Who's News in Catering for January 20, 2024

People on the Move

CORT Business Services, a Berkshire Hathaway company, today announced Mike Davis has been named the company’s CEO, effective January 5, 2024. He succeeds Jeffery Pederson, who is retiring after serving as CEO of CORT Business Services since 2012. Davis is currently President and Chief Operating Officer of CORT Business Services, which includes CORT Furniture Rental, CORT Trade Show and Events and all other CORT-branded businesses throughout the U.S. and U.K. He has held leadership roles in both sales and operations within CORT and has served on numerous industry association boards.

Everline Resort & Spa, a spacious mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe’s Olympic Valley, announces Steve Uricchio as Director of Food and Beverage. Uricchio joins the property from Cannery Casino Resorts in Las Vegas. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the resort’s dining experience including banquets and the property’s six on-site restaurants. Originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, Uricchio realized a passion for food at a young age as his dad was a restauranteur, and owned restaurants on the East Coast and in California. After graduating from the Escoffier Culinary School in Versailles France, Uricchio ventured into the culinary world of Beverly Hills California.  He began working in restaurants at The Doghouse, a hotdog-shaped building next to the Glendale Galleria in California, followed by banquet positions at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and Friars Club in Beverly Hills. 

Hot Off the Presses

Proof of the Pudding, a leader in food service management and catering for state-of-the-art convention centers, sports and entertainment arenas, and college stadiums, today announced the acquisition of Southern Crust Catering Company. This mobile catering company serves upscale, Italian-themed on-site wood-fired pizzas, calzones, pastas, salads, charcuterie and house-made desserts. Based in Atlanta and known for its vintage 1953 Chevy truck, complete with a fully outfitted wood-fired brick pizza oven, Southern Crust has been treating weddings, company events, birthday and mitzvah guests and private parties to Neapolitan pizza and a full menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner food options served with the added touch of catering truck “Belle” since 2016.   Proof of the Pudding’s valued and new clients planning weddings, corporate and other special events will enjoy Southern Crust’s upscale Italian menu items made with the best local and seasonal ingredients. Southern Crust is perfect as an event main attraction or an added snack option. Many brides and grooms across Georgia choose Southern Crust’s custom pizzas as both the main course and also for an added late-night snack of tasty pies cooked in just ninety seconds for their guests. 

 Proof of the Pudding, a leader in food service management and catering for state-of-the-art convention centers, sports and entertainment arenas and college stadiums, today announced a three-year extension of their contract to serve as the exclusive food and beverage provider for The American Express™ PGA TOUR event and concert series through 2026. Proof of the Pudding will continue to partner with Impact Through Golf, the tournament’s charitable foundation, to raise funds for local nonprofit organizations.

The Pacific Northwest Canned Pear Service presents its annual CAN DO Challenge recipe contest, open to chefs, directors, managers, and RDs from K-12, C&U, B&I, Healthcare, and Military foodservice operations located in the U.S. Those interested in entering the contest are invited to complete the online entry form and submit with: 1) a clear photo that shows how U.S. grown canned Bartlett pears are served in their operation and 2) a description of the dish or recipe. Entries will be judged on plate and flavor appeal. Three winners will receive cash prizes (First: $1,500; Second: $1,000; Third: $500). Everyone who enters receives a $10 Starbucks gift card. Entries will be accepted at eatcannedpears.com/can-do through April 30, 2024, and winners will be announced by June 14, 2024. Pacific Northwest Canned Pears proudly bear the “Product of the USA” label. They also save time, reduce waste, taste delicious, and provide menu versatility. Always ripe and naturally sweet, canned Bartlett pears are peeled, poached, and ready to use in everything from smoothies, salads, sandwiches, snacks, main dishes, baked goods, and desserts. Visit eatcannedpears.com/can-do-challenge for some inspearation from past winners.

Products on the Market

In recent years with the mighty mushroom becoming part of the pop cultural zeitgeist, the Mushroom Council® — which represents the nation’s fresh mushroom producers — is helping foodservice operators nationwide seize its popularity with the all new Mushroom Monday initiative. Launching this spring, Mushroom Monday will feature chefs and restaurant operations nationwide — from fast food to fine dining — spotlighting their mushroom-centric dishes during their special day. Starting in March, restaurants will be encouraged to participate by sharing their featured menu item(s) on the Mushroom Council’s website. Foodservice operators wanting an early jump on Mushroom Monday can also contact the Mushroom Council for more information at [email protected].