and cranberry cheddar cheese spread along with a Kringle from the bakery which is a Wisconsin favorite. You can spend a lot of time in here.

STARBUCKS 4159 • W. Peterson Ave. CHICAGO, IL 773-205-7440. They are always busy in here and they get the orders out quick with fast and friendly service. With summer coming, I decided to try some of their cold drinks. The first was the Iced Peach Green Tea and the second one was The Pink Drink - Strawberry Açaí Refreshers beverage with accents of passion fruit, combined with creamy coconut milk. Both were refreshing. I also picked up one of their Marshmallow Dream Bars which has crispy rice and marshmallows. It’s one of my favorite treats!

STAN’S DONUTS & COFFEE • 9433 W. Higgins Rd. ROSEMONT, IL 312-483-9690. This is a newly opened business with a drive-thru making it very convenient for pick up. I dined in; it’s a cute and cheerful place. They have a beautiful selection of donuts which are very tempting. I’ve had their donuts many times and they are amazing! This time I tried one of their breakfast sandwiches: The Stanwich – which is bacon, egg and cheese on a delicious bun along with a cup of Stan’s House Blend Coffee. They have numerous locations.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ • 517 S. Schmale Rd. CAROL STREAM, IL 331-218-4140. This place is a health-conscious café that has smoothies, sandwiches, salads, wraps, breakfast and more. They also have specials only available through their app and for a limited time. I tried their new Strawberry Hibiscus Lemonade Smoothie. It was delicious and filling. Next time I’m there, I’m going for one of the flatbread sandwiches. They have numerous locations.

“Anyone can get a new customer. Go overboard to keep them coming back.” — Cary Miller

Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila Opens First Chicago Location in the West Loop

Bodega Taqueria y Tequila, South Florida’s iconic brand known for its fastcasual taqueria by day and speakeasy-style lounge by night concepts, is thrilled to announce the opening of its first Chicago outpost on Randolph Street in the bustling West Loop neighborhood slated to open in Spring 2023 at 912 W Randolph St. Following shortly after will be a second Chicago location set to open in River North at 407 N Clark St. at the end of Summer 2023.

How to Select a General Contractor

Jeff Lindbloom, vice president of Capitol Construction Solutions and former director of a national brand hospitality company has hired numerous general contractors across the country and Canada.

A couple of key items that I look at in a general contractor (GC) is their experience along with how many years they have been in business. Looking at a GC’s client list will give one a good look at their diverse experience and the style and sizes of restaurants that they service. In most cases, a quick service restaurant is not similar in scope to a full service, sit down restaurant. Looking at how many years a GC has been in the business can give one insight on how dedicated they have been to the industry along with how extensive their knowledge is in every aspect of construction. Another aspect that one should evaluate would be the size of the company. Is the company local, regional or national and are they able to work in the area that one would need service? Along with that, does the

GC have a trusted subcontractor network?

A strong GC has spent years building relationships with talented and trusted subcontractors across the U.S.

Having a trusted subcontractor network leads me into the last aspect that I would look at in finding a good GC; the project manager or point of contact responsible for managing the portfolio. Synergy in that person with passion about the industry and great communication skills are key traits that need to come through when interviewing them. Look for someone who has a wealth of knowledge in the food industry and are able to ensure standards, budgets, and deadlines that are met as promised. Additionally, you will want someone that is used to wading through complex plans, specialized equipment requirements and staging needs. In essence, one is looking to hire a partner that can instill trust and share in one’s goals.

– Information courtesy, Capitol Construction Solutions. See their ad on page 8.

Red Gold Is a Family Tradition: Supporting Our Troops

Red Gold Inc. is an agricultural company specializing in tomatoes and tomato products, producing everything from canned tomatoes, fully prepared tomato sauces, tomato juice to ketchup. The origination of the company started back in 1942 as a way to help the war efforts. When the U.S. entered WWII, the government asked citizens to step up and assist the war effort by supplying food for our troops. When Grover C. Hutcherson heard this message, he and his daughter Fran purchased and rebuilt an old, abandoned cannery building in central Indiana. The cannery had been destroyed on three separate occasions by fires and a tornado, but they managed to rally the community and persevere. Red Gold’s legacy continues to this day by staying true to their roots.

Since then, Red Gold has become the largest privately-owned tomato processer in the nation and operates in both retail and foodservice. Their tomato products can be found in all 50 states and over 55 countries. Four generations of the Reichart family have been producing premium quality tomato products. The company now has three state-of-the-art production facilities in Elwood, Geneva, and Orestes, Indiana. Red Gold also boasts a 1.5 million square foot distribution center in Alexandria, Indiana and operates the subsidiary RG Transport trucking fleet in Elwood. Partnering with local family farms across Indiana, southern Michigan, and Northwest Ohio, they sustainably produce premium quality canned tomatoes, ketchup, sauces, salsas, and juices for retail, foodservice, export, co-pack, and club channels of distribution. Red Gold has always had a close

Fun, Games and Food in Crestwood

In The Game Hollywood Park located at 5051 Cal Sag Rd. in Crestwood, Illinois features year round fun for all ages! Go-Karts, Mini Golf, New Mini Bowling, Indoor Bumper cars and more! Their game room features nearly 90 video, prize and ticket games for all ages. Try their fresh, homemade pizza, chicken wings and other delicious made-to-order items. They specialize in birthday parties,

relationship with its 35+ growers, which is unheard of in today’s farming environment. The company established its own seed breeding program 20+ years ago, utilizing an assortment of seed varieties each year to ensure a better crop yield. Red Gold currently has 150 million seedlings started in greenhouses and are waiting to be transplanted in May and June. Each of their tomato plants produce anywhere between 60 to 90 tomatoes on average. That means this year, the farmers will harvest somewhere between 9,000,000,000 to 13,500,000,000 tomatoes this year!

Red Gold continues to stay true to their roots with their passion for our military personnel. They have partnered with the Folds of Honor Foundation, an organization that provides education support to the spouses and children of deceased or disabled U.S. service members and first responders. Red Gold created their Folds of Honor Ketchup that is made right here in America and donates a portion of proceeds for every bottle sold. It is truly the “Ketchup with a Cause”.

The Red Gold family of consumer brands includes Red Gold, Redpack, Tuttorosso, Tomato Love and Sacramento. Exceptional quality and operational excellence are the shared values that contributed to the employee-created mission statement: “To produce the freshest, best tasting tomato products in the world.”

Visit their award winning websites for great recipes, tips culinary inspiration, products and more at: www.RedGoldTomatoes.com and www.RedGoldFoodservice.com.

group outings, field trips, overnight lock-ins, company parties, graduations and more! Fun fact – one of their employees: Bob Baxter celebrated his 90th birthday this year and 24 years of service. Congratulations!

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.”

– Michael John Bobak

Chicagoland’s Most Experienced & Knowledgeable Hospitality Insurance Specialists Since 1906

For a free quote call: Gloria Cacciatore-Turan 312-264 -6055

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Chicago Chefs Cook for Ina’s 80th Birthday

Project history covers variety from quick serve to white table cloth. Well established with sub-contractors. Proven in value engineering projects.

Our Project Management team has over 100 years of collective restaurant construction experience. Call Christine today:

capitolconstruct.com Click on Chicago tab for more highlights.

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Monday, June 5 – See page 14

Toast POS Panel Discussion

Bill Lecos Owner and Founder

Toast POS recently hosted a panel discussion with two neighborhood chambers of commerce at Takito Street restaurant located 2422 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Panelists Jeff Lawler, Geja’s Café; Melanie Casati, Casati’s Modern Italian; Jon Young, Volo Wine Bar; and Mario Ponce, Takito Street Lincoln Park and Takito Brands discussed using technology to drive new sales and same time, and increasing engagement with their customers.

They also dove into changes that have occurred since Covid, including taking delivery in-house, using Otter to streamline all third-party orders, using free marketing tools thru TikTok and Open Table, using FinTech for expense reporting, trying to manage increases in labor costs, foodcosts, higher utilities, increases in property taxes and scarcity of new hires. Other best practices highlighted were, integrations with QuickBooks and using Google drive to share docs with their team. Other secret weapon ideas are using a service like Megaphone to electronically screen and direct guest calls, advantages of the various reservation platforms, using GeoFencing marketing to target people in your hyper-local, loyalty programs, gift cards, and SMS messages, all of which can help to engage guests.

Panelists noted that the value of good photography is often overlooked especially given the fact that this has become more affordable.

When asked about the future of restaurants panelists made the following predictions:

• Hyper personal dining experiences by knowing guests’ preferences and restrictions.

• Digital payments, handheld ordering.

• AI-driven apps to evaluate the last week of business and managing your image online.

• Figuring out how to operate a restaurant with fewer employees.

• Setting your business apart from competitors by providing a richer guest experience.

Ideas on attracting staff included:

• Fostering a culture that creates a certain “vibe” making people want to work there.

• Creating a brand that people want to work for.

• Providing an employee experience that gives them “quality of life.”

• Clarifying staff expectations, give them the resources needed to do their job then leave them alone to do it.

When asked what excites them for the future they said:

• New revenue stream opportunities.

• Trying to figure out how to scale and add locations.

• Figuring out which under-performing restaurants to sell.

• Reinventing their concepts to reenergize their business.

• Hoping to find new locations that provide high traffic along with large, local communities.

J&J Gaming Throughout the Years

Since their start with Live Video Gaming in Illinois, J&J Gaming, located in Effingham Illinois, continues to be a true partner in their commitment to their customers, employees, and communities. J&J Gaming started their business back in 1929, but expanded into the video gaming terminal industry when it went Live in 2012. J&J Gaming rooted their new venture with the purpose to lead the gaming industry forward with integrity and excellence, by being the best at what they do – day in and day out and a true industry leader.

In 2022, J&J Gaming celebrated 10 years of Live Video Gaming in Illinois. Their success over the years has helped their over 2,400 gaming locations in Illinois see maximum revenue for their bars, restaurants, veteran & fraternal organizations, and truck stop establishments. J&J provides a top-performing business model to all their partners and all the excitement and thrills of video gaming to your patrons.

J&J Gaming is and will continue to be a complete profit solution for small business to truck stop corporations across Illinois. With constant growth, development of new software, and innovative strategies J&J Gaming can ensure that their success from these last 10 years will continue to build in the years to come.

– You can find the J&J Gaming ad on page 13.

Chicago Cane Cooperative: The Only Rum Made in Chicago

Chicago Cane Cooperative (CCC) is the only Chicago-based spirits company focused on the creation of rum spirits. Additionally, CCC is one of the first worker-owned spirit producers in the country. This means their products are built from the Chicago community, for the Chicago community, connected to cultural history, and charged with creative innovation. Because CCC is a worker cooperative, as it continues to grow it will be majority-owned by workers. Being a worker coop means employees will have opportunities to be directly involved in the trajectory of the business through a democratic, one worker one vote process. This unique model for a spirits producer created a successful, community-oriented launch in February. Since then founder/ distiller Daniel Regueira Santos and co-founder Sean Ellis Hussey have been connecting with local businesses who are excited by the opportunity to sell the only locally produced rum in the Chicagoland area. To learn more visit chicagocane.com, or set up a free tasting by calling (312) 715-8532 or emailing sean@chicagocane.com.

Reach our 65,000 monthly readers.

BOOKSHELF

Author: Joanne Fluke

ISBN-13: 978-1496736116

Just in time for summer!

Bestselling author and Queen of the Culinary Mystery–Joanne Fluke delivers the twenty-eighth mouthwatering Hannah Swensen Mystery! In this irresistible mystery from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanne Fluke, Hannah Swensen is at the center of a lively summer fest with fun for everyone in Lake Eden, Minnesota—including a cold-blooded murderer.

The Tri-County Summer Solstice Celebration has come to town, and even among local artisans, athletes, and marching bands, Hannah attracts fans of her own while serving lipsmacking pink lemonade desserts. But the mood sours when a body turns up, leading revelers to wonder if the festivities mark both the longest day of the year and the deadliest.

A retired professional MLB player has met a terrifying end—and, considering the rumors swirling about his past, the list of suspects could fill a small stadium. Among them could soon be Delores, Hannah’s mother, who publicly held a grunge against the victim after he infamously dunked her in the tank at a previous county fair.

Now, with her mother’s innocence on the line, a lifechanging announcement at The Cookie Jar, and a plethora of desserts to bake, Hannah can’t afford to strike out as she begins a dangerous investigation into the ruthless killer who’s truly in a league of their own . This book also features over a dozen cookie and dessert recipes from The Cookie Jar!

We are so excited to share that our friends Kevin Boehm and Donnie Madia are bringing back Welcome Chicago!

This year's event will be hosted on Monday, June 26th at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park.

Tickets on sale at: theWelcomeConference.com

This years show includes Chefs Katie Button & Jason Hammel, “The Bear” creator Chris Storer, Actress and Director Tasha Smith, Political Advisor and Chef Sam Kass, Writer/Editor Dana Cowin, Restaurateur Caroline Styne, and YMCA Chicago’s CEO Dorri McWhorter.

The show will be co-hosted by Chicago legends Alpana Singh and Erick Williams!

Pink Lemonade Cake Murder

Best Prices on Spices.

Chick-fil-A Upgrades App

Chick-fil-A is upgrading

, giving the company the ability to start preparing orders when customers are getting close to the restaurant.

The company said that it will also provide customers with an estimate of how long an order will take if it is placed for takeout, curbside service or dine-in. The features will roll out throughout the 2,800-unit chain. The app uses geofencing technology that will notify the kitchen when customers are getting close to the restaurant so they can start preparing the order. The idea is to ensure that an order is hotter when a customer arrives than it might be otherwise.

Getting the Highest Price When Selling Your Business

Numerous Chicago area restaurants and banquet halls benefit from auction marketing when they change hands. Auctions have been a logical and timely method to sell assets for thousands of years. The New York Stock Exchange, The Board of Trade, The U.S. Government, eBay, Art, High End Vehicles, and Wine Auctions, all attempt to obtain the true market prices for assets in a timely manner. So it goes for real estate as well. Locally-based Rick Levin & Associates, Inc has successfully auctioned thousands of pieces of real estate over the past 30 years and dozens have been restaurant properties and banquet halls.

It is often common practice for the used personal property from the food service industry to be sold by auction, but often it is prudent to explore the auction option for the real estate as well. Properties can be offered in various ways that protect a seller’s downside while maximizing the aggressiveness of the bidding and the eventual sales price. Often with unique properties, auctions should be considered as the strongest marketing approach as opposed to speculating on the vagaries of the market place to determine value with a conventional sales strategy.

In just the last few years the firm has sold large and prominent banquet facilities from Waukegan to Alsip, and restaurant properties from Prospect Heights to Chicago and Naperville. All the sellers felt they could be well-served by eliminating the carrying cost of a prolonged conventional marketing approach and actually use an auction to “set” the sales date themselves.

The expenses involved in real estate auctions vary with the seller often contributing to the marketing expenses and the purchaser more often than not paying a buyers premium to the auctioneer as a way to minimize the Seller’s expenses. Marketing is done through a vast amount of local and in some cases, national advertising campaigns that leave little doubt that the market price has been achieved. A well conceived and executed auction marketing program is worth investigating when a food service industry owner has real estate for sale.

Rick Levin is President of Chicago-Based Rick Levin & Associates, Inc., and has advised on various strategies that have helped 100’s of Chicago area real estate sellers maximize their returns using auction marketing. – Find their ad on page 42 of this issue.

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Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets Opens in Downtown Mt. Prospect

The Village of Mount Prospect is excited to announce that Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets in downtown Mount Prospect is now open for business. Located at 207 S. Maple St. (within Maple Street Lofts and short walking distance from the Metra train station), Caputo’s will be open daily from 6 AM to 9:30 PM.

With this new urban neighborhood market, Caputo’s is going back to its roots with a smaller-scale location that is similar in size to their first store that opened in 1958. The downtown Mount Prospect location is unique as it will stock daily fresh foods that are going straight from the market to the shelves. Any items that are not available in the store can be ordered online at the Caputo’s website ahead of time and picked up the same day.

Caputo’s will offer their hallmark produce market, groceries and imports, seafood, a butcher shop and deli, a from-scratch bakery, hot foods including pizza and soups, sushi and sandwiches, gelato and outdoor seating for patrons. The store will also include “Bar Angelo,” a European-style bar offering liquor, coffee and a beer garden.

“Few words can express the excitement the community feels about the opening of Caputo’s Fresh Market in Mount Prospect,” said Mayor Paul Wm. Hoefert. “We welcome them to the community and are thrilled to have them as part of our growing and thriving downtown.”

Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets is owned and operated by the Angelo Caputo family since 1958. Started by Angelo Caputo after immigrating from Italy, the business is now in the capable hands of Angelo’s daughter and son-in-law, Antonella and Robertino Presta, their five children and extended family and staff. They have 10 locations throughout the Chicagoland suburbs.

“We’re very excited to open and be part of the community,” said Presta. “We tip our hats to Nicholas & Associates and the Village of Mount Prospect. Working with Mayor Paul Wm. Hoefert and Village staff has been outstanding, and they go above and beyond. The Angelo Caputo family is happy to become part of the Mount Prospect family.”

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Rule #1 for success: If you don’t take care of your customers...someone else will.

Local News Eliminate Your HR Liabilities and Headaches

What AAP Staff Can Do for You

As a partner to your HR department we are experts at reducing your employee cost risks and liabilities. Our programs may include payroll, benefits, HR compliance, workers’ comp, hiring, hiring temporary employees and timekeeping, while eliminating all liability in employee affairs. We assume those liabilities for our clients.

Save Time and Increase Productivity

The FBEE (Food and Beverage Equipment Executives of Chicago), a group founded in 1940 recently recognized the efforts of longtime member (and past president of the group) Ed Jancauskas with the groups Lifetime Achievement Award. Ed worked for Coca-Cola for many years and is credited (along with Bob Schwartz of Vienna Beef) with creating the first “value meal” when the two companies decided to work together to enable their customers to offer combo meals which included a Vienna Beef Hot Dog and a Coke. Presenting the award to Ed is Bob Schwartz of Vienna Beef and Dick Klaskin, of Empire Cooler Service. You can learn more about the group on their website, www.fbee.org.

At a time when store brands have grown to become a $230 billion industry in the U.S., PLMA has announced a fitting theme for its 2023 Private Label Trade Show: “The Store Brands Phenomenon.” The show will be held November 12-14 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago. Avli Restaurant Group announces its latest expansion with the acquisition of Morgan’s on Fulton LLC, the premier Fulton Market loft and rooftop event business and its new partnership with MF Partners JV to further develop the restored and renovated historic building at 950-954 W Fulton Market with new indoor/outdoor dining, carryout, catering, and upgraded lower level. Chicago-based international real estate and hospitality investment leader Oxford Capital Group, and local partner Detroit-based Hunter Pasteur, in collaboration with Detroit-based Chickpea Hospitality, announces Hamilton’s, a ground floor restaurant for The Godfrey Hotel Detroit, which will open shortly after the hotel’s projected opening in summer 2023. Congratulations to husband and & wife team Melanie & Stefano Casati of Casati’s Modern Italian located at 444 W. Fullerton in Chicago, on celebrating their fifth year. Casati’s Modern Italian is known as a neighborhood gem by local diners. DuPage County has been ranked the healthiest county in Illinois according to the 2023 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. The county rankings, developed annually by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, are based on quality-of-life factors such as longevity and overall health status. Guzman y Gomez , one of the world’s fastest-growing authentic Mexican fast-food restaurants, recently opened its third US location in Crystal Lake, Illinois located at 5459 Northwest Highway, following

a successful opening in Schaumburg. Guzman y Gomez Founder and CEO Steven Marks always knew he wanted to bring the brand ‘home’ to the US. King Karaoke opens at 2002 S. Wentworth, Floor 2 in Chicago, a craft cocktail bar combined with an elevated karaoke lounge experience.

King Karaoke offers craft cocktails, delicious Asian-inspired pub-style fare, and notably,12 incredible private karaoke rooms, perfect for group outings, team building or gathering with friends. Saltwater Coastal Grill just opened will offer the best bounty of the sea in a cheerful nautical space bringing coastal-style cuisine from around the world to Rosemont. Located at Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District, the restaurant will feature a fusion of global-inspired, land and seaside fare including a dynamic Raw and Omakase Bar. The Chicago Scots 37th Annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games will be held at Hamilton Lakes, 1 Pierce Place in Itasca, IL, on June 16 -17,2023. This treasured two-day summer-kickoff celebration will once again bring back all the crowd favorites along with Grade 1, largest and most prestigious pipe band (bagpipes and drums) championship in N.A. Windy City Hot Dog Fest will be happening June 3-4 in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood. Some of Chicagoland’s favorite hot dog stands will compete for who has the best frankfurter! Windy City Hot Dog Fest is in partnership with the Six Corners Chamber of Commerce. Windy City Smokeout, the nation’s premier outdoor country music and BBQ festival, returns to Chicago’s United Center (1901 W. Madison Street) on July 13-16, 2023. The two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music Awards “Festival of the Year,” the Windy City Smokeout will celebrate its 10th anniversary with some of country music’s biggest names and up-and-coming talents.

Let All About Personnel become the Employer of Record (EOR) for you. What does that mean? We handle all the back office tasks such as payroll, benefits, taxes, and work comp. Whether it’s the production floor only or your entire company we will create the right program that your looking for.

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Most paper straws currently on the market break down before you can get to the bottom of your first drink, but not Roc Paper Straws! These super sippers can last for hours and look good doing it. Manufactured in Rochester, NY, using the highest quality materials, these eco-friendly straws are the best on the market for bars, restaurants, weddings and private events.

Owned and operated by a mother/daughter team with 20 successful years of running a neighborhood bar, they know the importance of providing their clients with a quality product, along with cutting back on their carbon footprint.

Traditional plastic straws, along with those “compostable PLA” straws can still harm wildlife, litter our landfills, and shorelines. Roc Paper Straws will break down and not stick around, helping to save the planet...one straw at a time. For more info, visit: rocpaperstraws.com.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”

— Henry David Thoreau

LIQUOR LICENSE TIPS

By Francis Ostian, Esq., Law Office of Francis Ostian

Why a Conditional Approval Liquor License Helps Avoid Costly Mistakes on Your Next Restaurant Project

Getting a Chicago liquor license—even if you’re a pro—is a tricky process filled with potential landmines.

Let’s say, for example, you need to get:

• Funding

• A fair lease

• A great floor plan that dovetails with your concept, and you need to negotiate with your general contractor if you’re planning on a build-out.

The thing is, you could end up investing tens if not several hundred thousand dollars. But, what would happen if you invested all that money only to discover that the Liquor Commission denied your liquor license? To avoid that nightmare, implement this little-known action step: Apply for Conditional Approval of your liquor license application before spending capital on your build-out.

You see, in Chicago, you can apply for a restaurant or tavern liquor license on a conditional-approval basis. This means you can submit your liquor application and supporting documents (Floor plans, financial disclosures and alcohol training certificates, etc.) and get conditionally approved. But, if you’re conditionally approved, so long as your build-out conforms to your architectural plans—you’ll get your liquor license once you’ve passed inspections.

By the way, at the start, you should pay $250 to the city of Chicago to have a business compliance inspector go out to your site. You do this to discover if there’s a church, school, day care center or other restricted activity within 100 feet that prohibits issuance of a liquor license. If you pass this inspection, you’ll know from the start, there’s no restriction within 100 feet of your site. This gives you additional peace of mind to proceed. Bottom line: Getting conditionally approved is the way to go to avoid costly mistakes.

•

Author of “The 10 Essential Things You Need to Get Your Chicago Liquor License”.

– You can find their ad on page 17 of this issue.

Francis Ostian, Liquor License Expert

Francis Ostian:

located in Pilsen. “I hope everyone in their life has a moment like this when they feel loved and cared for like I do right now,” expressed Pinkney.

The event was also a display of the immense power of a unified Chicago culinary community. Representatives from across Chicago’s chef, food and beverage, entertainment, and business community all leaned in to ensure the success of the evening— including sponsors Axios, Audacy Radio, Outfront & Center, Mariano’s, Chef Tog and the Illinois Restaurant Association. Chef Sarah Stegner, co-founder of Chicago Chefs Cook and Co-Executive Chef of Prairie Grass Café reflected, “The event was a profound declaration of love, respect, and admiration for an exceptional woman who means so much to so many. It was also a moment of advancement for our Chicago community, one that comes together to take care of its own, advocates for its food, and forges partnerships that advance the well-being of its future generations.” Chef Jason Hammel (Executive Chef of Lula Café and founding member of Pilot Light) added, “ This event supported the idea that a birthday party can be a call for hope and action. That a celebration of the love we all have for one woman can also be a celebration of the love we have for each other, for our city, for its children, and for its land.”

The themes of food advocacy, wellness education, mentorship, and the future of food were demonstrated throughout the evening— topics that are at the very top of the respective missions of event beneficiaries Green City Market

and Pilot Light. In a video to her Facebook followers, Pinkney commented, “ This was an incredible opportunity to use my name to raise money for these two charities. I determined that Pilot Light (would be a beneficiary) because it teaches children about the connection between food, community and wellness and Green City Market (because it placed) farmers at the center of our cooking.”

To that end, participating chefs (including Rick Bayless, Sarah Gruenberg, Zach Engel, Brian Jupiter, and Nikolaos Kapernaros) featured local products at their stations for guests to experience. Chef Devon Quinn of Eden restaurant in Avondale partnered with Green City Market’s Mick Klug Farms specifically to create his distinct vegan tamale offering. Chef Casey Doody (Director of Pastry for GT Prime, Swift & Sons and Le Select) displayed liege waffles with caramelized bananas and toasted pecan granola— an homage to Pinkney’s breakfast roots. “It was the kind of the party I have never been invited to and here it was happening for me,” said Pinkney.

The event also delivered a milestone for the Chicago Chefs Cook organization. “Including Ina’s birthday bash, this movement has collectively raised over $1M dollars since March of 2022,” confirmed by Eda Davidman, Jodi Fyfe, and Darren Gest of Chicago Chefs Cook. “It’s a testament to the leadership position that Chefs hold in this city and our community’s desire to assemble to lift each other up through dynamic moments like this one.”

BOOKSHELF

Y’All Eat Yet?

Author: Miranda Lambert with Holly Gleason

ISBN-13: 978-0063087781

From country music sensation Miranda Lambert, comes a gorgeous cookbook sharing a wide array of tasty favorite recipes , straight outta Texas and collected from all the fabulous women who helped make Miranda who she is today.

If you’re going to have a Bitchin Kitchen, you’re going to need a few things—plenty of room, plenty of good food for sharing, high spirits (in both senses) and all the friends and family you can fit. For Miranda Lambert, a good time means sharing a great meal with the women who helped raise her back in Texas—her mom and a colorful bunch of best friends who could raise the roof, come through in a pinch, celebrate cry, and really, really cook. Miranda Lambert invites readers into this special circle of sisterhood with collection of recipes and stories. Y’all Eat Yet? is full of recipes for meals that fill your belly, and your soul, food meant to be shared, meant to be eaten with your fingers off of paper plates, or on your fanciest antique China. Some were handed down to Miranda from her mom and grandma, some come from the circle of cherished friends who helped raise her, and all of them are meant to be easy to prepare and shared with those you love.

‘Breakfast Queen’ continued from cover

AROUND CHICAGO With VALERIE MILLER

Aire Rooftop Summer Season Is Open!

Spend the summer up in the Aire, Chicago! Aire, one of Chicago’s hottest and most sensational rooftop decks, located at 100 W Monroe Street above the Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago, has opened for the 2023 summer season with a bang. Aire is thrilled to announce new modifications of the space, including new furniture and added seating, a new grill station that will offer tacos and sliders, and a self-serve beer station where beer can be poured and paid for by the ounce.

In addition to a new divine menu, Aire is launching a Concert under the Stars series that will be available for enjoyment every other Sunday.

“We’re excited to be able to bring visitors and locals alike to experience an Aire that has never been seen before,” said Daniel Lewellin, Area Director of Sales and Marketing. “In creating a full menu and new amenities, we hope to bring guests a remarkable experience, 24 stories up.”

In preparation for summer, Aire has launched a completely new food and beverage menu, featuring mouthwatering bites such as Grilled Malpeque Oysters, Korean Style Short Rib Taco’s and a Sweet Sausage

Char Grilled Pizza topped with Fennel Jam and Pecorino. To complement the new bites, Aire offers refreshing cocktails such as “Tropical Collins” made with 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, vodka, guava, and fresh lime and a self-serve beer station that will include white wine selections to satisfy guest’s cravings.

With its central location, dramatic 360-degree view and contemporary décor, Aire’s unmatched urban atmosphere is at the peak of summer downtown destinations. Guests escaping their busy offices for an open-air hiatus or city visitors wanting to relax after a long day of exploring can unwind in a comfortable and welcoming space with friends over artisan drinks, wine, beer and small bites. Considering Chicago’s unpredictable weather, Aire features open fireplaces for cool nights spent high above the city streets and umbrellas for shade on sunny summer days. Aire is also available for private events. Aire is open Monday through Thursday 3 - 11 p.m. CST, Friday and Saturday 12 p.m.– 12 a.m. and Sunday’s from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. CST. For more information on Aire, visit: airechicago.com.

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser

From 24 stories above the busy city streets, the rooftop destination will now serve food, boasting a new menu and more up in the Aire.

The Five O’Clock Steakhouse

Rich in Tradition, the Milwaukee-Based Eaterie Remains Timeless

Since 1946 Five O’Clock Steakhouse has been a destination restaurant due to its unique nostalgic décor, charm and unusual steak presentation. The service is top notch, provided by more servers than you would expect.

This is the way it works at the Five O’Clock Steakhouse. You enter the restaurant and take a seat at the bar; a server comes over and takes your order and then you are taken to the table. When you are seated, you are greeted by a relish tray, bread and your salad. When ready the entrees are delivered with dramatic flair. Five O’Clock specializes in serving the finest steaks and seafood paired with a notable wine list, classic cocktails, as well as outstanding personalized service. The steaks are different from what you might find in other supper clubs. They are brushed with a light basting sauce ‘Stelio’s secret sauce ‘charred on a high temperature broiler sealing in all the flavors, served with sauteed mushrooms. The portions are very generous, between the relish tray, salad, sides and steak, I would say this is a meal fit for a king!

A popular luxury piano bar and lounge in the 1940’s, Coerper’s Five O’Clock Club once attracted Milwaukee’s elite to its swanky Alley Cat Lounge for nightly entertainment and cocktails served by attractive ladies called “Kittens”. A buzzer, still visible near the back alley entrance, gained patrons discreet entry into the sleek nightclub.

Today, the historic Alley Cat has been re-invented into the most unique private event space and one of the hottest jazz, blues and rock venues in Milwaukee, attracting top local and national acts. The Alley Cat features private dining Tuesday – Saturday and live music every Friday starting at 8pm. The Alley Cat features a full bar, signature cocktails, wine, beer and light fare.

Five O’Clock is a family-owned iconic steakhouse with an old school classic feel. They have won numerous awards throughout the years including being featured in Mashed’s Best Steak Restaurants in the US and they were recently featured on the March 2023 cover of MKE Lifestyle magazine. They are located at 2416 W. State Steet in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more info visit: www.fiveoclocksteakhouse.com

Stelio Kalkounos, Managing Partner of Five O’Clock Steakhouse in Milwaukee is no stranger to the restaurant industry. The Kalkounos family also operates two restaurants in Schaumburg, Illinois: Chicago Prime Italian at 700 N. Meacham and Chicago Prime Steakhouse 1444 E. Algonquin along with Avante Banquets 1050 Northwest Highway in Fox River Grove, Illinois. – V.M.

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

– Maya Angelou

By Lauren N. Tuckey, Esq., and Megan A. Smith, Esq. Tuckey Law, LLC

Rising Unionization

Unionization in the restaurant industry is on the rise in Chicago. Due to the resurgence of union interest, employers may face more questions from employees about unionization. It is important for employers to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to unions.

Under the National Labor Relations Act, once employers become aware of union activity amongst their employees, the employer may not engage in activities that could be construed as coercion or intimidation of its employees. For instance, the law prohibits threatening employees with adverse consequences if they unionize or engage in other protected activities (such as trying to gather support amongst coworkers to form a union).

Additionally, employers may not proactively question their employees to determine if they are engaging in union activity. Furthermore, an employer cannot go out of its way to “spy” on its employees to determine if they are engaging in union activities.

Employers should consider educating managers on how to communicate with employees and respond to employee questions regarding unionization. For instance, employers have the right to express their opinion on unions in response to an employee request. A manager could factually state that unions are a business that earn revenue by collecting dues and fees from employee paychecks. A manager can also state their opinion that they don’t believe unions are the best decision for the employees or the business.

The best way to thwart unionization is for Employers to ensure that they have systems in place to learn of employee concerns as they arise through strong relationships between managers and employees and open communication.

Please reach out to Tuckey Law should you wish to discuss these details further, abate rent during future pandemic shut-downs, or on an emergenc y basis if staff become ill, or if they cannot hire enough employees due to the labor market.

Tuckey Law, LLC covers all of your legal needs for opening and operating your food, beverage and hospitality business. Contact Lauren at lauren@tuckeylaw.com or 312-701-2200. This column is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney to decide on the right course of action for your business.

– Find the Tuckey Law ad on page 16.

Rose Pest Control: Serving the Food Industry Longer than Anyone in Chicagoland

No one wants to think of a cockroach leg ending up in a box of cereal, especially one in their own shopping cart. Or a rat dropping or any other thing that would turn our stomachs rather than pique our taste buds. But without vigilant, experienced professionals on the lookout, that’s exactly what can happen.

One of the foremost authorities on helping keep pests out of food and food processing facilities including manufacturing plants, food storage warehouses, grocery stores and restaurants and bars is Rose Pest Solutions. Rose has offices in Illinois and Wisconsin. Sister company Franklin Pest Solutions serves Indiana and Kentucky.

“We are proud of the special training and certifications our experts have earned through years of experience in helping to keep food facilities pest free, especially our QualityPro Food Safety certification” said Janelle Iaccino, also known as The Bug Girl with Rose. To earn accreditation, companies must prove a commitment to excellence in servicing food plant and processing facilities, according to QualityPro.

“We are so proud of being the number one choice for IPM food industry partnerships. Plus we’ve served the food industry longer than any other company in the Chicagoland area,” Iaccino said.

To prove that point, Iaccino cites the company’s history, having been founded more than 160 years ago by Solomon Rose, who created an early form of pest control, known today as arsenic. In 1860 Rose was commissioned by the U.S. Army during the Civil War to help keep soldiers in tent camps protected from rats and lice, meaning that Abraham Lincoln was the company’s first client because, as president, he was in charge of the Union Army.

Lauren N. Tuckey, Esq.

According to a report from Allied Market Research, the global tea industry generated $49 billion in 2021 and is estimated to generate $93.2 billion by 2031, witnessing a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2031.

Giant Food, the leading Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, announces the opening of a new Giant Delivers e-commerce fulfillment center in Manassas, Va. The new 82,000 sq, foot facility will make home and business delivery possible for thousands of new customers in over 140 zip codes across northern Virginia. Jungle Jim’s International Craft Beer Festival is a weekend dedicated to everything about craft beer: its creation, the breweries, the people behind them, and their fans! Celebrate Beer Fest July 16-17, 2023 with more than 400 beers from 100 local and national breweries at The Oscar Station 8871 North Gilmore Road in Fairfield, Ohio. Mohari Hospitality, an investment firm focused on the luxury lifestyle and hospitality sectors, announced the completion of its acquisition of Tao Group Hospitality, a global leader and innovator in restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment from Sphere Entertainment Co. and other limited partners. Mondelez International, Inc. opened its new Global Research & Development Innovation Center in Whippany, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art facility, which is supported by an investment of nearly $50 million, includes pilot and scale-up capability for cookies, crackers and candy and supports Mondelez International as an innovative global snacking leader. International Bowl Expo will be held at the Rosen Centre Hotel, Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida June 25-29,2023. This trade show for bowling alley owners and managers that rolls into the OCCC each year attracts

over 2,000 attendees from over 40 countries. Pilot Company aims to hire over 10,000 new team members across its family of travel center brands. The company remains committed to “fueling life’s journeys” and plans to add team members across North America in preparation for a busy season and beyond. Retail Confectioners International (RCI) announce its 2023 Annual Convention & Industry Expo will take place at the Wisconsin Center District Convention Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin June 12-16. Milwaukee was chosen for its close proximity to a concentrated group of both candy makers and suppliers. Smithfield Foods has made a $50,000 donation to TeamMates, a mentoring program serving third through 12th grade students in the Midwest. This investment, made through Smithfield’s Crete, Nebraska operation, will support local students with one-on-one mentoring to help them reach their full potential. The 2023 World Pork Expo will return to the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, from June 7-9. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the annual event focusing on education, innovation and networking within the pork industry. The Joe Vicario Restaurant Group launches Andiamo Bistro, a new sit-down casual dining experience in a beautiful bistro setting. Andiamo Bistro will serve the delicious flavors of homemade Italian Andiamo cuisine. Andiamo Bistro is located at 57336 Van Dyke Ave., Washington Township, Michigan. The manmade sausage casing market size is forecast to increase by USD 731.84 million from 2022 to 2027. The market is expected to progress at a CAGR of 6.88%, according to the recent market study by Technavio.

Kodiak Robotics, Inc, a leading self-driving trucking company introduced the first-ever autonomous electric class 8 truck. Kodiak is upfitting a Peterbilt Model 579EV electric truck with the Kodiak Driver, the company’s self-driving technology. The truck will be incorporated into Kodiak’s fleet in 2024.

succeed, we must first believe that we can.” — Nikos Kazantzakis

Prospector Popcorn Provides Jobs for People with Disabilities

Prospector Popcorn is more than just a gourmet popcorn brand, but one that provides competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities. They sparkle and transform their passions into professions, while earning paychecks with competitive wages. Approximately 75% of its 125 employees self-identify with a disability. They are changing lives, one kernel at a time! They ship to anywhere in the US via prospectorpopcorn.org.

Their professional “Popcornistas” prep, pop, and package every tasty morsel. Prospects - the name of all employees, turn passions into professions at every level of their “poperation.” In turn, they provide hope for the millions of Americans with disabilities who can work, want to work, yet struggle finding a job. What they do isn’t nice; it’s good business. People with disabilities add value to the workforce and better the bottom line.

Approximately 80% of Americans with disabilities don’t have a job. Meaningful employment is vital to a person’s mental, social, financial, and emotional health. Prospector Popcorn wants to transform the lives of people with disabilities by giving them competitive and inclusive employment opportunities. When you purchase delicious popcorn from them, you create the thousands of opportunities and interactions that fuel the Prospector’s mission.

Portillo’s Adds New Rodeo Burger to Menus Nationwide

Portillo’s the fast casual restaurant concept known for its menu of unrivaled Chicago-street food for the past 60 years, adds New Rodeo Burger to Menus Nationwide. Try the brand-new Rodeo Burger which features Portillo’s classic 1/3-pound char-broiled burger on a Brioche bun, stacked with its new thicker, crispier bacon, thinly sliced red onion, onion rings, melted American cheese, and Portillo’s tangy BBQ sauce.

Shake Shack’s Profits Soar with Kiosks

Sales generated through Shake Shack’s self-serve kiosks grew by more than 100% in the first quarter and kiosks are now the chain’s most profitable sales channel, spurring Shake Shack to accelerate the rollout of the technology to all of its 460 units. Shake Shack is also looking to its growing roster of licensed locations to power the brand’s international growth, CEO Randy Garutti said.

– Source: QSR

Portillo’s Considers

Non-Traditional Locations

Illinois-based hot dog and Italian sandwich chain Portillo’s is finding success in new US markets and it’s now focusing on expanding its drive-thru-only model and considering non-traditional venues like airports. The first Portillo’s Pick Up drive-thru concept opened last year and the chain will use lessons learned there to guide modifications at a planned second location, CEO Michael Osanloo said.

– Source: Restaurant Business

Beer-Infused Chocolates

Miller High Life is bringing the good life to sweets lovers with its new gourmet chocolates.

The Molson Coors-owned brand is partnering with chocolatier and entrepreneur Phillip Ashley to create Miller High Life Bar Snack Truffles. The collection of beer-infused chocolate confections toasts iconic flavors and memories made in bars. The chocolates come in a six pack of popular bar-flavored snacks that are designed to be paired with a six pack of beer. The flavors are: Grilled Cheese, Lemon Pepper Chicken Wing, Pretzel Praline, Beernut, Buttery Popcorn and Sweet Potato Fry.

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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.

• 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

customers

Cary Miller Presents: PEOPLE SELLING THE FOOD INDUSTRY

KEEP

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Sam Cirrincione and John Ricchio are the masterminds behind Chicago based Chefs Kitchen, 86 Foodservice, Meadowbrook Egg and Dearborn Marketplace, companies providing food and related items to many segments of the food industry, including American and Hispanic Restaurants, Retail Grocers, C-Stores and Bakeries. The company delivers to six Midwest states as well as having a very well stocked cash and carry outlet for all companies located 1400 W 44th Street in Chicago. They’ve positioned the company to provide a full line of products including dry, refrigerated and frozen items as well as fresh produce, meats, pizza, fast food, bakery ingredients and cheeses. If you are looking for higher quality products with the convenience of delivery and cash and carry, check out Chefs Kitchen. You can see their ad on page 8 of this issue or find them listed in our directories under food distribtuors.

Jeff Johnson ( R ) and Pasquale Giampietro are with V. Formusa Company, producers of Marconi brand products. The firm has a 125 year track record of producing products like giardinera, dressings, oils and vinegars. The company is known for their delicious condiments, including sport peppers, a staple of Chicago style hot dog stands! You can see the Marconi ad on page 12 of this issue.

Joe Santoro and Paul Steinmetz are with Rosina Real Italian Style Food Products, producers of high quality meatballs, pizza toppings and other Italian Specialties . The family owned and operated company takes great pride in providing exceptional quality products to their retail and foodservice customers, which helps keep guests returning . If your labor situation has you overwhelmed, check out the Rosina line of products which in many cases are superior to those made in-house. Tasting is believing. Contact Joe Santoro or your distributors for samples.

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“Have the end in mind and every day make sure you’re working towards it.”

— Ryan Allis

Saheba Lokhandwala, Alexis Bronstorph and Jim Jobson are with Tower Isles Frozen Foods, a NY based company that is the pioneer of the Jamaican Beef Patty business. This firm was the first USDA certified Jamaican Beef Patty company to be manufactured and sold wholesale; first to sell to the Board of Education; first to sell in supermarkets, pizzerias, delis and first to sell in the US military. The company’s products are delicious and full flavored and are easy to prepare and serve. Customers are looking for different snacks and the Tower Isle brand of patties is the perfect addition to any menu or snack bar

This month I am proud to be pictured with Robert Garvey, owner of Robert’s Pizza in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood. Robert is a New York native and certified Pizzaioli from the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli. As a boy in New York, pizza was everywhere and each slice was as unique as the next. After moving to Chicago, he became obsessed with creating the perfect pizza. This obsession took him on a 20-year journey of testing his signature recipes until the restaurant was born. You can try Robert’s pizza at his restaurant, located 465 N McClurg Court in Chicago

Father and Son Tom and Matt Prinske who, along with Tom’s other son Philip operate T. Castro Produce. This special company works hard to bring their foodservice and institutional customers high quality, hand selected produce which gives their customers the ability to deliver the WOW factor to every guest. Smart buyers understand that when it comes to produce, freshness and quality are key. Higher quality produce is not only healthier, tastes and looks better, but has a longer shelf life and reduces waste too. The firm is different from all other produce companies because they became the first federally recognized company owned by a person with a disability under the DBE program. Their mission is to be the most loyal, reliable, and honorable produce company in the city of Chicago with an intense focus on being most convenient and easy to do business with for their customers. In this day of fewer family owned companies in the produce distribution business, T. Castro picks up where others fall short. You can see their ad on page 31 of this issue. Be sure to call Matt Prinske to discover how much value they can add to your business.

Call 708-388-3223

and oil removal, pumping, jetting

Testa Produce Joins FreshEdge

FreshEdge, a family of best-in-class fresh food distribution companies backed by Wind Point Partners, acquired Testa Produce, a produce and specialty food company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. For more than 110 years, Testa Produce and the Testa family have been serving customers in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana distributing fresh fruits and vegetables, including an array of fresh-cut offerings, dairy, meats, seafoods, specialty foods, and more. Testa Produce is LEED Platinum Certified and operates out of a state-of-the-art 91,300 square foot facility that features the most up to date Green Technologies to utilize energy generation and water conservation.

The acquisition enhances FreshEdge’s density in the Midwest and provides additional space and logistical support to better serve its customer base. Testa Produce joins a growing family that includes Piazza Produce & Specialty Foods, Indianapolis Fruit, Get Fresh Produce, City Produce, McCartney Produce, Monteverde’s, Valley Produce, Vine Line, Garden Cut, CIBUS Fresh and Papania’s.

FreshEdge operates 899,800 square feet of warehouse space across 26 facilities with a fleet of more than 920 trucks and more than 2,000 employees.

Terms of the deal, which closed on April 29, 2023, were not disclosed. The transaction strengthens the combined business’s presence in Chicago and enables continued expansion across the Midwest.

FreshEdge is backed by Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity investment firm. Testa Produce represents FreshEdge’s first acquisition since Wind Point’s initial investment. Together, Wind Point and FreshEdge intend to continue growing FreshEdge by welcoming more fresh food distribution companies into the group—all focused on high quality produce and specialty food products, along with exceptional service—to create a unique group of complementary entities.

More information about FreshEdge is available at: freshedgefoods.com. Additional information about Wind Point is available at: ppartnersvw.com.

Advertise, or allow your competition to tell your customers what to think about you.

BEST PRICES ON FRESH PRODUCE SINCE

Kraft Heinz Reimagines Dinner with New Homebake 425/30 Brand

The Kraft Heinz Company Announced the launch of its newest brand, Homebake 425/30, a family-friendly, mix-and-match collection of delicious frozen entrée, side, and veggie dishes with over 500 possible menu combinations from 15 base products. Due to the proprietary technology in the Homebake roasting pan and the unique cooking process, all offerings are uniquely designed to cook together in one standard oven at 425 degrees for 30 minutes – a first for the industry. 61% of Americans prefer a homemade dinner each night1, but more than onethird of them are dissatisfied with the end product, resulting in over 3.7 billion home-cooked dinners a year that miss the mark.

Marriott Acquires City Express Brand Portfolio from Hoteles City Express

Marriott International, Inc. announced that it has completed its acquisition of the City Express brand portfolio from Hoteles City Express, S.A.B. de C.V. (BMV: HCITY). With this acquisition, Marriott International has entered the affordable midscale segment and is launching its 31st brand, City Express by Marriott.

“Our goal is to be everywhere our guests want us to be, with the right property in the right location at the right price point. The City Express brand acquisition is an important first step as we enter this attractive segment, allowing us to provide a wider range of choices to our guests...” said Leeny Oberg, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, Marriott International.

cannoli needs

and

Subway has announced the first update to its game-changing Subway Series menu since its debut in July 2022 . The Subway Series has been a hit with guests and franchisees over the last year, helping spur record-setting sales for Subway in 2022. And now, the best lineup of sandwiches in Subway history is getting even better. The Subway Series menu has expanded for the first time with four beloved classics and two brand new sandwiches, bringing the star-studded lineup to 18 total subs.

Bojangles is a chain of approximately 800 restaurants spread across 15 states that is famous for its Southern-inspired menu, including boldly flavored fried chicken, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and loads of ‘fixins.’ The brand was founded in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite concerns around inflation and rising transportation costs, 84% of families plan to spend the same amount or more on summer travel this year as last, according to a new survey conducted by Slickdeals, the only shopping platform powered by millions of avid shoppers. Founded in 1921 in Indianapolis, Wonder Bread is named for the feeling that founder Elmer Cline experienced when watching a hot air balloon race. A century later, the brand is credited with the popularization of sliced bread and remains an iconic brand at BBQ’s, on store shelves, at picnics and in lunchboxes across the nation. Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife was voted “Americas best aquarium for the fifth time.

Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum, is located next to Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.. It is the largest and most important conservation attraction to open in America in more than 100 years.

Sleep Inn , a leading new construction midscale brand from Choice Hotels International, Inc. known for its stylish, nature-inspired design and costeffective operating model, is getting a new look following the debut of the brand’s next-generation prototype, expected to be completed and rolled out by the end of 2023. New development option maintains brand position as lowest cost to build and operate in midscale while increasing guest intent to stay by 25%

Meijer expands commitment to the Great Lakes with $1.5+ million in donations to the council of the Great Lakes region since 2022. Efforts will bring innovative drone technology to 18 new sites along Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin lakeshores this year. OpenTable connects more than 1.5 billion people with restaurants every year. Powering hospitality at more than 55,000 restaurants, bars, wineries, and other venues globally, OpenTable drives reservations, experiences, payments, guest insights and operations. Teremana Tequila,

the ultra-premium tequila founded by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, announces it has surpassed sales of one million 9L cases sold annually. This is a landmark milestone for the three-year-old brand as it invests in further growth, while maintaining its mission to craft, accessibility, and local community engagement. The Dyrt, the No. 1 app for camping information and booking, found in its 2023 Camping Report that 18.1 percent of campers changed or canceled plans due to flooding and natural disasters last year. the Dyrt receives over 30 million visits from campers each year because The Dyrt has it all. The White Palace Grill, open since 1939, might be the finest example of an urban diner in Chicago. A beacon on the northeast corner of Canal and Roosevelt, this diner has managed to stick around while other businesses have come and gone. Open 24/7 365 Days a Year! Seattle’s premier food festival, The Bite of Seattle, returns July 21 – 23, 2023 at Seattle Center after a three-year hiatus. Over 500,000 guests will enjoy an elevated experience and taste bites from 200 of the region’s finest restaurant and specialty food purveyors. Severe thunderstorms can produce dangerous lightning, hail and wind gusts that damage property and threaten lives. If you “See a flash, dash inside” and “When thunder roars, go indoors”: Always head indoors at the first sign of a thunderstorm, and stay away from windows. If there are no buildings nearby, get inside a vehicle to ride out the storm. The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 18, 2023.

CREPE BATTER

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

DAIRY-DISTRIBUTOR

DESSERT SUPPLIES

Fox Valley Farms

DESSERTS

Chicago Sweet Connection Page 16

Cheesecakes

DESSERTS-WHOLESALE

Lezza Spumoni & Desserts Page 32 708-547-5969

DIRECT MAIL PROGRAMS

Food Industry News 847-699-3300

DISHWASHING & CHEMICALS

DISINFECTING SERVICES

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 29 847-827-1188

Kleen Teem Group 888-717-0360

DRAM SHOP INSURANCE

Viti Insurance 847-432-1000

DRAPERIES-CLEANING

Sexton Group Floor Care Page 29 847-827-1188

DUCT CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 04

Maintenance

Meadowbrook Egg & Dairy Company

EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS

Employco USA

EMPLOYMENT ATTORNEYS

Rob Bernstein - Laner Muchin 312-342-7778

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Laner Muchin 312-467-9800

ENERGY BROKER

Century Energy Solutions Page 10

ETHNIC FOODS

Kikkoman Sales USA Page 04

JUICERS-FRUIT & VEGETABLES Berkel Midwest Page 15

KITCHEN-EXHAUST SYSTEMS/CLEANING

Enviromatic Corp of America Page 04 800-325-8476

Olympia Maintenance

LABEL PRINTERS

Edwards Label Printing

LAW FIRMS

708-344-0344

847-663-6600

Tuckey Law Page 16 312-701-2200

Laner Muchin 312-467-9800

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773-254-6100

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SAUSAGE

Anichini Brothers

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Vienna Beef

SCALES

Berkel Midwest Page 15

SCALES-SALES & REPAIR

Accurate Scale Company

SEAFOOD

Fisherman’s Pride Page 48

SEATING

Trendler Inc Page 32

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SELF-SERVICE ORDERING KIOSKS

Alpha POS Services Inc

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SHAKE MIX

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Perishable Distribution Solutions Page 11

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& SERVICE

Berkel Midwest Page 15

SLOT MACHINES J & J Gaming Page 13

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING Create Inc Chicago Page 23

SOFT DRINKS

630-918-3000

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PepsiCo Foodservice 773-893-2319

SOFT SERVE-ICE CREAM/EQUIP & SUPPLIES

Kool Technologies Page 41 630-483-2256

SOFT SERVICE MIX

Fox Valley Farms 630-231-3005

SOUP BASES

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

SOUPS

Bistro Soups (Div of Vienna Beef)

Beef

SPECIALTY FOODS DISTRIBUTOR

Specialty Food Show 212-482-6440 SPICES

La Criolla Page 14 312-243-8882

Tec Foods Inc 773-638-5310

SPIRITS

R Jelinek Midwest

708-691-3895

When to Consider a Restaurant Consultant

NOTHING TO FEAR...

Perhaps, revenue is up, yet profits are down. In that situation, what needs attention and, possibly, correction? There may be obvious factors, as well as not-so-obvious reasons, for why a business isn’t as healthy as is could be.

Would a fresh viewpoint and a level of expertise outside of your organization help, and possibly relieve an already full plate of obligations?

It may be useful to look deeply at the things you need help with that are beyond the capabilities of your current organization.

A restaurant consultant offers both, a big-picture perspective of a business and a deep dive into what is happening. This veteran of the hospitality industry produces an overall assessment of a concept and its culture, layers in surrounding market place conditions, and then provides a neutral point of view. With a completed, expert analysis, a consultant works alongside clients to assist with creating and building solutions for achievable and measurable results.

A consultant can bring a variety of things to your business:

• An unbiased assessment or mystery shop from a customer’s perspective.

• A deep diagnostic review of your company

• Expertise in specific areas of need.

• A resource for specific projects without the burden of an entire salary and benefits.

• Input on emerging markets and industry trends.

• New concept creation, development, and execution.

• Confidential discussions current opportunities as well as future plans and ideas.

• Time-sensitive project completions

• An accountability partner for your short and long-term business goals.

Bringing in a consultant can provide solutions to specific problems and assist with diagnosing issues that might not be easy to assess from inside the business. You can learn what the condition of your business is at a specific moment in time, define a path to improvement, and gain tools to sustain new approaches long after your engagement with a consultant has concluded. The return on investment is exponential—your business gains a trusted relationship it can rely upon for potential future needs.

– Thomas Edison

– See the Forklift Restaurant Consulting ad on page 10

“I failed my way to success.”

Have you ever wondered “What is the condition of my business?” Or, “What can be done to improve my business?”

Nea Yefsi Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Nea Yefsi is a supplier of high quality Mediterranean products coming from the best farm-lands in Greece. Starting with their flagship Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) product in 2015, they aim to develop a comprehensive portfolio of natural products that satisfies consumer preferences,whilst ensuring the highest health benefits.

The core team of Nea Yefsi is committed to supply Greek origin, internationally certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) products and blends of EVOO/Sunflower oil products, offering a variety of organoleptic profiles high in aroma and rich in taste, suitable for cooking, drizzling, dressing, frying, deep-frying, etc.

• Nea Yefsi EVOO products are natural and free from preservatives and chemicals as it is just the juice of crushed olives, ensuring freshness and nutrients are retained.

• Nea Yefsi Blends of EVOO/Sunflower oil products are less intensive in aroma and flavor than EVOO, while being resis- tant to high temperatures. They offer consistency in quality and taste because they select among an extensive variety of olives from every region of Greece.

Customised solutions for any purpose and flavor requirements, can be developed by their experts. They only sell oil from the current year’s crop and pack strictly against order. They are proud to guarantee always freshness. Their suppliers are ISO certified and accredited by FDA and their products are certified by internationally accredited laboratories for quality and purity. For more information, visit: www.neayefsi.com.

Monday, June 5 – 5 to 9 p.m.

NOW AVAILABLE VIA NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

INFO@ELEVEN-RO.COM

ELEVEN R+O

WE BELIEVE THE CRAFTING OF A BLOODY MARY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS – AN ART. BREAKFAST & BRUNCH ARE JUST AS SERIOUS OF AN ENDEAVOR. IT’S GOT TO BE DONE RIGHT. WE FOUND TRUE INSPIRATION TASTING MANY SENSATIONAL BLOODY MARYS AT FANTASTIC DINERS & BRUNCH SPOTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

SO WE SET OUT TO CRAFT OUR VERY OWN SERIOUS MARY MIX IN 2008 – A LITTLE HEAT UP FRONT & A CLEAN CITRUS FINISH. WE ARE SO PROUD TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU.

– Phil Jackson

“Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength.”

Featuring: Barry Sorkin and Dominique Leach

Chicagoland’s Real Estate Auction Experts

trust Rick Levin to auction off their properties!

Tacos Guanajuato Welcomes New Menu and Beautiful Outdoor Dining

Tacos Guanajuato, located at 20771 N. Rand Road, Kildeer, IL, is owned and operated by Executive Chef Jovanny Diaz, Margarita Challenger, and her restaurant group, Salsalito, Inc. The restaurant offers many dishes, from the traditional to the creative, to please any lover of quality, authentic Mexican cuisine: handcrafted tacos, tortas, burritos, appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. An ever-changing selection of original Margarita cocktails and other libations enhances the dining experience.

Bomb Pop, America’s favorite ice-pop brand , is dropping the ultimate flavor mash-up:Candy Clash . Combining the signature candy flavors known and loved by all - blue raspberry, strawberry and watermelon - Candy Clash is the collision of three fan favorites into one delightfully delicious ice pop designed to be enjoyed throughout the summer and beyond.

In this day of fewer family-owned bakeries delivering daily and servicing restaurants, Franklin Park Illinois based Il Mulino di Velanzano Bakery recently expanded its product line to serve its customers and the industry better. The bakery has always had a reputation for high quality delicious Italian breads and rolls. The company recent expanded it’s selection of hearth-baked artisan breads, sandwich and dinner rolls to include trending products like bread made with full-flavored slowly fermented dough, fresh pizza dough, par-baked pizza crusts and pan (sandwich) loaf breads. You can find Il Mulino’s ad on page 47

ATTENTION CHEFS

We want to support you and tell your story.

Fill out our chef profile: foodindustrynews.com/ chef-form It’s free.

– Photo courtesy, Tacos Guanajuato

ATTENTION CHEFS

We want to support you and tell your story. Fill out our chef profile: foodindustrynews.com/ chef-form

It’s free.

Ruth’s Chris Joins Darden

Darden Restaurants will buy 154-unit Ruth's Chris Steak House in a deal valued at $715 million, the Florida-based companies said today. The Olive Garden parent company plans to include the upscale steakhouse chain in its finedining portfolio. – AP

Global Vacation Deprivation at Ten-Year High, Expedia Reports

Expedia released its 23rd-annual Vacation Deprivation report, finding that global vacation deprivation levels have reached a 10-year high as working adults navigate inflation, workplace labor shortages and busy schedules. Despite these obstacles, a whopping 81% of travelers worldwide plan to take as many, if not more - trips in 2023, pledging to travel “no matter what.”

“Vacation Deprivation is feeling like you don’t have enough vacation time but it’s a sneakier, more complex syndrome than that,” says Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group brands public relations.

Graceland Announces AllAmerican 4th of July Weekend

Elvis Presley’s Graceland will be lit in red, white and blue as it celebrates the nation’s independence during its “All-American Weekend” on July 1-2. The weekend will include an Elvis tribute concert, VIP Dinner and Reception on the grounds of Graceland, gospel brunch, special “hidden” tour of Graceland, plus will be capped off with a fireworks extravaganza set to Elvis music. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is music’s most important and beloved landmark, with hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world visiting the historic home each year.

Somos Hospitality Announces Ummo, Opening In Chicago’s River North Summer 2023

Somos Hospitality, the team behind the awardwinning Tzuco, is pleased to announce Ummo, a contemporary Italian dining concept opening in the heart of River North at 22 West Hubbard Street in July. Helmed by Principal/Co-Founder Germán González and esteemed Chef/Partner Carlos Gaytán, with cuisine by Chef/Partner José Sosa and design by Karen Herold of Studio K Creative, Ummo will unlock the flavors of regional Italian cuisine in a stunning, artfully imagined space. A soon-to-be named, second-floor social lounge ideal for a retro-inspired aperitivo hour or post-dinner enjoyment, promises a relaxed destination for spirited times and community connection.

Ummo marks the second restaurant by Somos Hospitality in Chicago’s River North district. Tzuco, which opened in 2019 at 720 North State Street, has become a fixture for area residents and visitors seeking Chef Gaytan’s native Mexican cuisine effortlessly graced with French influence that earned the restaurant a semifinalist nod for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation. Expansion in the area was a natural progression for the Somos team, and Italian cuisine represents an exciting direction for the group under Chef Sosa’s experienced leadership.

“This is an exciting time to expand our presence in Chicago,” said Germán González. “The downtown Chicago community has been so good to us, and we see a distinct growth opportunity for Hubbard Street. It is ready for a fine-casual concept of this kind, and we are proud to be among fellow business owners working collaboratively to bring exciting culinary talent and even more vitality to the area.”

Anticpated Growth for Soft and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The global non-alcoholic beverages market size is anticipated to reach USD 1,185.30 billion by 2030, expanding at 6.4% CAGR from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Owing to factors such as rising disposable income, population growth, and changing lifestyles. Increasing concerns regarding obesity and health awareness are expected to trigger the growth of low-sugar carbonated drinks, tea & coffee, and bottled water.

Chef Carlos Gaytán

Neil Jones Food Company: A Little History

At the heart of the Neil Jones Food Company story is an entrepreneurial hero’s journey.

Neil Jones entered the cannery business in the 1970s when much of the industry was flailing. Northwest Packing Company, a fruit and green bean packer at the time, was no exception. Jones and his team worked around the clock to improve operational efficiencies, product quality and customer service. After months of persistence, fighting for every dollar, the company finally became profitable again.

Soon after, San Benito Foods became part of the NJFC family. Operating since 1915, Jones knew the legacy of quality built into the Hollister, CA cannery and sought to maintain and expand it through the same dedication to excellence. In time, the NJFC family of customers grew to include some of the finest Mexican & Italian restauranteurs operating in the U.S.

Not stopping there, Jones kept his eye on the future and built a processing facility with capabilities for a new packaging solution. TomaTek was built in the 1980s and quickly established itself as a leader in aseptic technology, industrial tomato production and the #10-equivalent, shelf stable, flexible pouch.

Still family-owned and operated, NJFC continues to strive for quality and excellence at every step. You can find them in our directory under Food Products.

Eleven City Diner Serious Mary Mix

Chicago is a city that really knows how to host a serious breakfast & brunch...and a signature Bloody Mary is always on the menu. Eleven City Diner, opened its doors in downtown Chicago back in 2006 – and they have always taken the crafting of a Bloody Mary as serious business – an art. They spent eight and a half months creating what they felt was the finest bloody mix, and bottled it – a little heat up front with a clean citrus finish. Now having landed national distribution, their “Serious Mary Mix” is available in the midwest market. They are so proud to offer this nonalcoholic mix for you to create your very own signature Bloody Mary for your guests. As they love to say...don’t skimp on the garnish.

For distribution information and maybe get a bottle to play around with at your establishment, contact info@eleven-ro.com.

— You can find the Eleven City ad on page 41.

– Vidal Sassoon

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

With VALERIE MILLER TRAVEL

Holland America West Coast Cruises Includes Four Different Regions for Travelers

Holland America Line has opened cruise bookings for its 2024-2025 West Coast season from San Diego, California, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Sailings from these two North American homeports allow guests to see the world from their doorstep, without international air or by taking an easy flight from Canada.

Travelers can set out from the West Coast to explore the vibrant cultures of Mexico, Hawaii’s aloha spirit, the charming seaside escapes of the Pacific Coast and the famed Panama Canal on five ships across 42 cruises. Sailings are roundtrip from San Diego, roundtrip from Vancouver, or begin or end in either of the two ports.

“Holland America Line continues to cultivate our North America homeport cruises to offer a diverse range of destinations without the need for long-haul air,” said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “Our West Coast departures are a rich collection of close-to-home itineraries, and by offering the ability to book back-to-back cruises in different regions our guests can check off more of their must-do travel

About Holland America Line

experiences in one vacation.”

From September 2024 through May 2025, guests can embark cruises ranging from a four-day voyage along the Pacific Coast to a 21-day transit of the Panama Canal. Itineraries are uniquely curated to include popular ports alongside lesservisited locales that showcase the natural beauty, cultural diversity and rich history of each region.

This season, Holland America Line is featuring more Panama Canal Collectors’ Voyages that begin with a Hawaii cruise and expand the canal transit experience to the eastern Caribbean. Many of the other cruises also can be extended into Collectors’ Voyages to create the ultimate exploration with more economical fares than booking the cruises individually. Ranging from 14 to 31 days, these longer journeys combine nonrepeating, back-to-back itineraries, enabling guests to visit more than one region.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, or visit: hollandamerica.com.

Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and PLC, has been exploring the world for 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

Photo – William Jans: wrjphoto.com

Hilton Announces Partnership with James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant Awards

Hilton announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the James Beard Foundation, serving as a Premier Sponsor of the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards. As the first global hospitality company to sponsor the Outstanding Bar Award, the activation underscores Hilton’s ongoing leadership and innovation in food and beverage.

The 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will take place on June 5 in Chicago and will honor outstanding achievement in the food and beverage industry across 22

HR Matters: Pay Transparency and Equity at the Workplace

Pay Transparency is the practice of openly sharing pay-related information with current and potential employees. This information generally includes the pay scales or salary ranges for specific positions in job postings. The goal of pay transparency is to help ensure fairness and equity in the workplace by providing employees and applicants with a better understanding of how they’re compensated compared to other positions and individuals. Employees value pay transparency because it can help them to avoid applying for jobs they wouldn’t accept due to low pay, negotiate for better salaries and build trust with their employers.

Despite many employers’ reluctance to embrace pay transparency—because pay transparency can reveal unintended pay gaps and trigger questions from current employees—the practice has gained a stronger foothold in 2023. In fact, a growing number of states and localities require employers to

categories and a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talent to established leaders.

The James Beard Awards are among the industry’s most prestigious honors, recognizing exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, and broader food system.

The Outstanding Bar Award recognizes those who demonstrate consistent excellence in guest experience, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to the broader community.

share pay information with applicants and employees. The state list includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, Rhode Island and Washington (but not Illinois yet).

Illinois Equal Pay Act - Employers with 100 or more employees (“covered employers”) in Illinois must submit an application to obtain an Equal Pay Registration Certificate (EPRC) by providing certain pay, demographic, and other data to the IDOL every two years. The IDOL uses the submitted information to help identify and respond to potential IEPA violations.

Illinois covered employers are required to (1) obtain the registration certificate every two years and (2) include EEO-1 type diversity and employment data in annual report to the Illinois Secretary of State. Most Illinois employers will need to submit the EPRC application by March 24, 2024.

For more information or answers to any questions you might have about human resources, contact Rob Wilson: rwilson@employco.com. You can also find Employco listed in our directory under “Human Resources Services”.

2023 Shmoozefest Dates

Monday, June 5

Monday, Sept.

Monday, Dec. 4