INSIDER NEWS FROM THE FOODSERVICE + HOSPITALITY SCENE SCOOP

Do you have the SCOOP on any foodservice and hospitality news? Send items to SCOOP Editor Joyce Appelman at tfs@totalfood.com

In Memoriam

SCOOP was saddened to learn that the Bigelow family shared the news of second-generation CoChairman David C. Bigelow’s peaceful passing. Mr. Bigelow was an extraordinary leader who led the company, and the tea industry overall, with the highest level of integrity and an unwavering spirit of determination. Examples of his accomplishments have included launching specialty teas to the mass market through grocery channels which not only paved the way for the future of tea in the U.S. but placed Bigelow Tea as a market leader. Another notable milestone in his brilliant career was the development of the foil pouch for each individual tea bag that today has become the accepted industry gold standard for protecting tea’s freshness and flavor.

Cindi Bigelow, third generation president and CEO says, “My father was my mentor for my entire life both personally and professionally. He never wavered from the traits I admired the most. He was a humble, grateful and a kind man. He leaves a big hole for my family, our extended family at Bigelow Tea and far beyond, but we will continue forward with the lessons he taught us all….think about others before self.”

The family kindly requests any donations be made to the David and Eunice Bigelow Foundation. Donations can be made via Paypal (via this link, or directly to paypal.me/bigelowfoundation) or via check. Checks can be mailed to 201 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT 06825 address, Attn: Janned Serrano. These contributions will continue David Bigelow’s spirit of generosity and make a positive difference in the lives of those in need, just as he did throughout his remarkable journey.

Citymeals Announces New Board Members

SCOOP heard that with the start of the new fiscal year, Citymeals welcomed Colleen Goggins as the new president of their Board of Directors. Currently a non-executive director for TD Bank Group, she has served on the Citymeals board since 2011.

She succeeds previous co-presidents Daniel Boulud and Bob Grimes, who now serve as board chair and president emeritus.

They also welcomed three new members to their board: Giusy Buonfantino, a former vice president of Consumer-Packaged Goods at Google Cloud; Alex Guarnaschelli executive chef at Butter, cookbook author and television personality at the Food Network; and longtime supporter Barbara Tarmy, a partner at William Jones Wealth Management.

Ice Machine Ownership Cost Report Released By Easy Ice

SCOOP learned that Easy Ice, the only national provider of commercial ice machine rental solutions, has released their analysis of the total cost of ice machine ownership on their blog. After 14 years of delivering their all-inclusive ice machine subscription to thousands of customers and with decades of combined industry experience among their staff,

Easy Ice possesses a degree of insight on commercial ice machine economics that business owners won’t find anywhere else. The brand’s piece on total cost of ice machine ownership empowers businesses to make better, more informed decisions about how to get their ice equipment. Read it on the Easy Ice blog at https://shorturl.at/loOYZ.

Carbone Fine Food Releases World Famous Spicy Vodka Sauce Nationwide

SCOOP learned that Carbone Fine Food added to its line of jarred sauces a spicy vodka sauce popularized by the spicy rigatoni vodka dish on the menu at Carbone. The latest addition to its retail offerings was created in partnership with the founders of Major Food Group, Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick.

The award-winning Chefs Carbone and Torrisi, oversaw the development of the Spicy Vodka recipe, prioritizing quality and authenticity by strictly sourcing some of the world’s best-tasting tomatoes, grown in volcanic ash, handpicked in Italy and cooked in small batches. With the additions of Calabrian Chili, and slow-cooked onions, consumers will find a depth of flavor only found in Spicy Rigatoni Vodka dishes at Carbone restaurants.

Alongside Spicy Vodka, the brand is releasing two new pizza sauces, one Original and one Spicy version, ideal for elevating at-home Pizza nights. With the perfect balance of sweet Italian tomatoes, fresh onions, fresh garlic, and spices consumers can elevate their creations to produce pizzeria quality pies.

Carbone pasta sauces are available among a wide distributor network, including both UNFI and KEHE. For any trade inquiries, you can use sales@carbonefinefood.com.

Josh Kern Named Ceo Of Spb Hospitality

SCOOP learned that SPB Hospitality, an industryleading operator and franchisor of restaurants spanning a national footprint, announced the appointment of Josh Kern as Chief Executive Officer. He was continued on page 102 named interim CEO in August of 2022. SPB Hospitality encompasses a wide array of brands in the casual, fast casual, quick service and fine dining categories, as well as bars and breweries. Kern steered the company’s merger with Krystal, the original quick-service slider concept in the south. Furthermore, he has blended the companies while streamlining costs and launched the first major refranchising effort for the Krystal brand.

Kern’s people-first vision for SPB Hospitality remains centered on three core principles: collaboration, innovation, and customer-centricity. Kern joined SPB Hospitality in 2018 as Chief Marketing Officer before taking on the President of Concepts role, overseeing marketing, culinary, beverage, supply chain and information technology. Kern’s other restaurant experience includes serving as Chief Marketing Officer for Cerca Trova Restaurant Concepts (largest Outback Franchise system), Chief Marketing Officer for Smashburger and Vice President of Marketing for Quiznos.