Gourmet News

Save A Lot’s Bags for a Brighter Holiday Program Returns

Published November 11, 2024

Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the United States is launching its annual Bags for a Brighter Holiday food donation program. Now in its ninth year, this initiative helps Save A Lot stores support the hometowns in which they operate by donating much-needed, high-quality food to local charities fighting hunger.

Now through Dec. 24, customers can purchase pre-assembled bags of food for $5.49* as they’re checking out at the register at any of Save A Lot’s 480 participating stores nationwide. Each bag is stocked with private label and brand name food items, including stuffing mix, canned vegetables and other pantry staples from Save A Lot.

“The giving that happens during our Bags for a Brighter Holiday program inspires and energizes me,” said Bill Mayo, Chief Operating Officer at Save A Lot. “To see how much our customers and store teams rally around this program to give back to charities in their communities is wonderful. The positive impact Save A Lot shoppers have each year to help neighbors in need is fantastic to see.”

Save A Lot stores, which are locally owned and operated, are passionate about making a difference. From supporting local charities to sponsoring in-store fundraisers, product drives and events for customers, locations are committed to doing A Lot of Good.

For more information about the Bags for a Brighter Holiday program or to find a participating store, please visit SaveALot.com.

*Prices may vary by location.

For more news of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

Dickey’s Teams With Gaubert Oil in Louisiana

Published November 11, 2024

Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., America’s premier name in Texas-style barbecue, has formed a partnership with Gaubert Oil, bringing authentic, slow-smoked barbecue to Louisiana. This exciting venture joins two family-led, third-generation companies united by values of quality, service and community impact. Together, Dickey’s and Gaubert Oil through its wholly owned subsidiary Go-Bears will bring Dickey’s signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue. to three new Louisiana locations, enriching the local food scene and offering families a new place to enjoy genuine barbecue.

The partnership is about more than expansion—it’s about shared values and a legacy of serving communities. Grady Gaubert, president and CEO of Gaubert Oil, has dedicated his career to continuing the family values of honesty, quality, and community service his father and grandfather instilled. Headquartered in Thibodaux, Gaubert Oil has served Louisiana’s Gulf South with high-quality oil, gas, and lubricant products. Now, through his partnership with Dickey’s, Go-Bears is adding legendary Texas barbecue to his family’s commitment to the Gulf South, making it a destination for families, travelers, and locals alike.

“For years, I’ve explored various franchise options, and when I found Dickey’s Barbecue, it was an obvious choice—a real homerun for our community,” said Gaubert. “The Dickey’s experience of quality and authenticity perfectly aligns with our values. The food is incredible, my team is excited, and we’re thrilled to introduce Texas-style barbecue to our customers.”

The first Dickey’s Barbecue Pit location under this partnership will open at a prominent I-49 truck stop in Grand Coteau, followed by a second location in Thibodaux at an existing Go-Bears convenience store. Both sites will offer Dickey’s beloved classics, from tender brisket to fall-off-the-bone ribs and signature sides, all slow-smoked daily on-site.

Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re proud to team up with Grady and Gaubert Oil, a family business that shares our dedication to quality and community. Grady’s strong connection with his community and commitment to service make him the perfect partner to bring Dickey’s to Louisiana. We’re excited to expand our reach in the Gulf South and create new barbecue memories for Louisiana families.”

Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “Dickey’s Barbecue has always been about bringing people together around authentic flavors and great hospitality. Our partnership with Gaubert Oil allows us to expand our family-driven mission with a trusted name in Louisiana, and we’re thrilled to see this next chapter unfold.”

With their shared commitment to tradition, quality, and service, Dickey’s Barbecue and Go-Bears are more than just business partners—they are two family enterprises working to enrich their communities and honor a legacy of integrity and customer satisfaction. Together, they will bring the best of Texas barbecue to Louisiana, inviting locals to savor Dickey’s legendary slow-smoked flavors and experience the warm hospitality both companies are known for.

Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business.

With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr. and his wife, Laura Rea Dickey.

Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 “America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains” list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine.

For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com

Founded in 1926, Gaubert Oil Company has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the petroleum and lubricant industry, delivering exceptional products and services to a wide array of industries in South Louisiana and beyond. Our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service continues to fuel our success and market reputation.

For more news of interest to the foodservice industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.

How to Make a McRib Sandwich at Home for $1.72

Published November 11, 2024

The highly anticipated return of the delicious McRib is set to make its comeback at the end of November at McDonald’s and should cost around $5.39 based on the price in 2023.

In response to this announcement, the verified coupon site Coupons4Real.com has calculated how much it would cost to recreate the McRib at home for a fraction of the price. Using ingredients sourced from one of America’s most accessible retailers, Walmart, the total cost to recreate the BBQ delicacy was calculated.

The total weight of a McRib is 7.4 ounces, so the ingredients were measured and weighed to replicate the original recipe at the lowest possible cost.

Ingredient List:

Smithfield Signature Ground Pork (4 oz) – $0.87 per serving

Ball Park Tailgaters Deli Rolls (2.5 oz) – $0.72 per bun

Great Value Hamburger Dill Chip Pickles (0.2 oz) – $0.03 per serving

Fresh Whole White Onion (0.3 oz) – $0.06 per serving
PL Great Value BBQ Sauce Original (0.4 oz) – $0.04 per serving

Total Cost: $1.72

This makes a homemade McRib $3.67 cheaper than buying it from McDonald’s.

Recipe Steps:

Prepare the Pork: Get your pre-ground pork mince and add a small amount of water to create a stickier texture.
Shape the Patties: Form the ground pork into patties that resemble ribs shapes, ensuring each patty is no more than 4 ounces to fit in the bun.
Create the “Rib” Look: Use your fingers to make little indentations on the patties to imitate the ribs.
Freeze the Patties: Place the patties on parchment paper and freeze until solid.
Cook the Patties: There’s no need to defrost the patties. They will cook in about three to four minutes per side. Preheat a griddle or cast-iron skillet, and once hot, add the frozen patties rib-side up. Flip after a few minutes and cook the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Coat with BBQ Sauce: Remove the patties from the skillet, allow them to cool for a few minutes, and then coat both sides in BBQ sauce.
Prepare the Toppings: Slice 0.3 oz of white onion and prepare two pickles from the jar (or more, if you prefer).
Toast the Bun: Cut the deli roll in half and place it on the hot griddle until lightly browned, which takes about a minute.
Assemble the Sandwich: Place the BBQ-coated patty on the bottom half of the bun, then top with the sliced pickles and onions.
Enjoy!: Your homemade McRib is ready to go!

“The McRib has been a McDonald’s staple since its debut in 1981 and continues to grow in popularity,” said Panayotis Nikolaidis, CEO and founder of Coupons4Real.com. >]”However, as a limited-time menu item, it comes and goes, sometimes for long periods of time.

“Knowing how to recreate the McRib at home not only prevents the ‘burger blues’ when it leaves the menu, but it also saves you a significant amount of money. Making it at home is 68% cheaper than buying at McDonald’s.

“Creating your own version also allows you to add your personal twist to the recipe while still enjoying the nostalgia. This method is perfect for prepping McRibs in bulk, so you always have some stashed in the freezer for when the craving strikes.”

For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.