G-Eazy named partner and co‑creative director of Stillhouse

June 27, 2017

Stillhouse Spirits Co Brad Beckerman G-Eazy
Brad Beckerman and G-Eazy (Photo by R. Bernard/335MM)

The following is a Stillhouse press release:

When hustle recognizes hustle, great things are possible. Stillhouse, the breakout spirits company best known for its award-winning clear American whiskey, announced today that Oakland-bred multi-platinum rapper and producer Gerald “G-Eazy” Gillum has been named Partner and Co‑Creative Director alongside CEO & Founder Brad Beckerman.

This year both creators are burning brighter than ever: Stillhouse with its one-of-a-kind daring red, stainless steel can that goes where glass can’t, and G-Eazy, style icon at the helm of hip-hop and pop music, and one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” honorees, with his recently announced new album titled “The Beautiful & Damned” on the way this fall. “Spirits companies had approached me with endorsement deals but that was just money,” said G-Eazy. “I kept running into Stillhouse everywhere and fell in love with the brand not to mention its smooth whiskey. I wanted to partner with Brad because he has this infectious energy and passion for the brand he’s continuing to grow. We hit it off quick with an instant shared vision and love for Stillhouse.”

Given Brad and G-Eazy’s mutual enthusiasm for whiskey, respect for each other’s hustle mentality, and love for Johnny Cash (whose audacity and unapologetic artistry has deeply inspired them), Beckerman knew partnering was the right decision: “We had an instant bond – in my gut I knew that G would make an amazing partner and contributor to Stillhouse because of his drive, creativity and meticulousness. Stillhouse blends nostalgia and heritage with just the right amount of irreverence and G pushes the envelope to elevate that further.” The fast friendship led G-Eazy to invest in Stillhouse, which marks the rapper’s first spirits venture and closes a significant round of funding for the company.

Beyond a love of whiskey, the duo is respected for their business acumen and willingness to take risks. As a college graduate from Loyola University G-Eazy applies his marketing expertise to his art, ensuring every event is a curated experience providing exclusive meet & greet packages and fan activations. In addition to his merchandise available for purchase at regional shows across the US, he has extended his efforts to global pop-up shops that also feature special brand collaborations. Beckerman, a serial entrepreneur and former Chief Creative Officer at Live Nation, brings to the table his business savvy, keen eye for branding and depth of experience in spirits, music, fashion, sports and entertainment.

First on deck: G-Eazy will help to open the Louisiana market, which is home to the musician’s alma mater. This market expansion is a reflection of accelerated demand and continued growth for the young powerhouse whiskey brand. G-Eazy shared, “I’m honored and excited to represent my second home and old stomping grounds. Can’t wait for NOLA to see what we have coming!”

 

2017 New York City Wine & Food Festival: more celebrities, event schedule announced

June 23, 2017

NYCWFF

NYCWFF
Chef Scott Conant on stage during the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring Samsung culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard at the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Pier 94 in New York City on October 16, 2016. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

The following is a press release from the The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival:

The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Coca-Cola (NYCWFF) returns for its 10th anniversary October 12 – 15, 2017.  Including returning fan-favorites and an array of new soirées, more than 70 events will take place at locations across New York, with 100 percent of the net proceeds benefiting the hunger-relief organizations Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry.  To date, NYCWFF has raised more than $10 million to support the fight to end hunger.

Mastercard cardholders will continue to enjoy the exclusive Mastercard pre-sale through Sunday, June 25.  Ticket sales open to the general public online at nycwff.org starting at midnight on Monday, June 26.

“We are excited to celebrate 10 years of NYCWFF this Fall with the unveiling of several new events to complement everyone’s returning favorites,” noted Festival founder and director Lee Brian Schrager, who also serves as senior vice president of communications and corporate social responsibility for Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.  “NYCWFF is committed to its mission to EAT. DRINK. END HUNGER. with the support of the some of the world’s most renowned chefs, winemakers, spirits producers, culinary personalities, industry professionals, and partners.”

The Festival’s 10th anniversary includes a noticeable increase of family-friendly offerings.  The following events are compelling for fans of all ages:

  • Culinary Demonstrations Only at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring Samsung® Culinary Demonstrations presented by Mastercard® on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15
  • Italian Harvest Party sponsored by Barilla hosted by Giada De Laurentiis
  • Family Ice Cream Fun-dae hosted by Mario Batali and Ayesha Curry
  • Coca-Cola Backyard BBQ hosted by Andrew Zimmern and Pat LaFrieda

An array of new events have been introduced, including completely refreshed experiences at the Festival’s iconic Pier 92 rooftop.  Kicking off the weekend on Thursday, October 12, the popular Brooklyn market Smorgasburg will travel over the bridge for the first time to celebrate their simultaneous 10th anniversary with NYCWFF.  This expansive tasting, presented by Thrillist hosted by the Cast of “Chopped,” will feature bites curated by the team at Smorgasburg and plenty of carefully-crafted libations.  The revamped signature party continues on Saturday, October 14 with Rooftop “Iron Chef Showdown”: Battle Autumn Bounty hosted by Alton Brown, where Kitchen Stadium will be brought to life overlooking the Hudson River in celebration of the “Iron Chef” franchise and more than 30 chefs will compete for multiple cash prizes.

Other newly-introduced events for the Festival’s 10th anniversary include:

  • Femme Fatale with Speed Rack hosted by Anne Burrell
  • Pie vs. Cake hosted by Duff Goldman
  • Late Night Adventures in Dean & DeLuca hosted by Hannah Bronfman
  • Israeli Brunch hosted by Michael Solomonov
  • Late Night Sandwich Eggs-travaganza hosted by Eggslut
  • Lucky Rice hosted by BD Wong
  • Chinese Tuxedo Brunch
  • Dale Talde Brunch with Eggslut
  • Eastbound and Down hosted by Josh Capon
  • Rooftop Rosé at The Top of The Standard hosted by Katie Lee and Elvis Duran

Once again, returning fan-favorite events like the Bank of America Dinner Series presented by The Wall Street Journal, Blue Moon Burger Bash presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Rachael Ray, Pigs and Pints presented by InsideHook hosted by Robert Irvine, Mastercard® Exclusive events like Greenmarket Brunch presented by Lifeway Kefir hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian and Variety presents Broadway Tastes hosted by Kristin Chenoweth, and much more will tantalize fans.

Tickets for NYCWFF’s 10th anniversary go on sale Monday, June 26, 2017 online at nycwff.org or by calling (800) 764-8773.

Between NYCWFF and its sister Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival (SOBEWFF®), which takes place each February in Miami, Florida, more than $36 million has been raised to benefit the respective charities for each Festival.  Beyond the funds raised, both Festivals draw attention to the vibrant dining culture in their respective cities, provide economic stimulus in their communities, and serve as an invaluable platform to drive awareness, engaging and inspiring people to get involved in philanthropic activities.

Courvoisier names A$AP Rocky brand ambassador

June 21, 2017

Courvoisier Cognac
A$AP Rocky (Photo courtesy of Courvoisier Cognac)

The following is a press release from Courvoisier:

Born on the streets of Paris, Courvoisier lives by a code—one of dedication, vision and respect for tradition, cultivated over 200 years of history as France’s premium producer of Cognac. Courvoisier has the conviction to craft only the finest Cognac by honoring a visionary code of controlling the entire cognac production process from grape to glass. The way the brand has chosen to live and evolve has shaped its newest campaign – Honor Your Code.

These values have forged a partnership between Courvoisier and rapper, actor, model and fashion icon, A$AP Rocky, who joins the family as Brand Ambassador starring in print and digital creative, partnering on collaborations and hosting exclusive experiences as part of its new campaign.

Before he became known as A$AP Rocky, Rakim Mayers cultivated his code growing up in New York by committing to being ambitious, inspiring and enticing. His vision was always to recognize growth and to be better than he was yesterday. With his promise to always strive, always prosper and to persevere through any struggle, A$AP Rocky honors his code to this day with his drive and ambition.

“I think your code is equivalent to your standards and your morals. It’s whatever you believe in. And you should always stand by and honor what you believe in,” says A$AP Rocky. “Courvoisier’s commitment to quality, old-school production methods, design and art speaks to me.”

Like A$AP Rocky, Courvoisier is focused on making—not just making it. Founders Louis Gallois and Emmanuel Courvoisier set out to make a superior Cognac in the 18th century, not to become the toast of Paris society and the imperial court. But by focusing on creating, that’s what happened.  The house eventually established residence in a chateau on the scenic banks of the Charente River in the town of Jarnac, just east of the town of Cognac, where Courvoisier’s grape to glass code is followed to this day.

“As a creator, A$AP Rocky embodies the progressive ideals and bold artistry on which Courvoisier was founded, making him an ideal partner for the brand,” says Gary Ross, Vice President, Beam Suntory World Spirits.

Through the partnership with A$AP Rocky and an inspiring campaign, Courvoisier demonstrates the real-life applications for honoring your code. A legacy it validates every day. A legacy of excellence crystallized in a bottle.

To learn more about the Honor Your Code campaign and partnership with A$AP Rocky, visit www.courvoisier.com/us, and follow Courvoisier Cognac on Twitter @CourvoisierUSA using the hashtag #HonorYourCode.

Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods: 5 ways it could change how people shop for groceries

June 16, 2017

by Carla Hay

Whole Foods Market
(Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

When online retail giant Amazon announced on June 16, 2017, that it was buying health-oriented grocery chain Whole Foods for $13.7 billion, the effects were immediately seen in company stocks: Amazon’s shares were up 3 percent at $993.40, adding more than $14 billion to its market capitalization, according to Reuters.

Whole Foods customers are mostly upscale consumers, and the company has been openly courting millennials (people ages 18 to 34), who tend to be more conscious about how and where their food is sourced. Here are five ways that an Amazon-owned Whole Foods could change the grocery industry and how people buy groceries.

Whole Foods Market
(Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

Whole Foods will improve online orders and home delivery. Amazon has long been an industry leader in online retail and product delivery, and the company has been investing heavily in drones and drop-off centers. Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods is an obvious move for Amazon to become the world’s top online grocery service. That means online food delivery services such as GrubHub, UberEats and FreshDirect will be hit hard by this competition from an Amazon-owned Whole Foods.

 Whole Foods Market
(Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

Whole Foods will become available in more countries. Whole Foods currently has 444 stores in the U.S., 12 stores in Canada and 9 stores in the U.K., according to the company.  Expect  more Whole Foods stores (and the company’s spinoff chain of stores 365 by Whole Foods Market) to open in  several other countries over the years.

Competitors will lower their prices. Trader Joe’s and Sprouts are direct competitors to Whole Foods because they have been targeting similar upscale consumers.  Expect them to lower their prices in order to better compete with Whole Foods, which offers extra amenities (such as in-store dining) that most of their grocery competitors do not. Meanwhile, other competitors such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens and Rite-Aid, which sell numerous other products besides groceries, will also have to reconsider their pricing and inventory strategies.

Whole Foods Market
(Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

Whole Foods will become more of a lifestyle destination. Just like Starbucks is repositioning itself as more than just a place that sells coffee, Whole Foods will expand its offerings beyond groceries in order to take advantage of Amazon’s massive inventory. Whole Foods already sells health products and clothes, but expect Whole Foods to revamp spaces into lifestyle destinations that do things such as sell books and offer wellness courses. Over the next several years, Whole Foods’ cafeteria-like spaces might start to look more like lounges, which is how Starbucks is already planning to reinvent its business.

Whole Foods Market
(Photo courtesy of Whole Foods Market)

Whole Foods will offer more customization for buyers, based on their “customer profiles.” Just like Amazon has become adept at recommending products and giving promotional discounts based on consumers’ past purchases, Whole Foods will likely adopt the same marketing strategy for its customers by creating profiles that will involve things such as rewards/member club points that may or may not be tied to Amazon purchases.

Cold Stone Creamery offers Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream for a limited time

June 14, 2017

Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream
Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream (Photo courtesy of Cold Stone Creamery)

The following is a press release from Cold Stone Creamery:

Cold Stone Creamery is getting the party started with a fun new flavor to help celebrate summer. Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream hits stores June 14 and is available for a limited time only.

Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream is a creative take on a classic party favorite that combines sweet and creamy Ice Cream with all the colors of the rainbow to create a delicious new summertime flavor perfect for any celebration.

“Cold Stone Creamery is ready to celebrate the summer with our family and friends and what’s more iconic for those warm summer months than the cool freshness of Cold Stone® Ice Cream shared with the ones you love? We very much look forward to seeing all our guests enjoy themselves all summer long in stores nationwide as we launch our much-anticipated Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream,” said Kate Unger, senior vice president of marketing for Cold Stone Creamery. “This new flavor is made with festive edible Rainbow Glitter and fluffy Frosting. It’s fun and fresh and with the rave reviews behind our new Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream, we’ve taken it up a few notches and created the perfect summer treat with our Party Like a Cupcake™ Creation featuring Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream mixed with Kit Kat®, Rainbow Sprinkles, Yellow Cake and Cake Batter™ Frosting. We’ve essentially fashioned the perfect way for everyone to cool off and celebrate this summer! Join us!”

Promotional Creations:

  • Party Like a Cupcake:  Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream mixed with Kit Kat, Rainbow Sprinkles, Yellow Cake and Cake Batter™ Frosting

Confetti Cupcake Ice Cream and the Party Like a Cupcake Creation will be available June 14, 2017 through September 12, 2017.

Bacardi and Major Lazer debut Music Liberates Music program to give studio time to emerging Caribbean artists

June 7, 2017

Major Lazer members Walshy Fire, Jillionaire, and Diplo at BACARDÍ x Major Lazer Present the Sound of Rum “Spirit Up” at Virginia Key, Key Biscayne in Miami on May 26, 2017. (Photo courtesy of BFA)

The following is a press release from Bacardi:

Bacardi and Major Lazer have launched Music Liberates Music, a program designed to support the island music that inspires them by providing up-and-coming artists a chance to share their music with the world. Every time fans play Major Lazer’s new track ‘Front of the Line’ (feat. Machel Montano & Konshens) on Spotify, Bacardi will donate studio time for aspiring Caribbean artists.  To listen to the just released ‘Front of the Line’ track and view the current tally of studio time, go to www.MusicLiberatesMusic.com.

Barcadi and Major Lazer will join forces to encourage fan participation—the more listens, the more studio time will be provided to these emerging artists, from now through the end of the month. Approximately every 50 plays equals one second of studio time—this will quickly add up, considering Major Lazer is known for chart-topping hits with 40+ million plays.

Bacardi and Major Lazer have similar roots and ambitions. The Sound of Rum concept behind their collaboration began in January as a way to connect the brand’s 150-year history of island roots to modern music but it’s become more than just music. It’s a cultural and creative collaboration that provides the perfect intersection of music and rum—a movement of sound that blurs the lines between reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and electronic music to bring people of different genres together.

The Caribbean is the heartland of The Sound of Rum. The budding artists, who are featured as part of the Music Liberates Music program, truly embody this movement. Bacardi and Major Lazer are thrilled to be giving them a voice, providing much-needed studio time and allowing them to achieve recognition outside of the conventional path to success.

 

Dr Pepper Cake debuts from Cafe Valley Bakery

June 2, 2017

Café Valley Bakery's Dr Pepper Cake
Café Valley Bakery’s Dr Pepper Cake (Photo courtesy of Café Valley Bakery)

The following is a press release from Café Valley Bakery:

Café Valley Bakery, a leading bakery product producer, is partnering with a legendary soda brand to expand its existing soda cake lineup with a Dr Pepper Cake. The new cake will join an array of soda cakes including 7UP, Orange Crush, and A&W Root Beer, and will be unveiled at the upcoming International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in Anaheim, California, June 2 – 6 at booth 3901. The new flavor will be available in grocers nationwide in June with a suggested retail price of $5.99 per package.

Made with real Dr Pepper, the soda cake is exploding with the spicy taste of the popular soft drink made from a unique blend of 23 flavors.

“Our partnership with Dr Pepper will guarantee consumers the real, genuine soda taste, just as delicious as our other fun soda cake flavors,” said Brian Owens, chief executive officer of Café Valley. “This cake features premium ingredients and the high-quality taste our customers have come to expect. We look forward to bringing the latest delightful flavor and enjoyable experience home to your family.”

In addition to releasing the latest cake to their soda cake line at the upcoming IDDBA show, new coffee cake bites will also be revealed. Ideal for on-the-go snacking, the coffee cake bites will be available in Triple Chocolate, Triple Cinnamon, Real Lemon and Wild Blueberry. The bites will be available at retailers following IDDBA for a suggested retail price of $3.99 per twelve-pack. Café Valley will also introduce delicious, thaw and sell, coffeehouse quality Chocolate Croissants that will be available following the IDDBA at retailers for a suggested retail price of $3.99 per four-pack.

These new product launches represent a response to growing demand for Café Valley’s signature, ready-to-eat products and the increased interest in a diverse variety of uniquely flavored baked goods.

In other Café Valley news,  the company has announced the appointment of Brian Owens as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Owens succeeds Larry Polhill, Café Valley’s current CEO and President, who assisted in taking the company from a regional bakery to a leading national brand and global supplier during the past 12 years.

Brian Owens brings more than 20 years of leadership, sales and growth experience in the bakery industry. He most recently served as CEO of Minneapolis-based Le Petit Pain where he managed three major acquisitions and integrations while tripling sales over a three-year period. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President of Business Development at Los Angeles-based Aryzta AG, where he established a successful continuous improvement program across 23 North American bakeries. He also served as the Co-President of the Il Fornaio Bakery division and managed a successful sale of the business to Aryzta.

Owens is an MBA graduate of Stanford University and holds a BA as an Echols Scholar from the University of Virginia.

National Donut Day: free donut giveaways at Dunkin’ Donuts, Entenmanns, Shipley Do-Nuts and more

June 2, 2017

National Donut Day 2017 is on June 2. Here’s a summary about what some donut companies are doing to celebrate. The following details are excerpts the companies’ press releases:

Dunkin’ Donuts

Dunkin' Donuts
As donut lovers ring in National Donut Day this year on Friday, June 2, Dunkin’ Donuts is once again sweetening the celebration, heralding the holiday by offering guests a free classic donut of their choice (while supplies last) with the purchase of any beverage. The offer is good all day on June 2 in store and through On-the-Go Mobile Ordering at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.Dunkin’ Donuts is also celebrating National Donut Day with two new donut varieties featuring fun and colorful new sprinkle toppings. The Vanilla Cake Batter Donut features vanilla-flavored cake batter filling, frosted with chocolate icing and topped with confetti sprinkles, while the Dunkin’ Donuts Sprinkles Donut is frosted with white icing and topped with pink and orange sprinkles shaped like the brand’s iconic “DD” logo. Both are also available for a limited time at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.

For National Donut Day, Dunkin’ Donuts is bringing the delight of donuts to its social communities with days of donut-themed content to celebrate the sweetest holiday of the year:

  • AI meets donuts, as Dunkin’ Donuts will become the first brand to enter into the world of Microsoft’s latest entertainment AI chatbot, Zo. On National Donut Day, friends can celebrate the holiday by texting “donut” to Zo on Facebook Messenger and Kik to find out “What Donut Are You?,” based on research from behavioral food expert and founder of Food-ology, You Are How You Eat®, Juliet A. Boghossian.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts also worked with Juliet, an expert in how your food choices and habits reveal who you are, to create a fun infographic allowing donut lovers to find out what their favorite donut says about their personality, plus the perfect beverage to pair with it. The infographic is available on the Dunkin’ Donuts blog here: news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/whats-your-donut-personality.
  • Dunkin’ Donuts will become the first brand to launch real-time video stickers on Kik, the popular messaging app for teens. Launching with three selfie filters available on June 2 on Android, Dunkin’ fans can ‘eat’ donuts mid-call or enjoy an endless stream of sprinkles ‘fed’ right into their mouth.
  • On June 2, Dunkin’ Donuts will also be launching downloadable sticker packs on Kik and Tango, another leading messaging app. Snaps, the first end-to-end marketing platform for brands in mobile messaging developed the stickers for Dunkin’ Donuts. Dunkin’ Donuts is also working with Snaps to keep its own emoji keyboard and iMessage sticker packs fresh for the holiday, changing all custom emojis and iMessage stickers to just delicious donuts, and updating its iMessage Card Builder so that fans can build personalized, virtual National Donut Day greeting cards right on their iPhone.
  • On June 2, Dunkin’ Donuts fans can turn themselves into a donut with a special brand Snapchat Lens celebrating the holiday, available everywhere nationwide. Additionally, fans can share their love of donuts with friends and followers with a special National Donut Day Snapchat Geofilter, available all day in or around all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide.
  • For the first time, Dunkin’ Donuts will also be integrating real-time donut flavor social conversation into digital menu boards to create a Donut Conversation Leaderboard in select stores. On National Donut Day, guests will be able to see which donut varieties are favorites based on social conversation from Instagram & Twitter—updating in real-time.

National Donut Day was originally established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to honor women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. The holiday is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of June. Dunkin’ Donuts has been serving guests signature donuts for 67 years. Dunkin’ Donuts is the #1 retailer of donuts in America, and sells 2.7 billion donuts and MUNCHKINS® donut hole treats annually worldwide. Within the United States, Dunkin’ Donuts offers more than 70 varieties of donuts, including beloved flavors such as Boston Kreme, Glazed, Chocolate Glazed Cake and Chocolate Frosted. Additionally, some Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants also feature regional favorites like the Sour Cream Donut in Chicago, and the Peanut Stick in upstate New York.

Entenmann’s

Entenmann's National Donut Day 2017

Entenmann’s Bakery, a division of Bimbo Bakeries USA, brightened the day of thousands of donut fans as they celebrated National Donut Day in the heart of New York City’s Times Square along with the world famous Harlem Globetrotters. The donut-filled party was jam-packed with games, performances by the Globetrotters and, of course, delicious Entenmann’s Donuts.

“Being able to celebrate donuts with our fans in the heart of New York City, where Entenmann’s got its start 119 years ago, is truly amazing,” said Lorraine Hale, Senior Director of Marketing for Entenmann’s Bakery, part of Bimbo Bakeries USA. “This National Donut Day celebration is a tradition we look forward to continuing for years to come.”

At the event, the brand also showcased its newest specialty line, Entenmann’s Donut Shoppe Donuts. The new product, featuring a colorful new top iced coating and sprinkle topping, debuted at retailers in the Northeast, Metro and Midwest regions this past April.

Entenmann’s® Donuts fans who could not attend the New York event still have an opportunity to join in on the fun by entering the “Win Free Donuts for a Year” sweepstakes. Consumers can enter into the sweepstakes until July 15 the following ways:

  1. Post a public photo or video on Instagram, Twitter or on the Entenmann’s Facebook page using #PassShootGive and #entry
  2. Fill out a simple submission form via entenmanns.com/nationaldonutday or on the Entenmann’s Facebook page

Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts

Shipley Do-Nuts will offer all customers one free glazed do-nut on Friday, June 2, 2017, in honor of National Do-Nut Day. This offer will be valid at participating locations from 5 am to 12 pm. Shipley Do-Nuts will once again partner with The Salvation Army of Houston and donate a portion of the day’s sales back to the organization. The Salvation Army started National Do-Nut Day during the Great Depression as a way to raise funds and bring awareness to their social services programs.

“We are very excited to partner with The Salvation Army again this year. Their mission of assisting the community is very much in line with our core values as a brand,” says President, Lawrence Shipley, III.

Since 1936, the Shipley family donut recipe has withstood the test of time.  With more than 60 varieties of delicious do-nuts, pastries, and kolaches made fresh daily and served hot, it’s this same simple concept that has continued to bring back multiple generations of loyal customers.  Shipley Do-Nuts originated in Houston, Texas where it still maintains its offices and production facility.  Today, Shipley Do-Nuts is under the leadership of Lawrence Shipley, III and is rapidly expanding with 285 locations in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.  The company has plans to reach 400 stores by 2022.

Food Network debuts new ‘Dessert Games’ and ‘Texas Cake House’

June 1, 2017

Duff Goldman and Guy Fieri (Photo courtesy of Food Network)
Duff Goldman and Guy Fieri (Photo courtesy of Food Network)
The following is a press release from Food Network:
Monday nights just got a little sweeter with Food Network’s double dose of primetime programming, beginning on Monday, July 10, 2017. First, at 8 p.m. ET/PT Duff Goldman turns the Triple-G Flavortown Market into Sweet City on “Dessert Games.” Then, the fun continues at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET/PT as owners of Sideserf Cake Studio, Natalie and Dave Sideserf, push the boundaries of cake design with their remarkable, realistic cake creations on the premiere of “Texas Cake House.”
“Mondays hit the spot with decadent desserts on “Dessert Games” and crazy custom-made cakes on “Texas Cake House,” said Courtney White, SVP Programming, Scripps Networks Interactive. “Duff Goldman, a baking trailblazer, kicks off the night with his signature charm as the perfect host of the fun and fast-paced dessert-focused competition. Then, audiences get a behind-the-scenes look as Natalie and Dave Sideserf create extraordinarily detailed cake sculptures that defy the ingredients they are made of in how realistic they look!”
Guy Fieri has handed the keys to his grocery store over to dessert master Duff Goldman and given Duff carte blanche to remodel the store, restock the shelves and sugarcoat his grocery games. Each week Duff will test the skills of a new batch of four pastry chefs as they race the aisles shopping, preparing, and plating confectionary creations in three rounds of epic baking challenges. From desserts using savory ingredients, to store-bought treat makeovers, and to the classic dessert imposters, the contestants’ must use shopping shortcuts and food-hacks to rise to the top. The one that impresses a rotating panel of judges with their baking talents to cream the competition with their desserts will earn a grand prize of $10,000!
Dave and Natalie Sideserf (Photo courtesy of Food Network)
Dave and Natalie Sideserf (Photo courtesy of Food Network)
Natalie Sideserf has created incredibly lifelike and elaborate works of edible art that have taken the internet by storm. Quickly becoming overwhelmed with customer orders, Dave, her husband, decided to quit his day job to help her manage the operation. With business booming, this young married couple is committing themselves to creating the most amazing cakes ever baked, which is no easy feat with unique client requests. From detailed and lifelike animal cakes that could be mistaken for the real thing to cakes that fly and dance, this duo settles for nothing less than out-of-the-box, awe-inspiring cakes that will take their business to the top-tier.
Fans craving more can visit FoodNetwork.com/DessertGames for competition highlights, and can get to know Duff Goldman and the panel of judges. They can also test their sweets IQ and share the results using #DessertGames. And for an extra taste of Natalie’s and Dave’s life, fans can visit FoodNetwork.com/TexasCakeHouse for show highlights and baking tips at. They can also weigh in on their favorite cake creations using #TexasCakeHouse.

 

Nobu Toronto will include hotel, restaurant, world’s first Nobu Residences

May 31, 2017

Nobu Toronto includes Nobu Residences
Nobu Toronto living room (Rendering courtesy of Nobu Hospitality)

The following is a press release from Nobu Hospitality:

Nobu Hospitality principals renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, principals of Nobu Hospitality, along with principal developer Madison Group unveiled plans for Nobu Residences Toronto at a press conference inside the soon to be open Nobu Residences Toronto Presentation Centre.

Pre-construction sales of the residential units will begin in mid-June, it was announced.

Nobu Toronto, a dynamic project featuring the world’s very first Nobu branded high-rise residences as well as Canada’s first Nobu Hotel and Nobu Restaurant will be located in the heart of the entertainment district, transforming Mercer Street with its landmark design. Nobu Residences Toronto will rise 45 stories above the historic Pilkington Glass Factory with two dramatic residential towers, featuring 660 units with enviable views of Toronto.

“I am very proud to have my name on this building,” said Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. “It will be very special, and we are happy to be in Toronto. We want people to be happy.”

Toronto is a great city,” said Robert De Niro. “I’ve filmed here, I’ve been here for the Film Festival, which is excellent, and I’m looking forward to spending more time here once Nobu Toronto opens.”

Acclaimed Toronto-based Teeple Architects and Studio Munge have created the incomparable residences to feature distinctive amenities that span two floors of the podium level at Nobu Residences Toronto. The outdoor terrace and Nobu Athletic Club are connected by a two-storey glass atrium and anchored by an oculus that cuts through the podium, culminating in an artistic reflecting pond centering the Nobu Athletic Club. The Nobu Athletic Club amenities include a private massage room, yoga studio, spin studio, wet steam, dry sauna, hot tub and cold plunge in addition to state of the art fitness equipment.

In keeping with the Nobu lifestyle, which integrates energized public spaces that offer both excitement and escapism, Nobu Residences Toronto will feature Nobu Villas. The villas are highly designed private entertaining spaces available exclusively to its residents. Nobu Villas include billiards, fireplaces, a private dining area with chef’s table, the chic Nobu outdoor terrace and four barbeque prep decks.

Nobu Residences Toronto will also feature a private theatrical screening room, conference room, dedicated bicycle elevator with direct access to bicycle storage and a dog spa located in both the east and west residential lobbies.

Nobu is one of the world`s most celebrated luxury hospitality brands renowned for its award-winning “new style” Japanese fusion cuisine and exceptional hotel offerings in the world’s most desirable locales.  Founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, the growing Nobu Hospitality portfolio caters to vibrant international customers, celebrities, tastemakers and powerbrokers.

The exclusive Nobu Hotel Toronto will offer a collection of exceptionally appointed guest suites located atop the west tower, with stunning panoramic views and featuring the best of everything, from distinctive service to energized public spaces.

A cornerstone of the Nobu Hotel and Nobu Residences Toronto is Nobu Restaurant with its approximately 15,000 square foot, two-level restaurant, signature bar lounge, outdoor seating and chic private dining rooms.

“Chef Nobu, Robert De Niro, Meir Teper and everyone at Nobu Hospitality have shown an unwavering commitment and passion for this project,” said Josh Zagdanski, Vice President – High-Rise, Madison Group. “We are so thrilled to bring the Nobu lifestyle to Toronto.”

Those interested in learning more about Nobu Residences Toronto are encouraged to register at NobuResidences.ca and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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