Gourmet News

American Cheese Society Webinar Addresses Climate Change

Published February 19, 2024

In partnership with the American Cheese Society Climate Impact Task Force, ACS committee member Nathan Aldridge, CCP, CCSE, will present a webinar that will explore many aspects of sustainability in the dairy supply chain.

“Sustainability in the Dairy Supply Chain” is scheduled for Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. MST (4 p.m. EST). Click here to register.

Aldridge has worked in the specialty cheese industry since 2005 and has seen firsthand how climate change has affected pricing as well as the mindset of the retail operator and retail customers.

Topics will include the a break down of the basics of climate change and how it’s being fueled by human actions, impacts of climate change on dairy farming, what dairy farmers are doing (or can do) to combat this effect, rising temperatures and rising prices, how climate change is altering the way dairy farmers operate, and more!

Join the ACS for the first event in the climate impact webinar series; it’s an opportunity to learn and share insights on what the industry’s climate impact is today.

This webinar is free for American Cheese Society members or $25 for non-members. The recording will also be available on the ACS Learning Center.

ACS is the leader in promoting and supporting American cheeses, providing the cheese industry with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.

ACS supports the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. At more than 2,400 members strong – nearly a doubling of membership in its last decade of operation – ACS provides the cheese community with educational resources and networking opportunities, while encouraging the highest standards of cheesemaking focused on safety and sustainability.

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Pinstripes Opens 16th Location With Italian-American Cuisine

Published February 19, 2024

Pinstripes Inc., the best-in-class dining and entertainment concept, opened the doors of its first New Jersey location at Westfield Garden State Plaza, its 16th location nationwide. Officially open to the public, Pinstripes invites the community to enjoy a blend of chef driven Italian-American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a modern “spin” on bowling and bocce. To celebrate its grand opening, Pinstripes will be offering guests who make an advanced reservation and visit Pinstripes Feb. 16 -23, free lunches served 11 a.m. -3 p.m. and 50 percent off dinner 5 p.m. – close.

The opening is just off the heels of Pinstripes going public on Dec. 29, where the company raised more than $70 million in gross proceeds to support its growth, which includes plans to open in Orlando, Coral Gables and Walnut Creek by Q2 calendar 2024.

Last night, Pinstripes Paramus welcomed guests, partners and city dignitaries to its VIP grand opening party, the first of many events that the gaming, entertainment and event venue will host in its inaugural year. The celebration featured live entertainment, culinary highlights from its Italian-American menu, handcrafted cocktails, photo-worthy ice sculptures, bowling, bocce and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with Pinstripes’ founder Dale Schwartz and Mayor Christopher DiPiazza.

Occupying 30,221 square feet of dining and gaming across two floors, Pinstripes Paramus’ ground-floor is home to a 107-seat bistro serving an extensive chef-driven menu with flavorful seasonal entrées, curated wine list, local beers and craft cocktails. Restaurant-style seating provides flexibility for guests to enjoy their meals at booths, tables surrounding the bar, or in front of big-screen TVs airing major sporting events on the expansive 137-seat, 2,044-square-foot patio. Pinstripes expects to host a high volume of private corporate and social events – with the target of 1,000 events within its first year of operation – making it a true social hub for the greater community.

“Pinstripes combines sophisticated fun with chef-driven cuisine to ensure everyone will find something they love. We’re excited to be the “home away from home” where guests can celebrate life while enjoying delicious food, entertainment and socializing.” said Dale Schwartz, Pinstripes Founder & CEO.

“We are proud to bring the first New Jersey Pinstripes location to the vibrant and lively destination at Garden State Plaza and look forward to adding our magic to the community.”

Pinstripes Paramus’ elevated menu of made-from-scratch recipes, conceptualized by Chief Culinary Officer Cesar Gutierrez and Executive Chef Douglas Geraghty, features house-made Italian-American classics, including rotating seasonal specialties prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Menu highlights include wood-fired pizzas and flatbreads, delectable sandwiches, and show-stopping chef entrées, making it a menu that has something for everyone. Guests are then invited to indulge in luxe desserts that will ensure a sweet ending to a sweeter experience!

Pinstripes Paramus is offering its famous Pintastic Weekend Brunch Buffet every Saturday and Sunday featuring sweet and savory culinary delights, including a signature waffle station; a made-to-order omelet station; a carving station featuring prime cuts with an assortment of dippables. On both days, guests can also enjoy bottomless mimosas and Aperol spritzes.

Pinstripes’ delicious plates pair perfectly with its thoughtfully selected wine list, craft beer selection and handcrafted cocktails. Guests can sip on Italian spins on classic cocktails, like margaritas and martinis, with fresh flavors and carefully curated ingredients.

Pinstripes Paramus is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and brunch is available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For those looking to extend Pinstripes’ culinary experience to other destinations, pick-up, delivery and catering is also available.

With the opening of the Paramus location, Pinstripes has brought an estimated 130 new jobs to the area. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/3vuip0j.

Founded in Chicago in 2007, Pinstripes’ best-in-class venues offer a combination of made-from-scratch dining, bowling and bocce and flexible private event space. From its full-service Italian-American food and beverage menu to its gaming array of bowling and bocce, Pinstripes offers multigenerational activities seven days a week. Its elegant and spacious 25,000- to 38,0000-square-foot venues can accommodate groups of 20 to 1,500 people for private events, parties and celebrations. To learn more, visit www.http://www.pinstripes.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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Kroger to Lower Prices After Albertsons Merger

Published February 14, 2024

The Kroger Co. has shared additional insights about how the company lowered prices in previous mergers, bolstering its commitment to bring more consumers across America lower prices and more choices following its proposed merger with Albertsons Cos.

“We believe the way to be America’s best grocer is to provide great value by consistently lowering prices and offering more choices. When we do this, more customers shop with us and buy more groceries, which allows us to reinvest in even lower prices, a better shopping experience, and higher wages,” said Rodney McMullen, chairman and CEO of Kroger. “We know this model works because we’ve been doing it successfully for many years, and this is exactly what this merger will bring customers – lower prices and more fresh, affordable choices.”

This strategy is not new to Kroger. The retailer has invested to lower prices consistently since 2003, resulting in $5 billion in customer savings and providing more affordable products to families across America. Kroger offered an analysis that puts this significant investment into clearer context and includes additional details. Specifically, it demonstrates Kroger:

Consistently lowered prices and improved the customer experience during previous mergers: Kroger invested more than $125 million to lower prices at Harris Teeter after its merger in 2014 and more than $100 million to lower prices at Roundy’s after its merger in 2016. Additionally, Kroger invested $2.5 million and $2.4 million in capital per Harris Teeter and Roundy’s store, respectively, to enhance the customer experience in the three years following each merger.
Reduced profits to ensure groceries remained affordable for families across America: Kroger’s ongoing work to lower prices in the last 20 years reduced its gross margin by 5%. Meanwhile, Amazon, Ahold Delhaize, Walmart and Dollar General have increased gross margins by 22 percent, 4 percent, 1 percent and 2 percent, respectively, during the same time period.
Made clear, consistent commitments to lower prices and improve the customer experience post-merger: Kroger will invest $500 million to lower prices following the merger with Albertsons starting day one following the transaction close. Kroger will also invest $1.3 billion to improve Albertsons’ stores following the merger, all to better serve customers.
Will become more competitive and able to invest even more to support customers and over 700,000 associates by combining with Albertsons. Kroger’s merger with Albertsons will allow it to attract and retain more customers by lowering prices, creating a more seamless and personalized experience and expanding its selection of fresh, affordable food. By doing so, Kroger expects to grow revenues and drive additional investments in pricing and store improvements as well as wages and benefits.

To learn more about the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons Cos visit here.

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