Caridises Receive SNAC Circle of Honor Award
SNAC International announced Andy and Tony Caridis of Heat and Control as the recipients of the 2025 Circle of Honor Award, presented at SNAXPO25 in Orlando, Fla.
Established in 1994, the Circle of Honor Award recognizes the most visionary and transformative executives in the snack food industry. These candidates demonstrate exceptional innovation and business acumen that are shaping the industry’s future.
This year’s honorees, Andy and Tony Caridis, exemplify that legacy. Andy, who founded Heat and Control in 1950 with the aim of revolutionizing food industry heating methods, laid the groundwork for one of the most influential companies in food processing and packaging. His original innovation—a remote heat exchanger designed to replace direct burner systems—sparked decades of groundbreaking technology development.
Under the leadership of the father-son duo, Heat and Control has launched state-of-the-art equipment, such as thermal ovens, chicken fryers, and potato chip fryers—technology that currently powers production lines for leading snack manufacturers worldwide.
“We are incredibly humbled to be recognized as this year’s Circle of Honor winner,” says Tony. “SNAC International has been immensely helpful to a company like Heat and Control. Working with them exposes us to the entire United States, expands our business, and ultimately connects us to the rest of the world.”
With decades of experience and a steadfast commitment to innovation, Andy and Tony have been instrumental in shaping the future of snack production. They have redefined what is possible in snack manufacturing—streamlining operations, enhancing food quality, and establishing new industry standards.
“Heat and Control has been one of the innovative pillars of the snack industry for the past 75 years,” said Christine Cochran, CEO of SNAC International. “This award is a testament to the ingenuity and forward-thinking heating solutions that Andy and Tony have brought to our industry. Whether they realize it or not, many established and emerging brands owe their success to Andy and Tony.”
To view the commemorative video, click here.
Founded in 1937, SNAC International (formerly Snack Food Association) is the leading international trade association for the snack industry representing over 200 companies worldwide, including suppliers, marketers, and manufacturers. Upon its three pillars of education, advocacy, and networking, SNAC is committed to connecting the snack industry to create growth and opportunity. For more information, visit www.snacintl.org.
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Casey’s Supports ‘Weather Women’ Documentary
Casey’s, the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, is partnering with “Weather Women: Into the Bear’s Cage,” a cinematic storm chasing documentary by Paradeigm Films.
“At Casey’s, we know it’s not crazy to chase your dreams – and storms – and these amazing women are proof that when an opportunity arises, you got to chase it. We’re here to fuel the adventure of storm chasing season across Casey’s Country,” said Katie Petru, Director, PR and Communications, Casey’s.
This series, fueled by Casey’s, follows renowned storm chasers as they capture the 2025 storm season in real-time, offering viewers an unprecedented look at the power of nature. Filmed in a cinéma vérité style—raw, unscripted, and in real time—Weather Women captures the true intensity of storm chasing with no second takes.
“Storm chasers are often misunderstood—seen as thrill-seeking renegades when, in reality, they are experts in weather, often highly trained meteorologists, PhDs, and researchers doing critical, life-saving work,” said Stephen Brucher, Owner of Paradeigm Films and Director, Weather Women. “They are the eyes on the ground, relaying vital information on severe storms and tornadoes that radar alone can’t capture. Their efforts may go unnoticed, but they are the unsung heroes standing between chaos and safety.”
The Weather Women story begins at the 2025 National Storm Chaser Summit, and follows the stories of Jessica Moore, meteorologist, travel writer, and professional photographer; Tori Jane Ostberg, photographer and writer; and Emmy-winning broadcaster, meteorologist Jennifer Watson.
To learn more and get branded gear, visit www.weatherwomen.com.
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Boston Red Sox Taps Krispy Krunchy Chicken for Fenway
Get ready, Red Sox Nation, because Krispy Krunchy Chicken, one of the fastest growing hot food concepts in the country, has just been named the Official Fried Chicken of the Boston Red Sox. The fried chicken brand, best known for a national footprint in over 3200 convenience stores, will feature its fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders and krispy chicken sandwich at Fenway Park as the ballpark’s official fried chicken offering.
Fenway Park, the oldest Major League Baseball ballpark still in use, has an impressive history of over 100 years. In addition to being home to the Boston Red Sox, it is also known for its trademark features like the “Green Monster,” the Pesky Pole, and the Lone Red Seat. The park is well and deservedly known as an icon of sports culture.
And, starting opening day, April 4, fans of both the Red Sox and great chicken have something else to celebrate as Krispy Krunchy Chicken joins the Fenway Park menu. Both jumbo chicken tenders and the all-breast meat chicken sandwich will be available throughout Fenway Park, in addition to other ballpark staples.
“Introducing Krispy Krunchy Chicken to one of Major League Baseball’s most beloved ballparks is a prestigious milestone for our brand,” said Jim Norberg, CEO of Krispy Krunchy Chicken. “This partnership reinforces that our fried chicken truly belongs in the major leagues and we’re proud to call Fenway Park home.”
The agreement with the Boston Red Sox marks the first MLB deal for Krispy Krunchy. With its dominance in convenience stores, the brand is now reaching out to new fans in new places, whether it be in Fenway Park, or universities or other non-traditional venues.
“The Boston Red Sox are excited to welcome Krispy Krunchy Chicken as the Official Fried Chicken of the Boston Red Sox,” said Troup Parkinson, Chief Marketing and Partnerships Officer, Boston Red Sox. “With bold flavors and high quality ingredients, Krispy Krunchy Chicken will elevate the gameday experience for our fans, providing a distinctive new offering to Fenway Park’s food lineup that the entire family can enjoy.”
For more information, visit www.krispykrunchy.com or follow the brand on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, founded in Louisiana in 1989, is a quick-serve solution for convenience stores, truck stops and universities across the U.S. The store-in-store concept allows licensees to serve hand-breaded, mildly Cajun-spiced fried chicken and all white meat tenders to its guests, to increase their in-store profitability and drive frequency. The full menu also includes an award-winning Cajun Chicken Sandwich, NEW all-white meat nuggets, a variety of sides and the brand’s trademark honey biscuits.
With a weekly chicken sales volume exceeding one million pounds, Krispy Krunchy Chicken operates more than 3,200 retail locations across 47 states in the United States and is rapidly expanding. To learn more about partnering with Krispy Krunchy Chicken, visit http://krispykrunchy.com/partnering.
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