Food & Food Equipment News

Dickey's Barbecue, Boots & Badges Foundation Provides 50 Life-Saving Vests for Local Officers

Dickey's Barbecue Pit's charitable foundation Barbecue, Boots & Badges is presenting Dallas police officers with 50 life-saving, bulletproof vests as part of its Invest in a Vest initiative. This donation is made possible by a generous contribution of $25,000 by Central Market.

"Barbecue, Boots & Badges was founded to serve those who put their lives on the line every day to protect our community," said Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey's Barbecue Pit, Inc. "These brave men and women deserve our support, and we want to make sure they are getting the best equipment possible. We thank Central Market for helping us in this endeavor."

The Invest in a Vest initiative is a partnership between Dickey's Barbecue Pit's charitable foundation, Barbecue, Boots & Badges, and Angel Armor to provide Dallas police officers with life-saving body armor. A $500 donation provides one officer with a set of ballistic plates, which are capable of protecting them from sniper rounds and high-powered ammunition. Wearing body armor more than triples the likelihood that an officer can survive a shooting to the torso, according to a RAND Corporation study. In addition, more than 3,000 officers' lives have been saved by their body armor to date, according to the American National Institute of Justice.

"Central Market has great respect for our police officers who commit their lives to our safety each and every day.  This donation of vest plates is our way of saying 'Thank you' for their loyal and dedicated service to the city of Dallas," said Stephen Butt, President of Central Market. "These new plates will provide an added layer of state-of-the art defense for those who protect all of us."

Pei Wei Names New CMO

Pei Wei has named Brandon Solano Chief Marketing Officer after an extensive national search.

Solano, an award-winning marketing and brand development executive, has vast experience within the restaurant industry. He most recently served as CMO for Papa Murphy's Pizza, and held senior leadership positions with Wendy's and Domino's Pizza.

"I know firsthand Brandon's creativity, passion and ability to drive results through marketing strategies and brand development," said Pei Wei CEO J. Hedrick. "Brandon will be a key asset to the Pei Wei leadership team as we continue to build and deliver on our brand promise."

"I joined Pei Wei because I believe in the vision and leadership of the executive team who is fiercely committed to winning and puts people first," said Solano. "As a foodie, I love the brand and appreciate the unique space that Pei Wei occupies in the fast casual industry, particularly when it comes to Pei Wei's dedication to quality food and handcrafted care." 

In addition to his restaurant leadership experience, Solano experience marketing top brands including Hershey's, Kellogg's and Proctor & Gamble. He holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from Grand Valley State University and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. 

Boston Market Opens First Middle East Restaurant In Kuwait

 Boston Market® has announced that its first Middle East restaurant opened this week in Kuwait.

As previously announced in June 2016, Boston Market IP Company, Ltd., an affiliate of Boston Market Corporation, signed an area development agreement with Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. Ltd. that will open dozens of Boston Market restaurants in the Middle East.

Under the terms of the agreement, Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. will develop Boston Market restaurants in Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Jordan. The agreement is part of a plan by Boston Market to open 25 – 30 restaurants across the Middle East over the next few years.

The first Boston Market restaurant to open in the Middle East is located in Jabriya of the Hawalli Governorate in Kuwait.  The restaurant has indoor and outdoor patio seating, and also offers delivery to homes and catering for events.

A second Boston Market restaurant is in the final stages of preparing to open in Kuwait.  The second restaurant will open in Sabah Al Salem of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate in Kuwait. 

"We are thrilled to officially launch the Boston Market brand in the Middle East with our first restaurant opening in Kuwait," said George Michel, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Market, also known as 'The Big Chicken'.  "Rotisserie chicken is a very popular food in the Middle East and as the leading restaurant offering high quality, all natural rotisserie chicken, rotisserie ribs and turkey, we see a significant opportunity to delight consumers and grow our brand in this region of the world."

Michel continued, "We have a top flight partner in Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. and we are confident that with their local market experience and expertise, we will successfully enter and grow our presence in the Middle East."

Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. Ltd. has vast experience developing and operating casual dining restaurants in the Middle East and South Asia. The multinational casual dining restaurant company owns and operates a variety of brands including Chili's®, Johnny Carino's Italian Grill®, The Pizzeria, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf®, Cinnamonster®, and Which Wich®. Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. was named one of the top companies making an impact in Kuwait by Forbes Middle East at a ceremony held in Kuwait on May 31, 2016.

"We anticipate a strong consumer response to the Boston Market concept as the clear leader in rotisserie chicken and American home style cooking," said Al-Ghunaim Trading Co. CEO Abdulghani Al-Ghunaim.  "Boston Market brings a unique restaurant concept to the Middle East and its high quality food and diverse menu options will result in customer loyalty.  We look forward to our continued partnership as we open the first restaurant in Kuwait, followed by expansion into additional countries throughout the Middle East."

Former Taco Bell Manager Sues for Wrongful Termination After Blowing Whistle on Food Safety Violations

William Bisek has sued his former employer, Border Foods, Inc. – one of the largest Taco Bell franchisees in the United States – for retaliation under the Minnesota Whistleblower Act. Bisek alleges that he was wrongfully terminated for reporting serious food safety violations at Taco Bell's Columbia Heights, Minnesota, location to Border Foods' management. The Columbia Heights Taco Bell is one of more than 60 Taco Bell locations owned and operated by Border Foods.

Bisek's Complaint – filed in Hennepin County on May 31, 2017 – describes how he was terminated the day after he escalated reports to Border Foods' regional managers regarding food safety practices that violated the Minnesota Food Code and other laws protecting consumers. These food safety violations included extensive and clearly visible mold growing in the water supply tank and on the spouts for the beverage machines, and serving expired meats, tortillas, and taco shells to customers when the expiration dates marked on the storage containers had been fraudulently changed by employees. Bisek's complaint also involved improper sanitation: for example, the water temperature at the washing sinks was at least 40 degrees F below minimum requirements and a toilet brush and plunger that were often wet were kept at the front counter where money was exchanged.

"The food safety violations at issue here are shocking and appalling," said Bisek's attorney, Lawrence. P. Schaefer of Schaefer Halleen. "The law protects employees so they can be confident that if they put their neck out in an attempt to stop their employer from putting public safety at risk, they will not suffer retaliation. We intend to demonstrate for the court that Border Foods terminated Mr. Bisek because he blew the whistle and to prevent him from continuing to do so. We believe the company's conduct here goes to the heart of why we have whistleblower laws."

"Perhaps naively, I honestly thought Border Foods would appreciate me flagging these food safety problems for them. Because the violations were so obvious and the implications for Taco Bell customers so clear, I thought the company would quickly address them, and I might even be looked at in a positive light for helping them come into compliance," Bisek said. "I could not have been more wrong and it unfortunately cost me a great career opportunity."

Sysco Names Brian Todd Senior Vice President, Merchandising

Sysco Corporation has named Brian Todd as Senior Vice President, Merchandising, effective Aug. 1, 2017, following Bill Day’s decision to retire. Day will remain in his current position through July 31, 2017, and work closely with Todd and Sysco’s senior executive team to ensure an orderly transition of his responsibilities.  

“Bill has been a dedicated and impactful leader throughout his 34-year career with Sysco, playing a key role in the growth of our business and the development of our associates,” said Tom Bené, Sysco's President and Chief Operating Officer. “The contributions he has made are significant and long-lasting, and all of us at Sysco wish him the very best upon his retirement.”

Todd has served as Sysco’s vice president, operational merchandising, since 2016. He began his Sysco career in 1996 as a protein brand manager with SERCA Ontario, which was later acquired by Sysco, and progressed through several senior merchandising roles at Sysco Toronto. In 2003, he joined the Sysco Canada leadership team as director, merchandising, advancing to senior director and eventually vice president, merchandising and marketing, in 2009. In 2011, Todd was promoted to vice president, merchandising, at Sysco Corporate, with responsibility for the dairy, non-foods, frozen foods and chemical categories. He was named vice president, strategic sourcing and supplier partnership, in 2012.  

Todd holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Guelph with a major in hotel and food administration.

“With 21 years of experience at Sysco, Brian is exceptionally well positioned to step into the senior vice president of merchandising role,” said Bené. “His deep knowledge of the company and proven track record in both the U.S. and Canada are an asset to the company. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role.”

Soupman Chief Financial Officer, Robert Bertrand Suspended After Being Indicted On Tax Charges

Soupman, Inc.'s Chief Financial Officer and President, Bob Bertrand, has been suspended after being indicted on federal tax fraud charges for alleged misconduct for the period 2010-2014.

"The company is deeply shocked and saddened by these events. The company will be immediately launching an internal investigation to determine whether its public filings need to be amended for the period in question or any subsequent period based upon the allegations," said Jamieson Karson, CEO. "Moreover, we expect that this news will not make it easier for us to raise the capital we need to remain in business."

Bertrand was charged in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, with 20 counts of failure to pay Medicare, Social Security and federal income taxes for the period between 2010 and 2014. As alleged in the indictment, from 2010 through 2014, Soupman's total approximate unreported cash and stock compensation was $2,850,967.59, and the total approximate tax loss to the United States was allegedly $593,971.52. Current CEO, Jamieson Karson joined the company in August, 2015.

Denny's on Demand Means Delivery

America can enjoy Denny’s anywhere with the new ordering platform, offering guests a quick and easy way to place a mobile or online order for takeout or delivery of their favorite menu items. Whether it’s pancakes by the pool, burgers on the beach or coffee on the couch, Denny’s is bringing the diner right to your door, 24/7.

“Denny’s has always been a place where America can come and get their favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, literally at any time of day or night,” said John Dillon, Chief Marketing Officer for Denny’s. “With ‘Denny’s on Demand,’ we’ve taken that same ‘always open’ philosophy that is synonymous with our brand and expanded it to easy-to-use technology, bringing access to our craveable diner fare straight to our guests’ fingertips. With the menu variety we naturally provide, America no longer has to compromise when it comes to getting the food they want, exactly when and where they want it. Whether it’s a Grand Slam® for dinner, a Fit Slam® for breakfast, all-new Pancakes at 3 a.m., one of our delicious burgers, or all of the above, the options are endless and now truly the world is your diner.”

Within the new platform, developed in partnership with leading digital ordering provider, Olo, Denny’s has carefully considered and improved upon all aspects of the ordering experience. ‘Denny’s on Demand’ includes a complete revamp of the brand’s mobile app, making it quick and easy for users to find their local Denny’s restaurant, customize and place an order, and pay for takeout or, where available, delivery via Olo’s Dispatch delivery network – all from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet. Ordering is also available 24/7 through new mobile and desktop functionality at Dennys.com, where guests can choose pickup or delivery time, track their order, and view their order history.

“We are proud to partner with Denny’s, a global brand that has been celebrated as American’s Diner for over 60 years,” said Noah Glass, Founder and CEO of Olo. “Denny’s is a forward thinking brand that has embraced technology, and with this launch takes service to the next level, offering the option to order and pay ahead for pickup at the restaurant, or to place a delivery order where available. This launch makes Denny’s one of the largest brands to tap into Olo’s Dispatch delivery network to bring convenience to its guests.”

In addition to the new online platform, the brand is also bringing ‘Denny’s on Demand’ directly to guests through its social media platforms. The diner will be one of the first to utilize a new online ordering functionality through Twitter, introducing an interactive way for users to select and order their favorite dish all from within a Direct Message. In the coming weeks, fans of Denny’s on Facebook will also be able to engage and place an order with the diner directly, any time of day or night, via a branded Chatbot and other on-page options. Fans will also be able to share their ‘Denny’s on Demand’ experiences through a variety of new and unique Snapchat filters.

Bold Chicken Flavors Highlight New Summer Menu At White Castle

White Castle is prepared to satisfy the most adventurous taste seekers this summer with a bold take on chicken! A Hot Chicken Slider and Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Chicken Slider round-out the chicken slider menu options and pair dill-iciously with White Castle's new Fried Pickles. These tasty limited-time menu items will launch at most White Castle restaurants by June 2^nd and be available through July 31, or while supplies last.

"At White Castle, we are chicken and proud of it," said Jamie Richardson, Vice President of White Castle. "If you're looking for bold and unique flavors while on your summer adventure, stop by a White Castle to try our new summer menu items."

Cravers up for a boldly spicy slider will love the new Hot Chicken Slider. Choose from either crispy fried chicken or savory grilled chicken that's coated in fiery Nashville-inspired Hot Sauce and topped with two crunchy fried pickles. Cravers looking for smoky comfort will enjoy the new Bacon & Smoked Cheddar Chicken Slider, featuring crispy fried chicken or savory grilled chicken topped with smoky cheddar cheese and hickory-smoked bacon.

These new chicken sliders join White Castle's signature Crispy Chicken Breast Slider and Savory Grilled Chicken Slider. Have a craving but not near a White Castle restaurant? Our Chicken Breast Slider, along with the Original Slider, is available in grocery stores in your neighborhood and across the country. All chicken sliders are made with tender all-white meat, chicken breast fillets on White Castle's signature buns.

The new Fried Pickles are crunchy dill pickle slices coated in a blend of seasoned panko breading and fried to a golden crisp, available in small and sack sizes. Joining them on the summer menu is a Craver-favorite, Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie. The smoothie is made with low-fat Yoplait® yogurt, real Dole® fruit, and Country Time® Lemonade.

Florida Georgia Line Announce Opening of First Restaurant and Entertainment Venue

Opening in early summer 2017 in partnership with LRC Group, FGL HOUSE, a Florida Georgia Line project, will welcome guests inside the hitmaking duo's anything-goes world, four levels of good times and vibey tunes designed to make each visitor a part of the FGL tribe. 

Situated on 3rd Avenue South in downtown Nashville, the new venue will feature edgy live music every day – focusing specifically on today's country trends. A world-class kitchen will fuse unique Southern style cuisine with California flair, and bars on each floor will serve local craft beers and deliciously mixed cocktails – many featuring the red-hot duo's own Old Camp Whiskey.

FGL HOUSE will also boast the largest "Cruise" rooftop Nashville has to offer, dedicated to an all-day and all-night party with stunning views of the Music City skyline. Meanwhile, visitors can step away from the hustle and bustle to relax in a classy basement-level lounge, complete with its own baby grand piano, cocktail menu inspired by '90s pop culture and specialty martinis.

A massive, awe-inspiring video wall will continuously showcase the hottest video content from Florida Georgia Line and other country stars – as well as sporting events. Dee Jay Silver will spin custom country mixes during can't-miss Country Club Tuesdays.

Investor Marcato Bids for Power in Letter to Buffalo Wild Wings Shareholders

Marcato Capital Management LP, a San Francisco-based investment manager which manages funds that beneficially own approximately 6.1 percent of the outstanding common shares of Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., has sent a letter to BWLD shareholders urging them to make Buffalo Wild Wings a winning company again by rejuvenating the board by electing Marcato-nominated board members at the company's annual meeting on June 2, 2017.

According to Marcato, the current board's leadership has degraded the Buffalo Wild Wings guest experience and has no plan to fix the issues. "To date, management has blamed difficult industry conditions. We believe many of these issues are self-inflicted, resulting from management's failure to execute," the Marcato letter says. "Recent initiatives to run discount promotions to shore up sales at the expense of margins are not a productive or sustainable long-term strategy. Re-franchising low-margin restaurants may improve reported results, but only due to the change in mix, and would not reflect any fundamental improvement in execution or improved unit economics."

Lack of effective leadership from its board has led to dismal financial performance and stalled growth, according to Marcato, which noted that Buffalo Wild Wings has suffered dramatic declines in profitability, cash flows, EPS, and net earnings, as well as a reduced 2017 guidance. The Marcato letter outlines a plan to sell off stores to franchisees and use returns to shore up shareholder value. Marcato believes that if it achieves control of the board, Buffalo Wild Wings could achieve a share price greater than $400 by 2021.