Technology-Driven Food Changes

Technology is driving change throughout the food supply chain and consumers are seeing the results of that innovation in everything from vertically grown produce at restaurants and retailers to cell-cultured alternatives, according to The Hartman Group’s Food & Technology 2022. “Consumers will continue to ask whether the ends justify the means and expect companies to make compelling and honest cases for new, tech-forward foods,” writes Hartman CEO Laurie Demeritt.

— Source: SmartBrief/Food

The special guests for our March 7 Shmoozefest are Chef Tony Priolo (co-owner, Piccolo Sogno) and Chef Sarah Stegner (co-owner, Prairie Grass Cafe) who were instrumental in gaining the support of over 70 Chicago chefs, resulting in an event which raised over $680,000 to aid the crises in Ukraine. The event filled the massive Navy Pier Ballroom. Join us as we learn how Chefs Tony and Sarah pulled off this massive initiative and how it has helped their businesses and careers.

Join 200 to 400 local industry professionals who attend Shmoozefest to network, learn, sample products and meet with top vendor co-sponsors in a fun, positive MINI-TRADE SHOW environment. Proactively put a spotlight on your business, your brand and people, to invite quality face-to-face conversations with key food business professionals by being a sponsor. Join us! It’s free! To donate a raffle prize call 847-699-3300.

Event Co-Sponsors

Doordash to Deliver Starbucks Nationwide

Starbucks is expanding its delivery partnership with DoorDash, and the coffee giant expects the service to be available in every US state by March. Starbucks built its business on being a “third place,” but its offpremises sales have been growing significantly — drive-thru, delivery and mobile orders now generate 75% of total orders, the company says.

– Restaurant Business

Roger’s Park Pizzeria Participates in World’s Largest Pizza Party

Tony Troiano, owner of J.B. Alberto’s Pizza of Rogers Park traveled to Tulsa as part of World Pizza Champions in partnership with The University of Tulsa and achieved a Guinness Book of World Record for World’s Largest Pizza Party to benefit Make-A-Wish Oklahoma. The group set the record on Saturday, January 21 and had a total of 3,357 participants.

“This record attempt was logistically a challenge that took dozens if not hundreds of people to pull off,” said Tony Troiano, owner of J.B. Alberto’s Pizza “We are so proud of the way multiple entities came together for the sake of raising money for a well-deserving organization and in doing so put some serious funds in their corner and accomplished a huge title of World Record Holder of World’s Largest Pizza Party.” “Design

— Alina Wheeler, author

Greek and Mediterranean items like octopus, gyros, paidakia, lamb porterhouse, feta-brined chicken, souvlaki, Vasili’s chips and more. At Vasili’s, they share their hearth-inspired Mediterranean dishes that have been handed down through generations.

“Quality is most important to us at Scott Harris Hospitality. When customers come to one of our restaurants, they are our family. You only want to serve your family and loved ones the best possible items. We have found with Devanco Foods, that they have the highest quality standards in place to enhance a meal to make it memorable. Their quality gyro is something that our customers count on at Vasili’s and we’re proud to be in partnership with them. “said Chef Jason Euler.

Scott Harris Hospitality has been serving the Chicago area for more than 30 years, starting with Scott’s original location, Mia Francesca’s in Lakeview. From the day he opened his doors, he has seen great success throughout Chicago and in San Diego through a variety of culinary concepts. Most recently, Scott Harris Hospitality moved its Fat Rosie’s location to a larger location in Naperville in January. Up next is their newest concept SmokeShow, an all-American BBQ restaurant opening up in downtown Naperville, with Davanti Enoteca, an Italian Wine Bar, coming just weeks after the opening of SmokeShow across the street. The company has plans to open an additional Fat Rosie’s location this year in Lincolnwood, IL, Vinny’s Clam Bar in Tinley Park, IL and many exciting things upon the horizon in 2024! Scott Harris Hospitality is working around the clock to provide an excellent dining experience for all of their customers.

US Foods Adds Bear Robotics and 7shifts to Check Business Tools Program to Help

Operators Address Labor Challenges

US Foods Holding Corp, one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, announced the addition of two transformative technology offerings to its Check Business Tools program: Bear Robotics and 7shifts. US Foods Check Business Tools program provides foodservice operators with a growing suite of technology solutions designed to help drive traffic, simplifyt staffing and reduce waste. Bear Robotics and 7shifts were ultimately selected to join the US Foods Check Business Tools line-up after participating in the company’s Innovative Partnerships incubator program with more than 20 restaurant technology companies vying for the opportunity.

Hyatt to Rebrand Hyatt Regency Scottsdale

Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch Under the Grand Hyatt Brand in Late 2024, which will mark the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Arizona. Rebrand plans include $110 million transformative renovation to hotel’s guestrooms and public areas, as well as an expansion of meeting and event space. Renovation of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch is expected to begin in early summer 2023 in a phased approach with an anticipated completion in late 2024. The hotel will remain in operation during the renovation process –minimizing impact to the guest experience as much as possible.

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TUCKEY’S TIPS

By Lauren N. Tuckey, Esq., Tuckey Law, LLC