Gourmet News

Exhibitors at Winter Fancy Food Donate Nearly $33K Pounds of Food

Published January 30, 2023

Nearly 33,000 pounds of food was collected from the Winter Fancy Food Show’s more than 1,100 exhibitors after the show ended and were donated to Three Square Food Bank, Southern Nevada’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization. In total, 32,831 pounds of food was collected.

“It’s a tradition for the Specialty Food Association to end its Fancy Food Shows with food rescue,” said Jennifer Carney, director of tradeshow operations for the SFA. “Our members looked forward to sharing their bounty with Three Square, an organization that works tirelessly to support people in their community.”

The donations of specialty foods and beverages included plant-based, meat, and cheese products, confections, bread, coffee, tea, oils, vinegars, pasta, snacks, and more.

“While 1 in 7 Southern Nevadans is struggling with hunger, we are lucky to have consistent engagement from generous partners all over the country,” said Three Square Food Bank Interim President and CEO Michelle Beck. “With donations provided by the SFA Winter Fancy Food Show, we’re able to distribute additional meals to our neighbors in need. We appreciate their efforts as this level of support allows us to pursue a hunger-free community.”

For coverage of the Winter Fancy Food show, check out the March issue of Gourmet News. Subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!

Black Rock Coffee to Open 30th Store in Arizona

Published January 30, 2023

Black Rock founders Daniel Brand (L) and Jeff Hernandez (R)

Black Rock Coffee Bar, a fast-growing coffee chain that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks, will open its newest store, a drive-thru-only store, in the Phoenix metro area. Founded in Oregon with more than 100 stores across seven states, Arizona is Black Rock Coffee Bar’s second largest market behind the Northwest. The boutique coffee chain has 30 stores in Arizona with 25 located in the Phoenix metro area.

Located at 2260 W. Glendale Ave., just off Interstate 17, the 800 square-foot- drive-thru-only store is set to open on Friday, Feb. 3. To celebrate its grand opening, Black Rock will offer all customers $2 medium drinks all day at this location as well as other specials throughout the following week.

“In the last two years, we have accelerated our growth in Arizona,” said Jeff Hernandez, co-founder and executive chairman of Black Rock Coffee Bar. “Our plan is to keep going – to open more locations in the Grand Canyon State so that we can continue to serve and connect with the Arizona community, culture, and people. We are thrilled to open a drive-thru only store that is conveniently located off Interstate 17. It’s perfect for people and families on the go.”

With 118 stores across the United States, the popular coffee chain is guided by three principles – coffee, community and connection. Its mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves.

Founded in 2008 in Portland, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. This year, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 837th among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Annual List.

The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills.

Read about how in coffee culture, attitude is everything in the January issue of Gourmet News.

Dollar Tree CEO Witynski Stepping Down

Published January 24, 2023

Mike Witynski, who has been in leadership positions at Dollar Tree since 2010 and served as CEO since 2020, is stepping down from the Board and leaving the Company. Executive Chairman Rick Dreiling will expand his role to assume the position of chief executive officer, effective Jan. 29.

“The opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated team at Dollar Tree has been the most rewarding of my career. During this especially dynamic period, we made the historic and consequential move to ‘break the dollar,’ and also rose to the historic opportunity to retool the Company’s leadership ranks to face the challenges ahead with fresh eyes. As I depart, I have full confidence that this team will continue to move the Company forward through the years ahead,” Witynski said.

“We greatly appreciate Mike’s contribution over his career with Dollar Tree,” Dreiling said, “which included the acquisition and integration of Family Dollar, navigating COVID, and contributing to the company’s current transformation strategy. Dollar Tree will continue to thrive, grow and win in the marketplace in this next chapter, and I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with the extraordinary Dollar Tree team to advance our focus on delighting customers, associates and other key stakeholders.”

Ned Kelly, lead independent director of the board, said, “We are grateful to Mike for his contributions and leadership during this unusually dynamic time and wish him well. Rick is energized and excited about the opportunities at Dollar Tree. His decades of retail experience will serve the Company well over the years ahead.”

Dreiling has a demonstrated track record of creating exceptional shareholder value with more than 50 years of retail experience at all operating levels, including expanding the footprint and offerings of several respected retailers and leading the successful transformation of multiple retailers.

The Company’s operations continue to track consistent with its expectations, and the leadership team will report earnings on Wednesday, March 1.

Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 company, operated 16,293 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of Oct. 29. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

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