Who's News in Catering for January 8, 2022

Association Updates

The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), the essential resource and community for catering and event professionals nationwide, and the Foundation of NACE (FON), which supports the catering and events industry through education and investments that support NACE chapters and members, have welcomed their 2022 Boards. 

NACE National Board 

Foundation of NACE Board of Trustees 

Products on the Market

Wholesome Crave’s (https://wholesomecrave.com) mission is to create the most flavorful, exciting, labor-saving, plant-forward soups and meal solutions for foodservice while directing 5% of sales to its non-profit partner Wholesome Wave (https://www.wholesomewave.org/). Wholesome Wave was founded to address hunger and nutrition insecurity by helping low-income Americans buy and eat healthy fruits and vegetables. Working with community based organizations, Wholesome Wave supports doubling SNAP benefits for produce, healthy choice incentives, and produce prescription programs. Foodservice operators in all sectors can enhance their ESG initiatives (environmental, social and governance criteria) by purchasing Wholesome Crave’s products with a direct give-back to the nonprofit sector.  

Wholesome Crave currently offers eight varieties in 4 lb. refrigerated and 2 lb. frozen bags: 

Each product is GMO-free, lower in sodium, dairy-free, utilizes organic ingredients, and made with vegetables, no slurries or fillers. Available regionally through foodservice distributors and shipping direct nationwide. 

Red Diamond® Coffee and Tea, an industry leader in the beverage space, is expanding its line of Simple Sweet Tea™ with its newest watermelon offering now available for foodservice operators. The same product that has simplified the iced tea brewing process for operators is now available in a thirst-quenching, refreshing flavor of watermelon. The conveniently-packaged Watermelon Simple Sweet Tea includes the ideal combination of pure cane sugar, premium Red Diamond Tea and a distinct watermelon flavor. Packaged in a filter bag with pre-mixed sugar - Simple Sweet Tea eliminates the need to measure sugar, train wait staff on sugar to tea ratios, and stir un-dissolved sugar in the urn.  

Hot Off the Presses

José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup (TFG) is excited to announce its return to Los Angeles with the opening of three brand new restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles at The Grand LA and Conrad Los Angeles. Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, architect of Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Grand LA represents the completion of his vision for Downtown Los Angeles. The new 305-room Conrad Los Angeles, the contemporary luxury brand’s debut in California, will be home to two original concepts from ThinkFoodGroup. Located on the 10thfloor arrival lobby and with sweeping views of downtown LA, a new open-air, rooftop dining destination will offer a Latin- and Asian-inspired menu, as well as a dedicated pool-side menu designed for light and leisurely snacking and sharing.  A second original concept restaurant, also located on the 10th floor, will be dedicated to classic Spanish flavors and dishes that come alive from morning to night with California’s vibrant, farm-fresh ingredients. Later in the year, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés will open as a stand-alone restaurant within The Grand LA, bringing the wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous to Los Angeles for the first time. 

With its special Marketplace, the Arlington Heights-based Nala Robotics offers at-home chefs as well as celebrity chefs and others the opportunity to share and sell their recipes to the company. Nala can then master and replicate the recipes worldwide and pay the chefs for their culinary contributions.

People on the Move

Mercer Culinary is excited to introduce Ryan Ivey, who will be stepping into the role of Regional Sales Manager - West, effective Monday, December 21, 2021. Ryan comes to us with years of experience working in the foodservice industry.  During his tenure in foodservice sales Ryan has successfully managed both supplies and tabletop products in a very challenging environment.  He is highly regarded throughout the industry, making him a tremendous asset to our organization.  

Sodexo is happy to announce the addition of industry veteran Colleen Brzozowski, CIS, CITP as our new Director of Venue Sales. In this newly created role, Brzozowski is tasked with driving event bookings for our portfolio of iconic venues – including the Museum of Science & Industry, the Shedd Aquarium and the Chicago Botanic Garden. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Brzozowski most recently served as the Director of National Accounts with ACCESS Destination Services, where she brought to life top-tier meetings and events for 40+ destinations. Prior to this, she served in high-performing sales functions with KSL Resorts, Krisam Group and the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.