Gourmet News

Dennis Schaardt Inducted Into Cured Meats Hall of Fame

Published August 14, 2024

Photo courtesy American Association of Meat Processors

During its annual convention in Omaha, the American Association of Meat Processors elected the newest member into the Cured Meats Hall of Fame. The 2024 inductee is Dennis Schaardt, president/CEO/COO of Den’s Country Meats in Table Rock, Neb.

At just 19 years old, Schaardt bought the meat locker from a relative in October 1985. He was the youngest of three boys, and the farm could not support all of them. He took a leap of faith to join a business he knew little about and grew it to the success it is today. He started in a small shop on the square in Table Rock.

In 1996 he built a new plant, becoming one of the first plants in Nebraska to fall under USDA inspection. Den’s Country Meats continues to grow. The company has expanded its slaughter floor and added a sweat cooler, and Den’s is getting ready to add on more freezer space and a packaging room because of the increase in business.

During its 39 years in operation, Den’s Country Meats has done exceedingly well in state, national and international competition. The company has won more than 500 awards from the Nebraska Association of Meat Processors cured meats competition. Den’s has won the Sweepstakes Award, the top overall achievement in the NAMP competition, in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, he has won more than 40 awards at the American Cured Meat Championships. In 2022, Den’s entered 48 products into the IFFA Quality Competition, hosted by the German Butchers Association, and won 45 gold medals and 3 silver medals.

Schaardt has always seen the importance of serving the meat industry. He served on the AAMP Board of Directors from 1990-1997 and 2003-2010 and was the association’s president in both 1996 and 2009. Schaardt has served on convention planning committees in the past and is presently on the association’s nominating committee. He has been recognized for his service with the AAMP Accomplishment Award in 1996, the AAMP Outstanding Service Award in 2007, and the AAMP Achievement Award in 2019.

In 2006, Schaardt and his wife, Kim, were recognized with the NAMP Service Award. He has also received the AAMP Golden Cleaver award for recruiting the most new members. Schaardt has been asked to judge many State Competitions over the years including shows in South Dakota and Missouri.

Schaardt has served as president of the 4-H Council and Pawnee County Agricultural Society, and he continues to serve as Table Rock Volunteer Fire Department’s Chief, a role he has held since 1990. He served as mayor of Table Rock for many years and as a County Commissioner for three terms. He is running to serve as a Nebraska state senator. Schaardt coached little league football for eight years, little league girls’ basketball for two years, and was a 4-H club leader for fourteen years.

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Dole’s Bobby Banana Inducted Into Mascot Hall of Fame

Published August 14, 2024

Every banana has its day in the sun.

The National Mascot Hall of Fame, the country’s only online and physical museum and interactive educational experience dedicated to honoring the contributions of sports mascots, has unveiled a special display featuring Bobby Banana, the celebrated 7-foot ambassador of Dole Food Company created in 1992 to promote healthy living around the world.

Christened in the museum’s Department of Mascot Studies Gallery and continuing through Sept. 30, 2024, “Bobby Banana: Dole’s Healthy-Living Icon for a Hungry World”chronicles the inception and growth of the exuberant, sneakers-wearing Cavendish banana responsible for inspiring generations of kids and families toward nutritious food choices and active lifestyles.

The National Mascot Hall of Fame is located in Whiting, Ind., 21 miles south of Chicago, and also maintains a virtual museum honoring the 33 mascots it has inducted to date.

The three-month Bobby Banana display was timed by the museum to coincide with Dole’s 125^th Banana-Versary, a year-long celebration of the global produce leader’s 125 years in the banana business encompassing online, social, promotional, in-store and other activities through 2024.

“While the focus of the National Mascot Hall of Fame has traditionally been on college and professional sports mascots, we can’t help but admire the work of corporate icons like Dole’s Bobby Banana who have helped electrify and inspire progress toward a better, healthier and more equitable world,” said Karen Anaszewicz, the museum’s executive director. “Once we heard about this year’s Dole Banana-Versary, we knew the time was ripe to tell the Bobby Banana story.”

According to Anaszewicz, Bobby Banana becomes the first globally known corporate mascot to be displayed in the five-year history of the National Mascot Hall of Fame.

“After years of requests, we have decided to start officially inducting corporate mascots into the museum in 2025 as part of our expanded commitment to telling the full mascot story,” she said. “More details on this exciting evolution for the National Mascot Hall of Fame will be announced soon – so stay tuned!”

Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of corporate communications, helped develop the exhibit, which includes a series of illuminated display panels offering information about Bobby Banana, Dole Food Company and the Banana-Versary.

“We’ve had many dialogues with the National Mascot Hall of Fame over the years, so to finally see the display christened and welcoming guests is a major thrill – for me, Bobby and everyone at Dole,” he said. “This day instantly becomes a highlight of our Banana-Versary.”

The National Mascot Hall of Fame is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Sunday and Monday. Admission is $8-10. For visitor information, go to https://mascothalloffame.com/visit/.

For information about Dole’s 125^th Banana-Versary, go to the celebration page.

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Crave Expanding Crave Express Fast-Casual Dining in Walmart

Published August 6, 2024

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is launching its Crave Express Model within Walmart locations. Crave has expanded nationally with brick and mortar units as well as food trucks. The brand aims to provide Walmart shoppers with convenient access to Crave’s signature hot dogs, BBQ, and other delicious offerings, enhancing their shopping experience. The restaurants will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

The Crave Express Model is designed for fast-casual dining, making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy their favorite meals while shopping. The brand will also offer 3rd party services from the restaurant such as grubhub and doordash. The restaurants will be featured as you enter select Walmart locations throughout the U.S.

“We are thrilled to parter with Walmart for Craves expansion,” said Samantha Rincione, CEO and Co-Founder of Crave. “This new venture allows us to offer quick and delicious dining, and we’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on the community.” The brand has a handful of units currently in development and plans to expand to over 100 units over the course of the next year.

The menu will feature a variety of hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, sliders, bowls, breakfast and desserts. Crave prides itself on its delicious modern menu, great customer service and inviting atmosphere. The Express Model’s integration with the Crave app further enhances the customer experience. Through the app, customers can order ahead, ensuring their meals are ready when they arrive. The app also provides access to secret menu items and exclusive deals. New users will receive a 10% discount on their first purchase, encouraging them to explore all that Crave has to offer.

Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ is committed to providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience for every customer. For more details about Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ, visit www.iwantcrave.com or contact info@iwantcrave.com.

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