Gourmet News

The Fresh Market Raising Funds for Victims of Maui Fires

Published August 23, 2023

The Fresh Market, Inc. is stepping up to support the victims of the devastating fires in Hawaii. The specialty food retailer is hosting a five-day register roundup at all of its stores to raise money for those affected by the Maui fires. The funds raised during the event will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines to provide meals to people impacted by humanitarian, natural and community crises around the globe.

The roundup fundraiser will take place from Wed., Aug. 23, and run through Sun., Aug. 27 in all 160 of The Fresh Market’s stores. During this time, guests are encouraged to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar, with the difference being donated to WCK.

The nonprofit is providing meals to first responders and affected community members, in distribution points and door-to-door wherever needed. Additionally, WCK has positioned food trucks across several severely impacted areas. The WCK Relief team was quick to mobilize soon after the fires spread and has provided more than 50,000 meals to people in need throughout Maui and the Big Island.

“We are deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the fires in Hawaii and want to do our part to help the victims,” said The Fresh Market CEO Jason Potter. “By supporting World Central Kitchen, we can ensure that those affected by the fires receive nourishing meals during this difficult time. Every cent counts, and even a small contribution can make a big difference in supporting the Maui wildfire relief efforts and helping victims on their path to recovery.

Founded by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen has been supporting communities in need since 2010, providing meals to people affected by natural and manmade disasters. WCK’s Chef Relief Team mobilizes to the frontlines with the urgency of now to start cooking and provide meals to people in need.

Deploying its model of quick action, leveraging local resources, adapting in real time, and by partnering with organizations on the ground, WCK provides freshly made, nutritious meals quickly and effectively, firm in the belief that a humble plate of food is more than a meal – it’s a sign that someone cares.

Voted as the “Best Supermarket in America” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 and 2021, “America’s Best Customer Service 2021” by Newsweek and Statista and a top 5 most trusted grocery retail brand for specialty and natural/organic foods in the 2022 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, The Fresh Market helps guests discover the best with time-saving meal solutions, unique ingredients, and delicious food for any occasion.

From fresh produce and exceptional meat and seafood to signature baked goods and thousands of organic options, the specialty grocer has something to please every palate. The Fresh Market currently operates 160 stores in 22 states across the United States, inspiring guests to discover new flavors and cook with confidence.

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GS Foods, PepsiCo Team Up for Maui Fire Relief

Published August 23, 2023

In response to the devastating wildfires in Maui, GS Foods Group has partnered with PepsiCo to support critical relief efforts for impacted communities. Gold Star Foods, a GS Foods Group subsidiary, will provide more than 20,000 shelf-stable meals to the Hawaii Child Nutrition Program and the children in Maui schools through PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good Program.

“Immediate needs – like access to food and reliable nutrition – should be the last thing on the minds of those whose lives, homes and schools have been upended by this natural disaster,” said Sean Leer, CEO, GS Foods Group. “GS Foods Group is proud to team up with PepsiCo to provide crucial, timely resources to communities in Hawaii that support their ongoing recovery.”

As one of the nation’s largest school nutrition providers, GS Foods understands how many families across the United States rely on school meals as a daily source of nutrition. Access to shelf-stable meals will help ensure the nutritional needs of young students affected by the fires are met, easing the strain on families and emergency responders as they continue to respond to the wildfires.

As the wildfire situation evolves, PepsiCo and Gold Star Foods remain committed to providing support and aid to impacted communities.

Gold Star Foods and PepsiCo urge others to support Maui fire relief. Donations can be made online in support of relief efforts to The Salvation Army, American Red Cross and the Maui Food Bank.

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Black Rock Coffee Bar Sets Fall Drink Menu

Published August 23, 2023

Black Rock Coffee Bar, a national boutique coffee chain, will celebrate the season with its new lineup of fall drinks that will be available from Sept. 1-Oct. 31 in all its more than 100 Black Rock Coffee Bar stores across seven states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

Stealing the spotlight on the autumn menu are irresistible Pumpkin and Kettle Corn flavors. Among them, the much-loved Pumpkin Blondie stands as a cherished favorite at Black Rock Coffee Bar. Adding to the excitement is a new and fresh addition to the lineup – the delectable Kettle Corn flavor.

Rounding out the fall 2023 drink menu is the Berry Scary Fuel drink from the brand’s popular Fuel energy drink brand. With this menu, the fast-growing coffee chain aims to provide its customers with a variety of flavorful drinks to choose from.

Pumpkin Flavored Drinks

Pumpkin Blondie – To get into the spirit of the season, the Pumpkin Blondie is a twist to Black Rock’s all-time favorite drink, the Caramel Blondie. The Pumpkin Blondie is made with hints of caramel, white chocolate and pumpkin. For a finishing touch, it is topped with cinnamon + nutmeg. The Pumpkin Blondie can be served hot, iced or blended. The Pumpkin Blondie can also be prepared as a shake without the coffee.

Pumpkin Spice Latte – Spice up a traditional latte with hints of warm pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Kettle Corn Flavored Drinks

Kettle Corn Shaken Espresso – Black Rock Coffee Bar is bringing the flavor of yummy kettle corn to its Fall drink lineup with the Kettle Corn Shaken Espresso – a rich full-bodied espresso shaken and mellowed by notes of salty, sweet and freshly popped corn.

Kettle Corn Cold Brew – The Kettle Corn Cold Brew is Black Rock’s signature cold brew with notes of salty, sweet and freshly popped corn.

*Create a customized fall drink utilizing Black Rock’s new Kettle Corn flavor. Suggested drink options include lattes, breves and shakes.

Fuel Featured Energy Drink

Berry Scary Fuel – The Berry Scary Fuel features Black Rock’s popular energy drink brand, Fuel. It is made with Organic fuel mixed with coconut, strawberry and raspberry and is garnished with a gummy eyeball.*

*Gummy garnishes will be available for a limited time at participating Black Rock Coffee Bar locations and is subject to availability. Request for extra gummies will be dependent on availability and cost an additional fee.

Each drink price will vary depending on modifications to the original receipt including alternative milks, additional flavors or additional shots.

Guided by its three principles – coffee, community and connection, the popular coffee chain was founded in Oregon and is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks. Its mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves. The boutique coffee chain was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. Most recently, Inc. Magazine ranked Black Rock Coffee Bar No. 1179^thon its 2023 Inc. 5000 Annual List, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Founded as a family owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to more than 115 retail locations in seven states. The Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also the team members that fuel their locations day in and day out. An important aspect of their team mission is to recognize those that go above and beyond by displaying the 4Gs of Black Rock – grit, growth, gratitude, and grace.

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