Who's News in Catering for August 21, 2021

In Memoriam

It was with great sadness that we learned of the recent passing of prominent event venues consultant James G (Jim) Lawler. A veteran senior executive of Aramark and Restaurant Associates, and founder of JGL Consultants, Jim was a great friend to the catering industry.

Jim worked with cultural venues all over the United States to negotiate contractual relationships with caterers to handle events at their facilities. His goal was always to create a win-win-win relationship, benefitting the caterers, the institutions, and the end-user clients. As a former industry executive himself, he understood the importance these mutually beneficial arrangements.

JGL Food Service Consultants, the company he founded, continues to grow under the capable direction of his daughter Tracy Lawler.

On a personal level, Jim will be sorely missed. He was a great raconteur, scholar of all things events industry related, and a superb dinner companion. A private memorial service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends donate to Save the Children, or their favorite charity. 

People on the Move

Ellie’s Restaurant & Lounge, the art-inspired dining concept at HALL Arts Hotel, is excited to announce the appointment of Michael Gluckman as General Manager. Gluckman’s interest in fine dining began at a young age when he watched his grandfather run the kitchens of an 800-seat restaurant. Intrigued by his grandfather’s diligent work ethic and restaurant success, Gluckman entered The Culinary Institute of America. After graduating with honors and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in culinary arts management, Gluckman began his management career in Boston, Mass. Gluckman then spent 13 years with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, including nine years as General Manager of Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, which he helped open. He was also part of the opening team for The Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Dove Mountain, Ariz, and Rancho Mirage, Calif.

Last month, BauscherHepp Inc.welcomed Brian Joyce as its new Director of National Accounts for the western territories.  

Products on the Market

Kitchen Garden Textiles, a line of sustainable textiles with a mission to support urban agriculture and reduce reliance on single-use disposables, is now available nationwide through its newly launched website: www.kitchengardentextiles.com/. Founded by former costume designer Heidi Barr, the line includes napkins, aprons, market bags, paperless towels, coffee filters, tea bags and much more, all crafted in Pennsylvania from unbleached, undyed linen and reclaimed materials. 

Sani Professional, the food safety division of PDI, a global leader in infection prevention, announced the launch of a new Softpack format for its Degreasing Multi-Surface Wipes. Sani Professional® Degreasing Multi-Surface Wipes are specifically formulated for the removal of grease and grime typically found in back-of-house foodservice operations. The new Softpack provides a convenient and portable format containing 75 extra large, heavy duty disposable wipes that are pre-moistened and ready-to-use. Powered by a grease fighting formula, the product is designed for frequent grease cleaning during the day to make the end-of -shift heavy duty grease cleaning less cumbersome.  

Hot Off the Presses

Spiceology, the fastest growing spice company in America, today announced that it has been named to the Inc. 5000 annual ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the third year in a row. Spiceology grew 537% from 2017 to 2020, and is now ranked 903 by Inc. 5000, an exclusive annual guide to America’s most inspiring entrepreneurs and companies. The chef-owned and operated, one-stop spice shop develops innovative blends and offers over 400 ingredients that are ground fresh in small-batches and shipped direct to consumers and chefs.    

Personica™ has released a framework that restaurants can follow to create more highly personalized guest engagement. The framework was developed by a broad and diverse team of operators, strategists and experts - including executives from Netflix, Pandora and Starbucks - who participated in a series of virtual roundtables. Through these collaborative sessions, a new model for understanding and executing on the opportunities and challenges that are emerging for restaurants was developed.