Thursday, July 9, 2009

Adams Flavors Foods and Ingredients Sales Rex Fine Foods

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 09, 2009 – GONZALES, TEXAS,  Adams Flavors Foods and Ingredients announced today that it has completed the sale of REX Fine Foods to AFG Unlimited, a privately held Texas based company.  
AFG Unlimited’s decision to purchase REX Fine Foods is a reflection of their commitment to growing and supporting regional brand specialty spices, seasonings and related products.  “AFG Unlimited with its regional sales and marketing network and expertise will be great caretakers of this important iconic American brand,” says Sterling Crim, Chief Marketing Officer of Adams Flavors Foods & Ingredients.
“We are very pleased to have REX Fine Foods as a strong part of our line of consumer brands,” said Jenni Ratliff, President and CEO of AFG Unlimited.  “We believe in maintaining and growing the presence of strong regional brands like REX Fine Foods.”
“We hope to grow REX’s loyal following by focusing on our relationships in New Orleans and surrounding areas,” says Gene Ratliff, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP of AFG Unlimited.  “We plan to capitalize on the market share REX has built in Louisiana and expand the brand starting with personalized marketing support to existing customers.  This will enable us to bolster our market share and expand the brand into the entire southern region of the U.S.”
AFG will continue to work closely with Adams to insure a smooth transition and maintain a high quality product for its customers.
REX Fine Foods has been making and selling authentic Cajun and Creole spices, seasonings and foods since 1888 . Originally named New Orleans Import Company, its spices were sold to the kitchens and restaurants of the world’s most demanding chefs in New Orleans and surrounding areas. The company later changed its name to REX Fine Foods “King of Spices” taking advantage of the local euphoria surrounding the arrival of the Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff of Russia in New Orleans. Over the years, REX began its legacy of innovation by blending its spices to meet its local Cajun and Creole culinary needs and was one of the first in the nation to offer a fully seasoned fish fry and crab boil. REX was purchased by Adams Extract & Spice in 1999.  
AFG Unlimited LLC is a private Texas based company focused on developing and expanding specialty niche spices, seasoning and related products throughout the regional southern United States.
www.rexfinefoods.com                  

Contacts:                                            

Gene Ratliff                                        Sterling Crim

CMO, Executive Vice President      Managing Partner- CMO

AFG Unlimited                                   Adams Flavors Foods & Ingredients    

877.787.8618                                  

gene@pointbrokerage.com           scrim@adamsffi.com

Focus Back on the Guest: Solutions to Handling your Restaurant Finances

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 09, 2009 – Owning a restaurant not only takes substantial knowledge and a passion for food, but savvy business skills and strong accounting knowledge are critical to maintaining a successful operation.  Many times restaurants have fantastic food and high guest counts, but suffer because of poor financial oversight. Operators have found that there are many accounting services specifically dedicated to the restaurant industry which help to efficiently manage the financial aspects of their restaurant so they can put their focus back on the food and guest experience.  
The need for this type of service is evident with the amount of solutions available today, from the simple accounting software to premier outsourced accounting services.  Paul Shenkman, owner of Sam’s Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, understands the need for detailed financial information.  He stated that, “with Sam’s Chowder House, our challenge was managing a high-volume restaurant of significant size, where a mistake in forecasting can be significant. It’s critical for us to stay on top of our restaurant’s performance and trends, from food to beverage to employees.”
Shenkman has been using Vine Solutions, Inc. as their outsourced accounting solution and attributes their services to helping them get their reporting systems in place while also gaining, “the benefit of a team of people who understand the restaurant business and, in many cases, have been there themselves.”  Owner and CEO of Vine Solutions, Edward Levine, who is also developer and principal partner of the Left Bank Brasseries, established the operation to aid his fellow restaurateurs with their financial matters.  He found the need to be so great that in 1996, Levine had Vine Solutions incorporated and in 2008 opened a second office in Southern California.
John Priest, VP of Operations for Vine Solutions states, “with our system, you not only benefit from having daily invoice and vendor issues taken off your hands, but you also have access to premier reporting tools so you have can view current financial information and trends.  Having this type of information helps gain a plan for the larger picture of your restaurant and future financial performance.”
Vine Solutions, Inc. was incorporated in 1996 and has offices in Corte Madera and Santa Monica, California.  Vine Solutions, Inc., provides accounting and financial advisory services to a variety of high volume independent restaurants and regional chains.

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Vine Solutions provides premier restaurant accounting and consulting services. Specialized for the restaurant industry, services include bookkeeping, payroll, and operational and financial consulting.

Tuscany Villas, Castles, Farmhouses, and Vineyards - Experience Tuscany as a True Tuscan

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 09, 2009 – Guests to Tuscany spend their days enjoying art, viewing historical landmarks, or, if they chose the right Tuscany travel provider, bike rides or even yoga in the Tuscan hills. These memorable days give way to traditional Tuscan nights as the sun goes to rest. For dinner, guests can sit back and enjoy the world’s best in food and wine or take a more hands on approach. Tuscan Way (http://www.tuscanway.com), a Tuscany trip provider, has exclusive access to the kitchen and home of Carlos Innocenti, one of Tuscany’s most renowned master chefs. During these meals guests will not only enjoy the food, but even take part in the preparation if they like; all while Carlos shares his family recipes and stories of a life lived the right way, the Tuscan Way.

While daytime trips to vineyards, cathedrals, and castles are why Tuscany should be vsited, equally important is where guests spend their nights. Tuscany has been gracious enough to open its doors to travelers, offering a variety of accommodations depending on personal taste, budget, and preference. Some of these amazing abodes include:

Casa Innocenti: Guests here will enjoy a 4 story medieval home perched next to the castle in the hill-top village of Arcidosso. An enchanting setting, Arcidosso is rated one of the most beautiful villages in Tuscany. Visitors will are sure to enjoy the culinary skills and personality of host and Master Chef Carlos Innocenti.

Villa Gaia Estate: This upscale and elegant country is treasured by its owners. Situated among scenic olive groves, guests will enjoy the cooking of Anna Cannaviello and tours led by her sons as they take in the scenary of Cal D’Orcia.

Villa Poggiarello: Specifically for the wine enthusiasts, Villa Poggiarello sits amidst over 100 hectares of vineyards. Enjoy red, white, and rose wines in the exact vineyards that produce them. Further, is proximity to beaches and seaside villages make this a trip guests are sure to enjoy.

Villa Castelletti: Modern day aristocrats have found their home. Enjoy your stay in Villa Castelletti, a 19th century estate of Tuscan nobility, as you enjoy cuisine in the estate restaurant washed down with Chianti and Carmignano wines.

This is only a sampling of lodging options in Tuscany. Tuscan Way has additional estates available sure to fit your specific needs and lifestyle. Anyone considering a trip to Tuscany should contact Tuscan Way to find their Italian home away from home.
Tuscan Way offers cooking course vacations and wine tours in Tuscany, Italy providing guests with a unique and rare opportunity to experience life, as it really is, in Tuscany. Experience Tuscany as a true Tuscan would – The Tuscan Way.

Tuscan way can be reached by calling 800-766-2390, visiting http://www.TuscanWay.com, or emailing info@tuscanway.com

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Tuscan Way offers cooking course vacations and wine tours in Tuscany, Italy providing guests with a unique and rare opportunity to experience life, as it really is, in Tuscany. Experience Tuscany as a true Tuscan would – The Tuscan Way.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

The Cereal Bowl® Expands to Middle East

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 08, 2009 – Miami, Florida,  Continuing their growth, The Cereal Bowl today announced an agreement to expand its brand internationally into Qatar and other regions of the Middle East.
The agreement between Cereal Bowl International, LLC, a subsidiary of Cereal Bowl Franchises, LLC, and Global Brands, a Qatari based company that represents several internationally known companies and brands in the Arabian Gulf, and has had success expanding many domestic brands, including Ruby Tuesday® and Dlush®. “We are totally confident that Global Brands will be able to re-create the ‘The Cereal Bowl experience’ throughout Qatar and the Middle East,” said Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Thani President & CEO of Global Brands’ “ We are proud of our partners and brands that we represent ” He also added that the introduction of this new and innovative brand complements the company’s universal corporate strategy to diversify its product offerings and best serve the evolving consumer needs.”
"There's no question The Cereal Bowl has international consumer appeal and strong global brand potential," says Kenneth Rader, President & CEO of The Cereal Bowl. "We are excited to partner with Global Brands and feel this has great potential for both company's. They are clearly recognized as a leader in franchise food operations in the Gulf region."
In the U.S., The Cereal Bowl expects to open 15 new units over the next 24-36 months, with current franchise agreements along the east coast stretching from Alabama to New Jersey. Since opening the door to their first cafe in Miami in February 2006, the Company has expanded to several states, with its first franchise opening in Newark, Delaware in 2008.
About The Cereal Bowl
Founded in 2004 by twenty-something entrepreneurs Kenneth Rader, Joshua Rader, and Michael Glassman, The Cereal Bowl is a new breed of café fusing an old time favorite with a new and exciting twist. Guests are able to make their own cereal creations or pick from one of many unique combinations created by The Cereal Bowl Team. With over 35 cereals, hot and cold, as well as 40-plus toppings, the possibilities are endless. The experience does not end with the bowl. Cereal bars, oatmeal smoothies known as Oaties™, and Create-A-Parfait  take cereal to a whole new level. WIFI Internet, couches, plasma televisions and newspapers add to the home away from home feel of The Cereal Bowl.
For additional information or photo requests, visit www.thecerealbowl.com and www.qglobalbrands.com or contact.
Corporate:

The Cereal Bowl

999 Ponce de León Boulevard #625

Coral Gables, FL 33134

305.428.2695 x104

pr@thecerealbowl.com

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Founded in 2004 by twenty-something entrepreneurs Kenneth Rader, Joshua Rader, and Michael Glassman, The Cereal Bowl is a new breed of café fusing an old time favorite with a new and exciting twist. Guests are able to make their own cereal creations or pick from one of many unique combinations created by The Cereal Bowl Team. With over 35 cereals, hot and cold, as well as 40-plus toppings, the possibilities are endless. The experience does not end with the bowl. Cereal bars, oatmeal smoothies known as Oaties™, and Create-A-Parfait take cereal to a whole new level. WIFI Internet, couches, plasma televisions and newspapers add to the home away from home feel of The Cereal Bowl.

movemanSKG Lift Feeds Hungry Students!

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 08, 2009 – Feeding nearly 400 hungry children is no easy task, but in term time Winchester House Boarding School serves meals to pupils three times a day, every day of the week. A two-stop movemanSKG dumb waiter moves food and beverages from the kitchen to upper level dining rooms.
Located in the market town of Brackley in Northamptonshire, Winchester House School is a fully coeducational independent day and boarding preparatory school. It achieves outstanding exam results, and offers magnificent facilities, including art and design studios, an extensive computer suite, dedicated science laboratories, and a wonderful music school.
380 students aged between 4 and 13 currently attend Winchester House School, many of who board full time and eat breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. This places demanding requirements on the kitchen. movemanSKG’s ISO-A dumb waiter replaces an older lift, and fits nicely in the existing shaft. It travels nearly five metres, and allows house staff to move up to 300kg between levels quickly, safely, and efficiently.
Sue Lewis, Assistant Housekeeper at Winchester House School, is pleased; “Our previous dumb waiter was a manual one, and exhausting to operate. movemanSKG’s ISO-A lift is electrically driven, which means we can send food and drinks up to the dining rooms at the touch of a button. It is in constant use and essential to the proper running of our kitchen.”
Winchester House School’s ISO-A performs reliably despite its rigorous workload. Made out of stainless steel, it is easy to wash down and sanitise. An intercom enables house workers on different floors to talk to each other.
movemanSKG’s ISO-A dumb waiter is ideal for hotels, pubs, and restaurants. It speeds up service and reduces manual handling requirements. ISO-A has a choice of doors and entry configurations, and is available with a heated shelf to keep food warm on its journey.

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movemanSKG is a supplier of specialist lifts. We supply platform lifts and service lifts for industrial and commercial application. These include schools and colleges, hotels and restaurants, shops, leisure centres, churches and libraries.

Chef Joe Truex of Repast Restaurant Makes an Appearance on the Martha Stewart Show

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 07, 2009 – Atlanta, GA – March 15, 2009  “When I decided to do an entire show on Atlanta I knew I wanted to feature one of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants and hottest chefs. So I got in touch with Atlanta native, Virginia Willis, who used to work in my tv kitchen in Connecticut. Without hesitation, she recommended Joe Truex of Repast Restaurant,” said Martha Stewart at the beginning of the cooking segment of her show.
The show’s cooking segment featured the Repast Crab Cakes. “Crab cakes are one of my favorite things in the whole world,” mentioned Martha, “and you make a very unusual recipe.” Throughout the segment Joe Truex explained the blending of the flavors; the Japanese, French and Southern flavors that he and Mihoko (his wife and Co-Chef/Owner) used to create the award-winning recipe. For the final blending of the vegetables and sauce they were joined by Martha’s dog Sharky. Beaming with excitement, Sharky was taking her umpteenth cooking class.
“It was great to be on the Martha Stewart show. Cooking for Martha Stewart is one thing, cooking for her live in front of a studio audience is another. She has a great team of professionals that work with her – her kitchen crew is awesome, her dog Sharky didn’t bite, the audience was exhilarating. The entire experience…being in New York City and cooking for Martha Stewart was full of energy and fun.”
To learn how to make the Repast Crab Cakes and experience your own cooking class with Martha Stewart and Joe Truex in her studio kitchen go to: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/sauteed-sesame-spina ...
To get your own serving of Crab Cakes straight from the Chef himself visit Repast Restaurant at 620 Glen Iris Blvd at the corner of North Avenue. Book your reservations at www.RepastRestaurant.com or call 404-870-8707.

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The art of the story. The memorable connection that stays in your mind and moves you to act. TouchPR.net generates consumer recognition, media attention and name recognition with memorable flair.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Weber’s Restaurant to Offer Fixed-Price Meals

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 07, 2009 – Ann Arbor, Mich. –  Because of their menus’ popularity during Restaurant Week, Weber’s Restaurant of Ann Arbor will offer options for one price dining during July.
Weber’s Restaurant’s fixed price meals titled, “Prix Fixe,” will include a three-course lunch for $12.00 and a four-course dinner for $25.00.
Lunch features a soup or salad for an appetizer, over a dozen luncheon selections and an assortment of dessert options. Dinner includes a choice from a variety of appetizers, a second course, a selection from popular main courses and a dessert.
Weber’s Restaurant’s Lunch Prix Fixe is available Monday through Thursday while the Dinner Prix Fixe special is available Sunday through Thursday. Weber’s Restaurant’s Prix Fixe runs from July 1- 31,2009.
Weber's reputation for fine dining began in 1937 with the original restaurant. Seventy years later, Weber's continues to be Ann Arbor's landmark restaurant, featuring the areas finest prime rib, steaks and seafood.
See Weber’s Restaurant’s Web site for menus and reservation information at www.webersinn.com/restaurant.