for Chicago Restaurants

Tim Ryll, Bar Director at Chicago restaurant group Four Corners, said it best: “Ice is kind of like oxygen. You don’t think about it until you don’t have it.”

Easy Ice, the only national ice machine subscription company in the U.S., wants to give restaurant owners the luxury of forgetting about their ice— specifically, their ice machines. That’s the idea behind the Easy Ice subscription. It’s an allinclusive rental solution that covers a customer’s ice equipment, maintenance, repairs, and backup ice.

“Our reviews speak for themselves,” said John Newburgh, General Manager at Easy Ice. “We guarantee service within 24 hours. We track all our accounts through state-of-the-art metrics to ensure we reduce customer down time and take a proactive approach.”

Federales, a Four Corners concept, is just one of over 3000 satisfied Easy Ice customers in Chicago. “We’ve been a client for over 20 years, and it’s been great!” Ryll said. “Their equipment is top notch and holds up very well. Easy Ice is very prompt with service regarding gear or emergency ice deliveries.”

One thing’s for certain: Easy Ice is changing the way Chicago restaurant owners experience their ice machines.

Dr Pepper Adds Strawberries and Cream

Dr Pepper debuted the newest flavor innovation to become part of the brand’s permanent portfolio as Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream hits shelves nationwide. The new beverage treat is the original 23 flavors of Dr Pepper swirled with layers of refreshing strawberry flavor and a smooth, creamy finish. This latest flavor innovation from Dr Pepper will be the only strawberry and cream-flavored dark soda in the market today.

Aldi Adds Distribution Center to Support Gulf Region Growth

Aldi unveiled its completed regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, which will ultimately serve as many as 100 stores across the Gulf Coast as the 26th regional headquarters and distribution center for Aldi, and its sixth to be opened in the southern United States, Loxley will support the grocer’s rapid expansion in the region. Aldi is now operating 30 stores in the Gulf Coast, having opened 20 stores in the area last year alone. It plans to add another 13 stores in 2023.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records - the largest collection of hamburger related items belongs to Harry Sperl, (a.k.a. Hamburger Harry, Germany) and consists of 3,724 items, verified in Daytona Beach, Florida, on September 20, 2014.

Amtrak operates a nationwide rail network, serving more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian provinces, on more than 21,400 miles of routes. The name “Amtrak” results from the blending of the words “America” and “track.”

The railroad is officially known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. David’s Bridal, the nation’s leading bridal and special occasion authority, unveils its latest Spring 2023 collection, The New Luxury. The collection is intentionally curated to celebrate brides redefining what luxury means to them with styles for every bride and budget. Girl Scouts of the USA kicks off the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie season nationally as girls and their troops rally their communities to support the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls.

New for the 2023 cookie season, the Raspberry Rally cookie joins the iconic lineup alongside classic family favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas/Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs, and more March Madness is The NCAA Division men’s basketball tournament, a single-elimination tournament of 68 teams that compete in seven rounds for the national championship. The penultimate round is known as the Final Four, when only four teams are left.

In 2023, Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary with a full roster of exciting experiences, events, and a brand-new attraction, plus an official 50th birthday celebration on June 30, 2023. Over 117 million visitors have passed through Hershey’s Chocolate World’s doors since its official opening in 1973. National School Breakfast Week celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This special observance during the first week of March Mar. 6-10,2023 celebrates the national School Breakfast Program and the many ways it gives kids a great start every day. The National Sleep Foundation has announced Sleep Awareness Week 2023 will take place from March 12-18, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its annual campaign. Sleep Awareness Week serves as a call to action for the public to recognize their sleep as a crucial part of health and well-being. Power outage tip —If the power is out for less than 4 hours, then the food in your refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep food cold for longer. St. Patrick’s Day —held on March 17, is the feast day of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. Originally celebrated with religious feasts and services, St. Patrick’s Day became a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached the United States alongside Irish immigrants. The Indianapolis Cultural Trail debuted back in 2013 as an 8-mile urban pedestrian and bicycling trail punctuated with public art installations. 10 years later, in May of 2023, a $30 million, 2-mile expansion will be completed, improving access to the city’s historical African American cultural district and the new 16 Tech Innovation District, which will be opening an incubator for Black chefs.

Walmart Raising Wages, Expanding Benefits

Walmart is increasing starting hourly wages to $14 nationwide to better compete for workers as many retailers face staffing shortages. The company has also expanded benefits for its subsidized college degree initiative and truck driver training program.

– The Wall Street Journal

US Foods Names New CEO

There’s a new chief at US Foods. The foodservice distributor announced that Dave Flitman has taken on the role of CEO since January 2023. Flitman fills an open top spot that was temporarily held by interim CEO Andrew Iacobucci following the May departure of former CEO Pietro Satriano. He joins the Rosemont, lll.-based US Foods from Builders FirstSource, a $23 billion building product and services provider where he was president and CEO.

As part of his leadership at US Foods, Flitman will serve as a member of the company’s board of directors. He is currently a director at packaging distribution company Veritiv Corp., where he holds a spot on the audit and finance committee and chairs the compensation and leadership development committee.

– Food Marketing Solutions & Progressive Grocer

In-Store Restaurants Gain Favor

In-store restaurants are gaining traction with grocers, including Wahlburgers, which is in 61 Hy-Vee stores and plans to add over 20 additional locations this year. Kroger has been investing in Kitchen United Mix Food Halls, while H.E. Butt Grocery opened more own-brand instore restaurants such as South Flo Pizza and True Texas BBQ. – Supermarket News