Once prized only by craft beer aficionados with unusual predilections for bitter flavors, IPAs took the mainstream market by storm this year. Nearly one quarter of craft beers in supermarkets are IPAs, according to Mark Vidano of beverage consulting firm MarkeTeam. And it’s still growing. Research firm GuestMetrics, reviewing point […]
Read moreHigh-concept cocktails that take 10 minutes to make took a backseat to simpler cocktails made well this year. Small flourishes helped attract customers, such as the mole bitters that the Omni Hotels & Resorts added to its Old Fashioned cocktails in Texas or the black walnut bitters they added to […]
Read moreIndependent restaurants across the country upgraded their coffee offerings this year as customers became more accustomed to the higher-end brews of specialists such as Portland, Ore.-base Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Oakland, Calif.-based Blue Bottle Coffee. Exhibitors at Coffee Fest in New York City in March reported a marked increase in […]
Read moreLocal craft beer is a well-established trend now, but local distilled spirits have been coming on strong in the past couple of years. The Atlantic magazine reports that the number of small distilleries has jumped from 70 in 2003 to more than 600 today, and the American Craft Spirits Association […]
Read moreRestaurant chains have been experimenting with “hand-crafted” sodas that often have more sophisticated flavors and are slightly less sweet than traditional soft drinks. Starbucks this summer debuted a line of Fizzio sodas carbonated to order, available in three flavors: Spiced Root Beer, Golden Ginger Ale and Lemon Ale. Sonic Drive-In […]
Read morePerhaps bolstered by the popularity of the protein-rich Paleo diet, consumers this year clamored for more meat. Pita Pit scored a home run with its “double meat Wednesdays” promotion. In fact, customers reportedly kept ordering double meat on hump day even after the promotion stopped. Firehouse Subs rolled out a […]
Read moreThe classic spread is now the second fastest growing condiment on sandwiches, after Sriracha, according to Datassential. Jam is becoming more commonplace in savory preparations. Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bar Louie both featured fig jam on the Napa Valley Chicken Sandwich (pictured) and Pear, Pig-N-Fig Flatbread, respectively. Meanwhile, pepper jam […]
Read moreBánh mì The Vietnamese sandwich, traditionally with roast pork, pâté, marinated and fresh vegetables, and herbs on a baguette crossed further over to mainstream this year as Yum Brands Inc. opened the first location of fast-casual concept Banh Shop, specializing in the sandwich (pictured), in Dallas this fall. Which Wich […]
Read moreMany restaurants found great success this year with mash-ups, taking two crowd-pleasers and merging them into one menu item. Last year’s croissant-doughnut hybrid, the Cronut, at Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City, was imitated this year by the Croisbun at Au Bon Pain, the Croissant Donut first at Jack […]
Read moreI emailed Patrice & Associates on Jan 1... Jay called me on Jan 2 @ 10am. We briefly discussed my resume and what I was looking for. He explained he had a few contacts that he could reach out to and give me a call if he found something. To make a long story short he called me the following day with a possibility, I expressed interest, he reached out to the owner and we set up a time for an interview. Basically, I was offered the job on the spot! I realize it doesn't always happen this way but...I basically had an interview with Jay...an interview with a client and was hired in 13 days! I know a lot of things had to go 'right' for this to happen this way, but none of it would have happened without the call from Jay...or his contacts. He listened and sent me info on jobs that were open that I might be interested in, not jobs he wanted to 'fill'. I truly felt that Jay and I were in this together and he was looking out for my best interest. His level of service and professionalism was impressive. Thanks to Jay and Patrice & Associates, I am starting the year with a new job that will allow more time with my family and a better quality of work/life balance.
Jay Gray was great!
So Grateful,
Jody Dean
Having never worked with a recruiter before, I wasn’t sure what to expect and didn’t have high expectations… then I met Alicia Terrell. To start the relationship I had an informative first conversation. She got to know me and my experiences and interests, and I got to know hers. Once contacts were made on my behalf, I had my first interview. Alicia called me an hour before and spent 20 minutes going over what to expect, what to focus on, and what to avoid. She did that for EVRY other interaction I had with them. She even reached out on my first day to see how my day went. Alicia went above and beyond all expectations, and if I ever need or know anyone that needs a recruiter, I know who to call.
Alicia Terrell was nothing short of AMAZING!
Thank you Alicia, YOU ROCK!
Mike Conrad
I can't thank Jay Gray enough for this opportunity!
I can't thank Jay enough for this opportunity!
Jay Gray was awesome to work with in this new opportunity. I felt the handoff to the client was great. I'm in my first week at the company and the opportunity to make a real impact is obvious and exactly what I was hoping for!!!Cheers,Jeremy
Jay Gray is an exceptional recruiter and someone who truly cares about what his client is seeking for employment. Jay helped me through the entire hiring process and made me feel confident about my new career opportunity. I am truly grateful to have had his help. Once again, thank you for you service and it really did help me in a time I needed someone like Jay to come in and help secure a position that valued my worth. I’m really enjoying my position and I’m fortunate for the help! Much Thanks! Walker Patterson
I give Jay a 10 out of 10!
I was contacted a while back by Jay Gray on multiple occasions regarding possible positions in my field. I was not yet ready to make a change but recently I reached out to him regarding a big move out of state. He was a big supporter and was able to find a position literally the following day. I interviewed and within a few days I was offered the position! I wanted to express my gratitude for the interest he took in me and the constant communication. He ensured I was well taken care of and that I was happy with the decisions I was making. He is a great asset to your team. Sincerely, Madelin Vargas
A BIG THANK YOU to Jay!
