| Cover Story |
| Columns |
| Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc.: Vintage Service |
| Southern Wine & Spirits of America rose to the industry’s leadership position by expanding into new markets and enhancing wine’s image. By Chris Petersen |
| Silver Eagle Distributors: Soaring Suds |
| As the nation’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor, Silver Eagle Distributors believes in maintaining strong relationships with retailers. By Chris Petersen |
| Krispy Kreme: The Hole Truth |
| Krispy Kreme adds new menu offerings – including ice cream and frozen drinks – to complement its glazed doughnuts and stay ahead of competition. By Chris Petersen |
| View From the Editor's Table: An Unyielding Bond |
| The NIU shooting hits close to editor’s home; reminds us what’s really important and why ‘doing something’ can make all the difference. |
| Industry Briefs |
| Healthier children, smarter culinary students and double-digit craft beer revenues are some of the industry trends that you will need to know about in the food and beverage world. |
| Vintage Wine Distributor: ‘In Vino Veritas’ |
| A lot has changed in the wine industry since Vintage Wine Distributor was founded. President Casey Forbes shares notable trends and a future outlook. By Kathryn Jones |
| Doubletree Hotel San Jose: Double Take |
| Doubletree Hotel San Jose says it uses its parent corporation’s power and its own exceptional service to entice patrons to visit its four restaurants. By Kathryn Jones |
| Nathan’s Famous Inc.: Test of Time |
| After nearly a century, Nathan’s Famous Inc. is expanding on its legacy by refreshing its menu and growing its presence in the United States and internationally. By Alan Dorich |
| Beech-Nut Nutrition: Healthy Baby |
| A leading provider of baby food products with all-natural ingredients, Beech-Nut wishes to also be known for innovative nutritional options, as well. By Alan Dorich |
| Pizza 73: On the Radar |
| A generous promotion offer, sophisticated technology and an unusual franchise system have made Pizza 73 one of the largest pizza franchises in Alberta, Canada, it says. By Kathryn Jones |
| Select Sandwich Co.: Select the Best |
| The original design-your-own sandwich shop and catering service, Select Sandwich Co., is planning for continued brand growth and expansion this year. By Hanna Aronovich |
| Cascade Winery: Drink to That |
| With the five-year-old Cascade Winery – which crafts and sells bottled wines – owner Robert Bonga says he has turned his ‘passion’ into a successful business. |
| Green Beans Coffee Co. Inc.: Tastes of Home |
| Green Beans Coffee Co. says its cafes are dedicated to providing U.S. soldiers with a place where they can get away from it all and enjoy the tastes from back home. By Alan Dorich |
| Gatti’s Pizza: Gettin’ Good |
| Texas-based Gatti’s Pizza has re-organized, re-modeled and re-branded. The new Gatti’s is bigger and better than ever, company officials say. By Libby John |
| Saz’s State House: Local Favorite |
| Saz’s State House and Milwaukee have enjoyed a 31-year love affair, thanks to the restaurant’s beloved barbecue and community involvement. By Chris Petersen |
| Guernsey Farms Dairy: Cool Expansion |
| Guernsey Farms Dairy benefits from a growing list of dairy products – such as sour cream, yogurt, dip and eggnog – as well as an expanding customer base. By Hanna Aronovich |
| The Manor: Classical Taste |
| With its rich history in the restaurant industry, the Knowles family ensures that The Manor in West Orange, N.J., maintains its classical kitchen roots. By Kathryn Jones |
| McClure Farms and West Coast Tomato: You Say Tomato |
| Family owned and operated McClure Farms and West Coast Tomato have enjoyed improvements in operational efficiency by using new technologies. By Alan Dorich |
| Robbie Manufacturing Inc.: Package Partner |
| Robbie Manufacturing Inc. says it focuses on developing packaging products that meet customers’ previously unmet needs with its award-winning technology. By Alan Dorich |
| Mission Foods: Wrapped Up |
| Tortillas have become an American staple, and Mission Foods is the global leader in manufacturing the food thanks to innovate meal solutions. By Chris Petersen |
| Super Store Industries: 'Super' Success |
| Super Store Industries says it credits its growth and success to being a ‘low-cost producer’ of dairy products and fruit drinks in the distribution market. |
| LSG Sky Chefs: Sky-High Quality |
| LSG Sky Chefs says it remains the largest airline catering company in the world because it stays on top of industry trends and makes international acquisitions. By Kathryn Jones |
| Au Bon Pain: Driving Forces |
| Au Bon Pain is poised for growth and expansion as the fast-casual café celebrates its 30th anniversary. Unique and healthy menu options are among its goals. By Hanna Aronovich |
| Pita Pit USA Inc.: Pita Pros |
| Pita Pit USA offers an alternative to traditional fast food with its fresh, high-quality pitas. It has enjoyed strong momentum and plans for more growth. By Kate Burrows |
| Jason's Deli: A Fine Franchise |
| After 32 years, Jason’s Deli offers a menu that has something for everyone. It also strives to offer healthier options and increase environmental initiatives. By Alan Dorich |
| Perlick Corp.: Staying Cool |
| The 90-year-old Perlick Corp. – a bar and beverage equipment company – says it has grown stronger by implementing lean and kaizen. By Alan Dorich |
| Slice of Life: The Missing Link |
| It was only a matter of time before the food industry took a bite out of the online networking phenomenon. Now, everyone from food industry executives and vendors to culinary students and foodies can connect, share and learn with a click of a mouse. By Erica Burke |
| The Leadership Cookbook: Step Into Roles |
| Defining how ethics and values apply to your operations and brand can create a sense of ease when you are tasked with making big decisions for your company. By Rudy Miick |
| The Safe Zone: Training That Works |
| Safety is more about doing what works than doing what’s popular or easy. Tactics that engage employees in safety principles are big winners. By Lee Biars |
| Staff Training: Guest Respect |
| ‘I don’t know’ and ‘I can’t’ are not acceptable in foodservice. Train your staff to put positive twists even on difficult guest situations. Watch them come back in droves. By Pam Simos, Five Star Training |
| Field Technology: Play the Field |
| Mobile solutions allow for ‘lightening-quick’ information sharing, which can ensure marketing strategies are carried out successfully in the field. By Harris Fogel |
| MaMa Rosa’s LLC: Slice of Success |
| After nearly 20 years of business and two acquisitions, Mama Rosa’s LLC is proud to stand as ‘the largest branded refrigerated pizza company in the United States.’ By Alan Dorich |
| Pacini: Keeping It Real |
| Authenticity is the key to success for restaurant franchise Pacini, which sends its employees to Italy yearly to learn how to recreate Italian dishes. By Kathryn Jones |
| HOPE Wine: Reaching Out |
| Eight entrepreneurs banded together with ’07 with the vision to make a difference. Each of HOPE Wine’s varietals is paired with a charitable cause. By Kate Burrows |
| Candy Bouquet Intl.: ‘So Much Fun’ |
| Candy Bouquet CEO Margaret McEntire calls her company the world’s largest candy store, with a presence in all states and 31 countries. By Kate Burrows |
| Court of Two Sisters: Defining Dining |
| New Orleans and Creole restaurant Court of Two Sisters are virtually synonymous, its owner says, thanks to its history and cuisine influenced by the city. By Chris Petersen |