Michele Hartz

Beverage concepts boom as budget-minded customers look to indulge. Coffee, tea, soda, smoothie, juice, and boba concepts all performed well http://ow.ly/SXVE105vIRM

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Division Chef Thomas Sewell has been in the foodservice industry for several years, and knows when certain training tactics are beneficial or when it is time for them to be retired. Chef Thomas understands that each new hire is different, and a certain level of personalization is needed to set team members up for success in their roles. Learn more about what foodservice training tactics should stay and which should go by reading Chef Thomas' conversation with FoodService Director Online: https://lnkd.in/ebJGheZM.

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📢 Big news! US Foods is considering selling its 90-store US Foods CHEF'STORE business to refocus on its core Broadline distribution. With limited synergies and a small contribution to overall growth, management believes CHEF’STORE would thrive under more focused ownership. Stay tuned for updates! #USFoods #BusinessNews #StrategicDecisions #RetailNews #DistributionNews #RetailStat

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Josh Cassel, Sr HR Manager & Freya Christian, Retail Marketing Manager of Clemens Food Group joined us to speak with young adults from Hopeworks. Josh spoke about his path with Clemens (with his Bacon makes Everything Better Hatfield logo on his shirt). He didn't follow the traditional path and worked his way up to management. He said, "Don't be afraid to try something new or different, even if it wasn't part of your plan." Freya discussed being a type A personality who likes to plan everything but the marketing industry is constantly changing and she needs to adapt. She said, "Control the controllables and ask yourself, 'What actions can I take to get the best result'. " #realworldleaders #clemensfoodgroup #baconmakeseverythingbetter

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USDA Administrative Review preparation takes time and energy. For most foodservice programs, time is at a premium. When it comes to reviews, NutriStudents K-12 eases the burden. With personalized review support (with a real, live person!) and client portal providing 24/7 access to all the needed reports, menus, recipes, and marketing resources, USDA Administrative Reviews can be a breeze. #TestimonialTuesday

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TOMORROW: Learn how leading QSRs like Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Portillo's are turning to tech to navigate labor challenges. Register for our webinar with QSR: https://bit.ly/3WTckGA

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Functional Foods Find Increased Favor Among Consumers: As standard snacks and beverages attempt to hold consumer loyalty, functional foods and healthier beverages are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. More people are questioning ingredients and opting for a cleaner, simpler option according to consumer research reports. https://lnkd.in/eABW4ycV #food #foodtrends #2024 #foodtrends2024 #2024foodtrends #consumers #foodandbeverage #healthier #healtheroptions

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My new Pairing Beer & Chocolate book (grab it on the Bean to Barstool site or on Amazon) is great for both casual enthusiasts and professionals who want to add pairings as an event option—breweries, chocolate shops, beer or chocolate educators, etc. I talked with Andrew Coplon at Craft Beer Professionals last year about how brewery taprooms can put on successful chocolate pairings, which you can watch here: https://lnkd.in/erKrwRJh

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Curious what the top foodservice distribution professionals did to get where they are? Intersted in learning more about the complexities that exist in different regions and business segments? Culinary Connections: Distribution Dialogues dives into the heart of foodservice. We learn about the realities, challenges and opportunities for those builds sales and marketing products across the country. If you are hungry to learn, tune into the Podcast for unique insights with movers and shakers in the industry. Episode 10 has dropped featuring 40 under 40 Produce Industry Veteran Billy Itule. His family business helps supplies the best restaurants, foodservice operators and hospitality professionals in Arizona. Hear his journey and learn how technology has changed the way they operate. We also have 9 other episodes featuring some great nuggets of information. Next week we dive into a topic, Women in Seafood, with two dynamic voices in the industry!

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The economy is always a big variable in the foodservice industry. Even in booming locations like Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Santa Fe, and El Paso where the foodservice industry currently thrives, consumer spending can always vary depending on the economic climate. There are four important concepts that restaurant owners and operators can consider during downturns: - Understand the impact of an economic slowdown on the restaurant industry 🔎 - Adapt your menu to cater to changing consumer preferences 📑 - Create a welcoming and valuable dining experience 👋 - Embrace technology to improve efficiency and profitability 🤝 Get a more in-depth look at these concepts by checking out the link below! https://hubs.la/Q02wYMYp0

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This was such a fun and informative Distill Ventures seminar I got to participate in moderated by Derek Brown. This is part of a series with topics Derek and DV have designed around all aspects of navigating the non-alcoholic category. 🍸🍹 People tend to lump what we are seeing with NA options into “the latest trend,” but really, this is unlike anything any of us have seen before, (mostly because we weren’t alive!) This isn’t like the tequila craze, or the bourbon boom; those were/are trends resulting from the masses RE-discovering, ( with a little help from celebrities and marketing 💰) a spirit, and then the world deep diving into them. Those options were always around, people just started paying more attention. With non-alcoholic spirits, what we are witnessing is the result of pure innovation! This is a BRAND NEW category (that didn’t even exist prior to 2015 ) JUST getting going. It’s like seeing the invention of gin in the 1500’s or vodka in the 1100’s! 🤯This is an entirely new spirit category and an option that I would guess ( based on everyday conversation) 1/3 people still don’t realize exists for them. If you haven’t checked these seminars out, definitely do! They have already covered some great topics, and will continue to do so. And a big thank you to Derek and Distill Ventures for creating this platform for education so that we can navigate this new category together, and watch as NA spirits make their mark on history! #nonalcoholic #spiritindustry #cocktails #menu #innovation

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Over 10,000 jobs lost in the QSR/fast food space in California alone according to the California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA) Operators needed to raise prices and lay off workers to avoid shutting down Some still shut down These 10,000+ workers need to be repositioned in the workforce because QSR/fast food operators will turn to automation to stay afloat Food/beverage operators can't fight economics and math with heads in the sand Any job or repetitive task that can be automated will be so let's focus on how we can leverage workers in other roles that can't be automated #automated #repetitivetasks #workforce #operations

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Uncle Nearest, the renowned U.S. whiskey producer, is expanding its portfolio by acquiring Square One Organic Spirits and stepping into the vodka market. This marks another significant milestone following its venture into Cognac last year with Domaine Saint Martin. Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver will lead Square One, with Allison Evanow staying on as an ambassador and innovation leader. This move highlights Uncle Nearest's commitment to authenticity and cultural resonance in its products. Uncle Nearest plans to rebrand Square One’s vodka and introduce a new line of organic vodkas made with corn, available across all 50 states this summer. Production will also move from Virginia to Tennessee. As Weaver stated, "By entering the vodka market, we’re not just expanding our portfolio; we’re responding to a consumer call for transparent, culturally connected brands.” This acquisition is a testament to the power of strategic growth and the importance of preserving authenticity in business. Source: Just Drinks #LiquorLawyer #Entrepreneurship #LegalServices #Law #DrinksIndustry #Regulations #AlcoholCompliance #WineIndustryAdvisor #AlcoholIndustryAdvisor #BeverageIndustry #SpiritsIndustry #AlcoholIndustry #UncleNearest #SquareOne #Vodka #OrganicSpirits

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NEW at Publix Super Markets! Our Pete & Gerry's Organics, LLC pasture-raised eggs are now available at all 1,400+ Publix locations 💚🛒 With rich, golden yolks and unmatched flavor in every carton, our pasture-raised eggs are ready to give the egg aisle a serious upgrade—all thanks to our flourishing Certified Humane hens. Why choose pasture-raised eggs from small family farms? 🌾 Healthy Hens: our pasture-raised hens enjoy 108 square feet of outdoor space and are able to roam freely, soak in the sunshine, socialize, and forage for insects. 🍳 Healthy Eggs: studies show that eggs from pasture-raised hens contain higher levels of nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants, and Vitamin D. 🌎 Healthy Planet: managing expansive pastures with earth-friendly practices that support soil health means our farmers leave the landscape better than they found it. Read the latest details here: https://bwnews.pr/3JSHeac #PeteandGerrys #PastureRaised #Eggs #Publix #NowAvailable

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Distilled spirits lead American alcohol sales. In 2023, spirits sales (42 percent of market share) outpaced beer sales (41.9 percent of market share) for the second straight year. Newer products like spirits-based hard seltzers and ready-to-drink cocktails have fueled growth, while also blurring the lines of a categorical tax system. The result has been a spirited competition throughout the alcohol industry for market share, including calls to reform tax policy. Distilled spirits face the stiffest tax rates of all alcoholic beverages. These high tax rates are a combination of greater alcohol content in spirits than wine or beer and higher tax rates applied per alcohol content to spirits. A one-ounce shot of 40 percent alcohol-content spirit (0.4 oz of alcohol) carries greater taxes than an identical 12-ounce beer with 4.8 percent alcohol content (0.4 oz of alcohol). Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q02ypyNY0

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Check out this week's Consumer Report where we cover news surrounding Dollar Tree Stores and Krispy Kreme! Dollar Tree plans to sell its struggling Family Dollar brand, fast-food chains are considering limited-time value meals to boost short-term sales, and Krispy Kreme is adding four new doughnut dot flavors to compete with rivals like Dunkin'​ ahead of its McDonald's’s partnership. Also, comment your email address to be a part of our mailing list! Analysts: Sheil Patel

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