2014 Drink Trend – Local Beer, Wine & Spirits

Restaurant chain managers and beverage directors are being empowered to buy locally produced beverages that are popular in their communities. Franchisees are, too, said Tom Lewison, CEO of 36-unit Wild Wing Café. “We allow franchisees to work on their own drink specials,” he said. “We want to be local. We […]

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2014 Drink Trend – Microdistilled and Artisan Spirits

Bottlesociety.com lists more than 600 small distilleries in the United States — every state has at least one now — an increase from about 70 in 2003, according to The Atlantic. “I think it’s what customers want,” said James Gersten, president of New York City-based BR Guest Hospitality. His team […]

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2014 Drink Trend – India Pale Ale

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 […]

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2014 Drink Trend – Classic Cocktails with a Twist

High-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 […]

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2014 Drink Trend – Premium Coffee

Independent 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 […]

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2014 Drink Trend – Grown Up Sodas

Restaurant 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 […]

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Protein – 2014 Food Trend

Perhaps 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 […]

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Vietnamese Restaurants in 2014

Bánh 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 […]

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Duke Witte absolutely was amazing! 

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Duke Witte for his assistance in finding me a new job in the hospitality industry. I was disgruntled with my previous job, and I was feeling very discouraged about my prospects. I had been working in the restaurant industry for many years, and I had a lot of experience and skills, but I was having a hard time finding a better opportunity.

I was contacted via LinkedIn by Duke, and thank goodness I was.  Mr. Witte was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the entire process. He took the time to understand my skills and experience, and worked tirelessly to find me a job that was a good fit.

Duke was also very honest and upfront with me about the job market. He didn't sugarcoat things, but also didn't give up on me. He kept me motivated and encouraged, and never gave up on finding me a job that I would love.

I am so grateful to Duke Witte and his team for their help. I am now happily employed, and I am so happy that I was able to find a job that I love. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a job in the restaurant industry. He is a true professional, and is dedicated to helping his clients find the perfect job!

Thank you again for everything!

Nick Grubbs

Working with Chris Bovio made job searching so much easier! 

Not only was he available and involved in my search, but also knowledgeable regarding the position. Chris used his industry experience and recruiting network to find the best position for me and my skill set. My only regret is that my new job is so perfect for me that I won’t need to use Chris or Patrice & Associates later.

Thanks,

Nick Guarino

Michael Greig was absolutely fantastic in every way! 

He gave me options and suggestions & eventually found a great for me. Communication was easy and he went above & beyond. Also, he seems like an all around good dude. Thanks again Michael. Solid work out there. You’re hired :)

Nic Callahan

Bryan Curtis was fantastic to work with!

Bryan was very on top of things throughout my recruiting process to the engineering firm I accepted my position with.  I responded to his LinkedIn posting and heard back from him within 24 hours. He continually spoke with me throughout the process checking in regularly and answering all my questions. Bryan was instrumental in helping me find a great job.

Thanks!

Austin

Frank Rondeau was a really big help! 

When it came to helping me find my new job, he knocked it out of the park!  He was very honest and thorough throughout the entire process. We had multiple conversations along the way and he always checked in after interviews. Frank was amazing to work with, and I'm super excited to start my new journey thanks to him.       

Many Thanks,

Chyanne

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