Bitzel’s Chocolate Names Foley Executive Chef & Chocolatier
Bitzel’s Chocolate, the 7,000-square-foot chocolate factory and attraction in Suwanee, Ga., has added George Foley to its team as executive chef and chocolatier. Foley, who most recently was a Viennoiserie baker at Bacchanalia and Star Provisions, will focus on menu development, culinary training and building relationships with local farmers and national companies.“I’m thrilled to be a part of such an amazing concept and to get to work with a chocolatier like Ray Bitzel,” Foley says.
Bitzel’s Chocolate, the brainchild of chocolatier and entrepreneur Ray Bitzel and his business partner and co-founder Dave Rose, creates affordable, chef-crafted chocolate confections and offers visitors an unforgettable, Willy Wonka-style experience as they watch as various treats move through the production process.
“Of course, the chocolate is the star of the show, but what I love is that we’re giving visitors an entire experience here,” Foley says. “We’re taking them on a journey from learning how chocolate is made to seeing the machines and the production process to tasting the different types of chocolate that they may have never experienced before, such as gold chocolate and ruby chocolate.”
Foley comes to Bitzel’s from Bacchanalia, where he concentrated on croissants and pastries. He also has worked as a corporate chocolatier at Bodega Chocolates in Fountain Valley, Calif., as executive pastry chef for the Dolce Group in Los Angeles, as pastry chef at Salty’s on Alki Beach in Seattle and as the overnight baker viennoisarie at 3 Michelin Star The Inn at Little Washington.
Foley, who’s enjoyed a long career in the hospitality industry, says that continuing to focus on hospitality is what helps keep things fresh and exciting for him.
“Hospitality is the gift of making everyone feel welcomed, accepted and comfortable in your presence,” he says. “It’s a privilege to be a part of that. And that’s especially true when you’re working with chocolate, which everybody loves, in an environment like Bitzel’s that’s just full of wonder and excitement. I’m looking forward to seeing the smiles on our guests’ faces on an everyday basis.”
Bitzel’s Chocolate is a 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, located in Suwanee, Ga. Bitzel’s Chocolate features a line of affordable, chef-crafted delicacies prepared while guests move through the production process in a true Willy Wonka-style experience.
For more news of interest to the confections industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Squishmallows, See’s Candies Team on Co-Branded Gift Sets
Squishmallows are about to get a whole lot sweeter as Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, and the iconic California-based candy company See’s Candies will release a gift set that includes co-branded plush, chocolate boxes and totes inspired by everyone’s favorite ultra-soft plush, Squishmallows.
Available in See’s shops and online this October, fans of both brands will be able to purchase an eight-inch cuddly version of the beloved Squishmallows character, Emily the Bat, along with a co-branded custom box of chocolates and candy sold in a one-of-a-kind tote bag. Releasing in October, this gift set is perfect for trick-or-treaters and fans of Halloween and will be available for purchase while supplies list.
“Partnering with See’s Candies is the perfect way to further introduce Squishmallows into the consumables space,” said Gerhard Runken, executive vice president of brand & marketing at Jazwares. “This will be the perfect Halloween treat for fans of both brands, and we’re eager to add this unique collaboration to our robust lineup of iconic Squishmallows products!”
Pat Egan, president & CEO of See’s Candies added, “At See’s, we’re in the business of bringing joy, and that is exactly what this collaboration with Jazwares will do for fans of both brands. The ever-popular Squishmallows combined with our iconic, delicious chocolates will be the perfect treat this October.”
Squishmallows has consistently held its position as a leading toy property in the U.S. and a best-selling toy brand with over 400 million plush sold worldwide, boasting a multi-generational fanbase that continues to capture the imaginations of millions of fans worldwide. Squishmallows is massively popular on social media, driven by Gen Z fans who love celebrating the brand.
There are more than 13 billion video views on TikTok and Squishmallows has been tagged more than 1 million times on Instagram. As it continues to grow as a lifestyle brand, the company’s growth has fueled new cross-category collaborations across beauty, games, apparel, home decor, and more –– adding to its illustrious portfolio of more than 70 best-in-class licensing partners.
To stay connected and informed about See’s, sign up to receive an email newsletter at https://www.sees.com/emailsignup and follow @seescandies on all social platforms.
For more news of interest to the candy industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Josh Abbott Promotes DQ Restaurants in Texas
Josh Abbott and DQ restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal, runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.
“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas, and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” said Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.”
The Josh Abbott Meal features a four-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s Milk Chocolate Blizzard Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.
When it comes DQ, Abbott said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique.
“You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”
“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.”
The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I Like About Texas.” The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle, which has been a staple for the past two decades.
Today, Abbott is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location, where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat.
“Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Abbott.
Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released its seventh studio LP “Somewhere Down The Road” in January. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates.
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas.
The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.
For more news of interest to the foodservice industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
