Gourmet News

Singer Equipment Continues Promotions for Singer EVI

Published November 6, 2023

Singer Equipment Company has promoted five team members to integral leadership roles within the Singer EVI division. EVI founding partners Tom and Dana Lawson have mentored and prepared the team and will continue to provide guidance through the end of the year.

Raymond Fischer, CFSP, has assumed the role of president of Singer EVI. Fischer brings extensive experience in foodservice and construction management to his new role. He has served as VP Operations at EVI for nearly a decade, and previously served as VP of development and facilities for Rosa Mexicano Restaurants as well as director of construction for Ruby Tuesday.

The leadership team is further complemented by the appointment of Kerry Thorn as executive director, Division Operations; Sarah Kernan as executive director, Estimating and Procurement; Nic Bramer as executive director, Sales; and Keith Boeckmann as controller.

Fred Singer, president and CEO says, “We are delighted to promote these five executives from within the company and are grateful for the mentorship from Tom and Dana that made it possible. We congratulate Tom and Dana on this exciting new time in their lives, and applaud Raymond, Kerry, Sarah, Nic, and Keith as they too start a new chapter, leading and building upon the success of the Singer EVI division.”

Singer Equipment Company, the fourth largest equipment and supply dealer in the United States, remains privately owned and operated in its third generation of family leadership. Headquartered in Elverson, Pa., Singer maintains offices and distribution centers throughout the East Coast. Singer offers the power of a century of experience combined with highly personalized service.

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Salon du Chocolat to Return to NYC in November 2024

Published November 3, 2023

The largest world-renowned celebration of chocolate and cocoa, Salon du Chocolat, is set to return to the heart of New York City on Nov. 8-10, 2024 at the Javits Center.

Globally recognized by its Parisian origin,Salon du Chocolat is a remarkable international gathering of chocolatiers, artisans, pastry chefs, experts, and businesses from around the world, united by their unwavering passion for everything chocolate. Together, they create an awe-inspiring array of delectable offerings while showcasing their craftsmanship, diverse cultures, and extensive knowledge in a thoughtfully curated and immersive setting.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore exclusive vendors, partake in delectable tastings, demonstrations, and educational seminars, shop for chocolate treasures, and most importantly, revel in the joy of chocolate in all its delightful forms.

The November 2024 edition of Salon du Chocolat New York City marks an exciting new chapter with globally recognized event organizer, Messe Frankfurt. This collaboration is poised to elevate the trade show to new heights, offering an even more premium, immersive experience for attendees, building on the strong foundation established in 2019.

“Celebrated for its diverse gastronomic landscape and culinary innovation, New York City provides the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrates the art of chocolate in all its forms. We look forward to continuing Salon du Chocolat’s legacy of excellence,” said Sharona Sandberg, operations manager, Messe Frankfurt Inc.

Save the date and prepare your taste buds for a sumptuous adventure at Salon du Chocolat New York City 2024.

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Amazon Fresh Store Achieves Zero Carbon Certification

Published November 2, 2023

In an important step in Amazon’s Climate Pledge commitment, a Seattle Amazon Fresh location received a Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Future Institute, becoming the world’s first grocery store—and Amazon’s first building—to receive the certification. ILFI awarded the certification in September, and is currently evaluating four additional Amazon locations, which are on track to achieve this validation of their carbon-reduction efforts.

The 35,000-square-foot store opened in 2022 on Aurora Avenue in North Seattle, and was built with sustainability in mind. Its many climate-forward features include a natural-refrigerant-based refrigeration system, all-electric kitchen and hot water heating systems, electric-vehicle charging for customers, and low-carbon concrete floors. These features are hiding in plain sight throughout the store, and customers may not even realize the floors they walk on have a lower carbon footprint, for example—yet, the store has saved over 100 tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) compared to an industry standard grocery store since it opened.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the team and everyone involved in this achievement,” said Tony Hoggett, senior vice president of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores. “At Amazon, we’re building a best-in-class grocery shopping experience, and part of that is bringing customers more sustainable options across our stores. Enacting initiatives that support Amazon’s commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040, like the Zero Carbon Certification, are a win for our planet.”

ILFI’s Zero Carbon Certification is a globally applicable standard mandating combustion-free systems, reductions in operational and embodied carbon impacts of a building, and measured achievement through demonstrated data. Its certification is a highly rigorous standard for validating building decarbonization efforts—to achieve it, the Amazon Fresh store operations were reviewed for 12 consecutive months.

“We’re thrilled to see this leadership from Amazon,” said Lindsay Baker, CEO of ILFI. “A grocery store showing how to be accountable for all its carbon—from construction and materials to operations—is impactful from both a customer and industry perspective.”

In addition to the Seattle Amazon Fresh location, three Los Angeles-area Amazon Go locations, an Amazon Same-Day site in Sacramento, and Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle are currently on track to receive Zero Carbon Certification from ILFI.

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