Industry News for July 20th, 2024

People on the Move

Food Service Solutions USA (FSS USA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Todd Breiner as President. With decades of industry experience, Todd brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success to his new role. As FSS USA continues its rapid expansion in the US market, Breiner's seasoned leadership will further propel the company’s growth trajectory. His skills, passion, and extensive network make him an invaluable asset in establishing FSS USA as a premier distributor of food service equipment in the USA. His career spans over 29 years, during which he has held key positions in various industry segments. Notably, he served as VP of Sales at Wood Stone for the past 14 months and spent a decade in senior roles across multiple Middleby divisions. His ability to scale teams and food equipment manufacturing companies has consistently driven revenue and profitability. 

Marcelus Cordeiro has been named Executive Chef at The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality, the leading global third-party hotel operator. In this role, Cordeiro will oversee the dine-and-drink establishments at The Statler, including Overeasy, Scout, Bourbon & Banter and Waterproof, as well as the hotel’s room-service and catering operations. Cordeiro comes to The Statler with more than a decade of experience leading large institutions’ kitchens, most recently as chef-manager at the University of North Texas in Denton. His hotel experience includes stints as executive chef at the Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle in Fort Worth and as sous chef at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine. Cordeiro also served as sous chef at Centerplate Event Venue Catering & Hospitality Services in downtown Dallas, an experience that will benefit the guests at The Statler’s many events. Cordeiro received his culinary arts education from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Dallas. The native Portuguese speaker is trilingual, also fluent in English and Spanish. He is a member of the American Culinary Federation.  

Trick Rider, the acclaimed fine-dining destination located inside Omni PGA Frisco Resort, has named Chef Joe Riojas as its new executive chef. Riojas brings more than a decade of fine-dining expertise to the restaurant. Riojas trained in Houston’s Uchi, the acclaimed contemporary Japanese and sushi restaurant created by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. Following that, he served as sous chef at Zaytinya, José Andres’ innovative Mediterranean restaurant in Frisco. Most recently, he served as executive sous chef for Carbone, the Italian favorite serving Michelin-starred cuisine in Dallas. In his new role at Trick Rider, Chef Riojas has redesigned the menu for the dining destination. Diners can now begin their meal with a luxurious Wagyu beef tartare. New salads include a beet salad featuring the root vegetable both roasted and pickled and served with apple, quinoa, labneh and walnut. The restaurant’s popular new wedge salad features Killer Pecans from Lucas, TX and acclaimed Point Reyes Bay Blue crumbles as well as smoked applewood lardons. 

Hot Off the Presses

International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) — known as the Baking Expo™ and the Western Hemisphere’s largest baking industry event — has opened its call for submissions for the IBIE World Bread Awards USA, crafted by The Bread Bakers Guild of America (BBGA) and the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). Held in Chicago at the Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute, October 7-8, this highly anticipated competition celebrates the art and skill of bread-making, offering bakers a platform to showcase their talents to a broader audience. Bakers from across the nation are invited to demonstrate their exceptional skills and creativity in 15 categories, including baguettes, bagels, and sourdough, while competing for specialty awards such as Showstopper (Savory or Sweet), Home Baker, and Student Baker. To participate, bakers must submit their entries through the official IBIE World Bread Awards USA website. Each entry will be carefully judged by a panel of esteemed baking industry experts who will evaluate the bread based on taste, texture, appearance, and overall quality. Winners will receive prestigious titles, trophies, cash prizes, and extensive media exposure, enhancing their reputation within the industry. The event will also host hands-on workshops and seminars by BBGA and RBA. 

Products on the Market

BUZZBAR, the world's first gourmet line of alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbet bars for adults, is now available to purchase online in select states. Adults (21+) can now order the delicious frozen treats to enjoy throughout the rest of the summer. Perfect for backyard BBQs, adding a twist to your favorite at-home cocktail, or simply indulging in a delightful dessert on a hot day, BUZZBARs are a versatile and luxurious addition to any gathering. We’d love for you to consider including in upcoming roundups, guides and stories you may be working on surrounding dessert, food, party hosting, recipes, unique gifts and beyond. Crafted with love at a family-owned Vermont creamery, BUZZBAR combines the finest ice creams and sorbets with superb wines and spirits from around the globe. The rich, all-natural dairy ice cream and sorbet bars boast the perfect blend of whole food ingredients and just the right touch of spirits – all without high fructose corn syrup, chemical preservatives, or GMOs. 

Culver Duck, the only duck farm in North America to earn American Humane CertifiedTM status, completed its annual BRC Food Safety Audit and earned AA+ - Unannounced, the highest grade possible from the Brand Reputation through Compliance Global Standard (BRCGS). BRCGS is part of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) which recognizes select certifications as a mark of the highest standards in food safety. Culver Duck uses industry-leading practices to humanely raise its ducks to produce a lean, delicious taste. The business has earned numerous awards for its barbeque duck, including 1st Place at the North Carolina and Tennessee State Championships. Culver Duck is devoted to providing the best value to its customers through quality products, industry-leading practices, and a commitment to excellence in animal care.