After a successful test run for Chipotle’s vegan protein option, tofu sofritas, in the West Coast last year, the soybean-based staple will be making its way to Chipotle’s permanent menu in New York and Boston locations beginning March 3, announces Grub Street. Chipotle describes sofritas as “organic shredded tofu braised with chipotle chilies, roasted poblano peppers, and a blend of aromatic spices. Hodo Soy Beanery in Oakland supplies Chipotle with GMO-free tofu.
Food & Design: New York’s Nouveau Food Halls, Culintro Event
February 27, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Culintro recently posted their upcoming panel event for April:
“Until recently, New York City food aficionados used to have to buy a plane ticket to experience the incomparable delicacies and endless options that exist at classic international food halls. Now food halls seem to be popping up as frequently as food trucks, on a much grander scale, leaving us diners hungry for more.
The popularity of the Food Hall is not solely based on the food but also on the aesthetic and design. Top designers from across the country have targeted this gourmand culture and have built and created these Food Halls to entice and inspire. The Design Firm, AvroKO will speak about their recent development of Gotham West along with a few other under-the-radar projects in development; Renowned designer, Jeffrey Beers, will speak about his work at thePlaza Food Hall. The conversation will be moderated by Stacy Rauen, Editor, HD Magazine.”
Location: NYIT Auditorium on Broadway, 1871 Broadway
Date: Monday, April 28
Time: 6-8pm
Tickets: $40 for non-members, $25 for members
José Andres to Break Into Fast Food Scene
February 26, 2014 by Leave a Comment
José Andres revealed to Vanity Fair about his plans to enter the fast-food industry in the coming year and a half.
“Maybe I shouldn’t tell you . . . I’m not going to tell you why, but, I’ve been saying for a while that more and more chefs, we need to be [better at] influencing how to feed the many. We only feed the few. I don’t mean only on hunger issues, which I love to see the food community very involved in, solving the hunger and obesity issues in America and overseas, but I believe there’s an opportunity for chefs to have more of a say in how we’re going to feed the vast majority of this planet. You achieve that through the fast-food restaurants. I guarantee you that in the next 10 to 20 years we are going to see more and more fast-food restaurants lead by chefs.”
In response to the interviewer confirming Andres’ interest in exploring the fast food industry, Andres reasoned, “It would be right. Let me ask you: Who do you prefer, a clown organizing your menu—with all due respect to Mr. McDonald—or a chef? I do believe it’s a very simple answer.”
Real Estate Selection Process
February 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment
You’ve developed a business plan and secured the investors— you are now ready for the real estate hunt. This essential component is the final step that will ensure your enterprise dream comes into fruition. Both emerging and existing retail enterprise operators should have a clear idea of requisites to consider before the search begins, and they should know the right questions to ask during the process.
Before viewing spaces with a realtor, or by yourself, it’s important to do as much research as possible. This way, you can come extra prepared with questions and can more easily form accurate judgments. Be sure to line up a qualified real estate agent who understands your needs and preferences. Consider securing an architect and contractor to view the space once you’ve decided you are interested. When one hears the term “research,” a slew of intimidating and exhausting thoughts arise. This research, however, only need be informal; it should involve some online investigation of the following:
- will this location attract your target market?
- what is the traffic flow across the street compared to the that of the street where the enterprise is located?
- what is the size of the retail location?
- is outdoor seating crucial to your enterprise, and will it be possible to make happen?
- is the space located on a corner of the street or in-line (meaning there are other enterprises on either side)?
It would also be wise to perambulate the block of the prospective retail location at different points in the day and week to gauge foot traffic and guest demographic of the vicinity.
Once you’ve completed this preliminary, informal research, the next step is to actually view the space in person. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture specific amenities in order to further analyze later, and you should be prepared to take scrupulous notes. Typical specs worth gaining more insight on include:
- good guy clause
- asking price
- lease terms
- short-term lease options
- liquor license terms, if a liquor license is required
- will you need a basement?
- whether the building is up-to-code (e.g. a ramp to guarantee wheelchair accessibility)
- demolition clause terms
- hood ventilation system access
- why did the space close, or why will it close?
- what is the background of the previous tenants?
- what are the neighboring enterprises (especially competitors)?
- what is the proximity to subways and other common methods of transportation?
Never hesitate to clarify anything that may seem confusing with your agent during the site visit— it can be easy to overlook crucial details during this momentous step. The more photos you take, questions you ask, and amenities you examine will only ease your decision making process later. Keep in mind that once you make an offer and receive the lease, a lawyer must review. As long as you do your part in performing preliminary research and proactively seek spaces that meet your requirements, your ideal enterprise location will become apparent.
Happy Hunting…TaraPaige Group.
Celebrate International Women’s Day at Dylan’s Candy Bar March 8th
February 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
To celebrate International Women’s Day March 8th, Dylan’s Candy Bar and the Women’s Initiative invite you to spend the afternoon with creative and entrepreneurial women.
Culintro’s Industry Night at Grace Bar 3/10
February 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Culintro’s first industry networking event of March will take place at Gramercy’s newest hotspot, where attendees can enjoy favorites from a special food and drink menu.
Date: Monday, March 10th – Tuesday, March 11th
Time: 9pm – 1am
Location: Grace Bar 365 3rd Avenue
Register for this free event.
Parm Opening Upper West Side Location
February 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The team behind Parm, Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, plan to expand their popular Italian casual dining concept to the former Lansky’s Old World Deli space on Columbus Avenue this summer. This is not the only new location in the pipeline for the Italian restaurateurs; Parm will likely come to Williamsburg and Brookfield Place.
Chef Driven Market May Open in Union Square Park
February 21, 2014 by Leave a Comment
As of yesterday, the New York State Court of Appeals ended a six-year-long battle which would determine whether a “Chef Driven Market” could open in Union Square Pavilion; they ultimately acquiesced to allowing it. It’s probable that restaurateur Simon Oren will open his planned full-service establishment with 200 seats; however, the Parks Department has the final say in authorizing the proposed menus along with other operational logistics.
Pop-Up Stores Gain Popularity in Airports, Domestically and Internationally
February 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Pop-up shops in airports are gaining international recognition and success, reports USA Today. These small (yet fruitful) and transient retail enterprises have already made headlines in malls and upscale shopping streets; more recently pop-up shops have burst onto the airport scene in an impactful way.
“From a business standpoint, it’s a great idea,” said Ramon Lo, editorial director of Airport Revenue News. “Short-term leases can give vendors a chance to dip their toes into the airport arena and build awareness for street-side locations,” while allowing airports to vet new operators and, often, fill unused spaces, he said.
Pop-up restaurants have been a huge hit at Copenhagen Airport, where top Danish chefs served special tasting menus from an open kitchen. Every few months a different company creates a pop-up in the “Brand Box” in the airport’s main tax-free shop.
In October 2013, JetBlue hosted a three-day Farmers Market in T5 at JFK International Airport. “That was such a successful pop-up experience that we’re now looking at how we can integrate it more on a regular basis,” said JetBlue spokeswoman Tamara Young.
Hickory Farms tested the idea of a Holiday Market shop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during the most recent holiday season.
It can often take some negotiation with airports to secure the space for pop-ups, “but airports are motivated and sometimes ask for these pop-ups because they of course share in the benefit of the sales,” explained Hudson Group spokeswoman Laura Samuels.
Cherry Bombe Jubilee Conference Pre-Sale
February 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Cherry Bombe Magazine, the bi-annual magazine that celebrates woman and food, is holding a pre-sale this afternoon for their upcoming Jubilee Conference. The general public sale will begin tomorrow. Tickets are $200 each, and the code is CHERRY2014.
Event: The Cherry Bombe Jubilee Conference
Date: Sunday, March 30th
Time: 10am-6pm
Location: The High Line Hotel in Manhattan
According to the magazine, the focus of Jubilee will be discussing the issues of the day, from career paths to small business matters to motherhood and food politics, via a series of panels and presentations. There will, of course, be lots of breaks for food and networking opportunities. The day will end with a cocktail party for all speakers and attendees.
Participants include (in alphabetical order)*:
April Bloomfield
Katie Button
Dorothy Can Hamilton
Sue Chan
Amanda Cohen
Laurie David
Charlotte Druckman
Suzanne Goin
Gabrielle Hamilton
Kristen Kish
Amanda Kludt
Sara Kramer
Anita Lo
Alexis Miesen
Preeti Mistry
Christine Muhlke
Marion Nestle
Ruth Reichl
Jassamyn Rodriguez
Christina Tosi
Julia Turshen
Elettra Wiedemann
For any questions, contact the Cherry Bombe team at jubilee@cherrybombe.com
paigepapers.com 