Gourmet News

Rainbow Cone, Gino’s East Team Up for Magnificent Mile

Published June 19, 2023

The Original Rainbow Cone, a Chicago tradition for over 95 years, has formed a partnership with Gino’s East, a legendary name in deep-dish pizza. This collaboration will bring together two of the city’s oldest and most iconic restaurants, creating a culinary destination like no other. The Original Rainbow Cone will be adding a kiosk to the Gino’s East Superior Street location (162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611), aptly named Magnificent Mile, offering locals and tourists a taste of both sweet and savory delights.

Scheduled to open its doors on June 29, Magnificent Mile will mark the first-ever dual-brand collaboration between Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East. This innovative concept aims to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, showcasing the rich history and flavors of both establishments.

Rainbow Cone, known for its signature ice cream cones featuring five distinct flavors (chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet), has been a cherished staple in Chicago since 1926. Their commitment to quality ingredients and delightful combinations has made them a go-to destination for families, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a memorable treat.

On the other hand, Gino’s East has been dishing out its mouth watering deep-dish pizza since 1966. With its buttery crust, gooey cheese, and hearty toppings, Gino’s East has become synonymous with authentic Chicago-style pizza, captivating the taste buds of pizza lovers far and wide.

“The collaboration between The Original Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East represents a true celebration of Chicago’s culinary heritage,” says Jordan Himmel, chief innovation officer of Bravo Restaurants. “By combining these two iconic brands, we aim to create a one-of-a-kind destination where people can indulge in the best of both worlds. It’s a tribute to the city’s diverse food culture and a testament to the enduring legacies of Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East.”

Magnificent Mile, the name chosen for the Rainbow Cone kiosk, pays homage to its prestigious location on Superior Street, in the heart of Chicago’s renowned Magnificent Mile district. This bustling area attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Now, with the addition of Rainbow Cone, tourists and locals alike will have the chance to savor the finest pizza and ice cream Chicago has to offer, all in one place. Please note that kiosk hours may differ depending on the day of the week. The most current hours can be found at https://rainbowcone.com/locations/.

The Original Rainbow Cone and Gino’s East invite everyone to join them in celebrating the opening of Magnificent Mile on June 29. It promises to be an occasion filled with delectable treats, friendly faces, and a true appreciation for the culinary heritage of the Windy City.

The Original Rainbow Cone serves ice cream featuring extraordinary flavors and textures, including the world-famous 5-flavor Rainbow Cone’, shakes, ice cream cakes & sandwiches, mini donuts, and memories dedicated to last forever. After opening in 1926, the Rainbow Cone’ received its fame and quickly became the most unique ice cream cone anyone has ever seen.

As Rainbow Cone works to expand locations and showcase its new adventures the company is excited to share their love for Rainbow Cone’s signature sliced cone with even more communities. The Original Rainbow Cone is also available for nationwide shipping via Goldbelly.

With nine permanent locations scattered across Illinois, one location in Indiana and more locations coming soon to Tennessee and Florida, Rainbow Cone is on a mission to sweeten new markets nationwide. For more information about Rainbow Cone’s franchise program, visit https://rainbowconefranchise.com or follow the rainbow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Hospeco Promotes Snow to Senior Director

Published June 16, 2023

Hospeco Brands Group, a full-line manufacturer of cleaning and protection products to serve the janitorial, industrial supply, foodservice, healthcare and hospitality markets, has promoted Brett Snow to the new position of senior director corporate accounts – janitorial/sanitary and foodservice. Snow, a 30-year jan/san sales veteran, will be responsible for growing high-profile food service accounts.

Snow has deep experience in national accounts, crisscrossing the continent and developing connections that result in mutually beneficial relationships. In his previous role as Hospeco’s corporate account manager for jan/san, he routinely fostered relationships resulting in exponential sales growth – by as much as 1,000+ percent in just a few years’ time. This includes increasing overall sales of existing products with key customers as well as driving new product adaptation – growing account penetration from a handful of SKUs to hundreds.

“Ultimately, my job is to be a listener,” said Snow. “Hospeco Brands Group offers breadth of line, competitive pricing, distribution from both coasts, and exemplary sales support. It becomes a matter of gauging customer needs and matching them with our quality solutions.”

Snow’s belief in Hospeco’s product offering and relentless, never-say-die attitude have earned him a reputation for results. “I appreciate that Hospeco has entrusted me with this position,” said Snow. “When I returned to the company in 2016, my goal was to accomplish great things, and now I’ve been given a broader palette to continue doing it.”

Snow previously served Hospeco as a regional sales manager in an earlier tenure with the company. He began his career at an Ohio-based firm that provided PPE and other products to foodservice, making this new position a professional homecoming of sorts.

Snow will spend much of his time on the road, as he intends to meet in-person with his accounts each quarter.

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Whole Foods Names Supplier All-Star Awards Winners

Published June 14, 2023

Whole Foods Market announced the recipients of its annual Supplier All-Star Awards, recognizing 15 brands that raise the industry bar for quality, innovation, value and social responsibility, and are aligned with Whole Foods Market’s Core Values, such as caring for local communities and practicing win-win partnerships.

This year’s recipients, who are being honored for their contributions throughout 2022, include brands ranging from 2 to 28 years on Whole Foods Market’s shelves. The awards, now in their 11^thyear, were previously called Supplier of the Year Awards.

“We are proud to recognize this dedicated group of suppliers and the work they do to serve our customers, advance our mission and propel the industry forward every day,” said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief merchandising and marketing officer at Whole Foods Market. “From emerging local brands to longstanding partners beloved by our team members and customers, these suppliers are essential to our business and continue to raise the bar for excellence within the grocery space. Congratulations to this year’s all-stars on this well-deserved recognition.”

Whole Foods Market leaders, category experts and merchants select winners across all departments and product categories, including Private Label, Produce, Specialty, Seafood, Meat, Grocery, Culinary and Whole Body. Suppliers are also nominated by Whole Foods Market’s dedicated Local Foragers, who are responsible for finding new and emerging local producers within the communities served by Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods Market’s Supplier All-Stars for 2022:

Abbot’s Butcher
Athletic Brewing Co.
Blue Stripes Urban Cacao
Ciruli Brothers
Eel River Organic Beef
FRIAL
Jasper Hill Farm
Kettle Cuisine
New Chapter
Organic Valley
Pangea Shellfish Company
Patagonian Lamb
SIMPLi
The Elite Flower
Vital Farms

For more than 40 years, Whole Foods Market has been the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer. As the first certified organic national grocer, Whole Foods Market has more than 500 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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