By Sara Perez Webber Chris Tucker worked as a hair stylist for nearly a decade before pivoting to a baking career, drawing on a love instilled in him as a child by his Southern grandmother. A turn as a contestant on ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show” led him to opening Betta With Butta, a Los Angeles-based bakery. Like many others in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, … [Read more...] about Mixing It Up
Industry Leaders
Long Live Greek Cuisine
Cooking show host Diane Kochilas educates an international audience on Greek food’s history, variety and health benefits By Sara Perez Webber With roots on the Greek island of Ikaria, Diane Kochilas knows first-hand the health benefits of a Greek diet. Ikaria is one of five global Blue Zones—identified by author Dan Buettner as a region where people live longer, … [Read more...] about Long Live Greek Cuisine
Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
Leading Through Troubled Times
NACE’s national president, Doug Quattrini, CPCE, explains how the association is helping members face the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber When Doug Quattrini, CPCE, assumed his yearlong post as president of the NACE National Board on Jan. 1, it’s safe to say he had no idea what he was in for. A 13-year member of the National Association for … [Read more...] about Leading Through Troubled Times
Latin Flavor
Due to the impact of COVID-19, The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, including CHICA Las Vegas, is closed temporarily. CHICA Miami is serving pick-up and delivery only. Chef Lorena Garcia opens a new restaurant in Miami, extending the reach of her celebrated Latin American cuisine By Sara Perez Webber You may have tasted Chef Lorena Garcia’s tapas at the airports in … [Read more...] about Latin Flavor
From Vine to Table
By Sara Perez Webber Bronco Wine Company’s Joey Franzia discusses industry trends—and why he thinks caterers should be able to double their wine sales in 2020 If you’re a wine drinker—or a wine buyer—you’re familiar with the labels of Bronco Wine Company. The powerhouse vintner has been in business since 1973, and produces such widely known brands as Carmenet Reserve, … [Read more...] about From Vine to Table
Marrying Resources
Julie Mead of The Knot Worldwide explains how WeddingPro connects event pros with clients, and shares insight into top wedding trends By Sara Perez Webber It's becoming easier and easier for engaged couples to research and plan their weddings online—and for wedding vendors to connect with them. In July, The Knot and WeddingWire—two leading wedding planning resources—joined … [Read more...] about Marrying Resources
Desert Bounty
How Executive Chef Paul Hancock is establishing a farm-to-fork culinary oasis at Southern California’s Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa By Sara Perez Webber Growing up on a small North Carolina island, Paul Hancock remembers exchanging fresh eggs with neighbors for goat cheese and milk, and standing on a chair next to his grandmother as she made collard greens and … [Read more...] about Desert Bounty
On the Fast Track
With the first Prova Pizzabar satisfying commuters and visitors alike in New York’s Grand Central Terminal, Chef Donatella Arpaia plans to open more nationwide—the latest venture in her remarkable career By Sara Perez Webber Donatella Arpaia beat out more than 300 competitors for her fast-casual restaurant’s spot at Grand Central Terminal in New York. Prova Pizzabar, on the … [Read more...] about On the Fast Track
