News

Food Network's CHOPPED will be casting a few fun SPECIAL EPISODES.
 
Always seeking dynamic talented competitive chefs, we are now in search of:

•Teens  15-18, boys or girls who are showing crazy potential in the kitchen, have a real passion for food, maybe they are taking classes or cooking for friends, they are known in their circles to be great cooks and the next great professional chefs.

•Family Feud  4 FAMILY members, all in the culinary business (not necessarily the same business), to compete against each other. This could be any combination of - Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, Grandmother, Grandfather, Aunt, Uncle, Cousins, but they must be related and all must work in the food business and want to have fun competing against each other.

•Vegetarian Chefs - Men or Women, any ethnicity that specialize in vegetarian cooking, could be cooking in restaurants, catering, supper clubs, or chef/instructors, but must be known for his/her creative vegetarian cooking and want to compete to create the best vegetarian meal.  
We appreciate every single referral!
 
All applicants can  apply here Or EMAIL us to nominate someone you know.
 

Atlanta Business Chronicle

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) has recalled select containers of its Private Selection ice cream due to concerns the product may contain peanuts not listed on the label, according to a statement released by the company. Georgia is among 10 states where the ice cream was sold.

The company has recalled its Extreme Moose Tracks ice cream sold in 16-ounce containers with a sell by date of June 18, 2012 and with the UPC Code 11110 52909. In addition to Georgia, the ice cream was recalled in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, portions of eastern Missouri, Ohio and northern Kentucky, South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee.

People who are allergic to peanuts could have a serious life-threatening reaction if they consume this product, the release states. The ice cream is not harmful to people who are not allergic to peanuts.

For more information, go to www.kroger.com/recalls.

Article

Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery was recognized in the Imperial Stout beer-style category for its "IMOS" Imperial Mocha Oatmeal Stout. Each year JR brews this much anticipated beer with its fans looking forward to its smooth creamy body and a rich roasted malt character and its distinct coffee and chocolate notes that give it an overall bittersweet quality. Established in 1998, Max Lager's is a 15 barrel brewery restaurant located in Atlanta, Georgia that specializes in fresh brewed beer and wood-fired cuisine.
 
The 2011 Great American Beer Festival competition winners were selected by an international panel of 169 expert judges from a record number of over 3,900 entries received from 522 U.S. breweries. "The Great American Beer Festival is the premier beer competition for the American beer industry," says Nancy Johnson, festival director. "Winning a medal, no matter if gold, silver or bronze, is truly an accomplishment."
 
For more information on Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery, please contact Jessica Lynn at events@maxlagers.com or visit MaxLagers.com.
 
For more Great American Beer Festival competition information, including the 2011 winners list and photos, visit GreatAmericanBeerFestival.com.
 
Learn More on JR's Blog
 

We have been alerted to a couple of scams that have been targeting restaurants recently: large party reservations and rely operator scams.

The Wisconsin Restaurant Association details how these scams work and what you should be on the look-out for:

Reservation scam: One frequently attempted scam involves approaching restaurants and hotels via e-mail to request a reservation for a large group of people from a foreign country. The scammer will pre-pay to hold the reservation and then cancel, asking for their money to be refunded. The hitch is that their pre-payment to you has been made with forged checks or stolen credit cards; while that transaction is pending (and you believe you have the money in your account), you issue the refund. A short time later, the initial payment to your business is refused and you are out the money you sent as a “refund.”

How to spot the scam: Have reservations about large, foreign reservations! Often the initial e-mail will appear legitimate, but be wary. Tip offs that you are being targeted by a scam artist: the e-mail has poor or strange grammar or random capitalization; the writer tries to impress you with a fancy title; the sender is overly eager to assure you that the payment method is legitimate; or your business is not referred to by name, only as “your restaurant” or “establishment.”

Relay operator scam: The relay operator scam works in a similar wayundefinedthe scammer makes a fraudulent prepayment for a reservation, large catering order, or to-go order and then asks for a refundundefinedbut there is an additional twist: it exploits the telephone relay service used by people who are hearing impaired.

Relay serviceundefinedwhich has been around for decadesundefinedallows deaf and hard of hearing callers to type messages to an operator who then reads it to the hearing person on the other end of the call. In the past, users needed a special text telephone to use the service. Now the internet and text messaging devices make it easy for anyone to use the serviceundefinedincluding con artists.

Joanne Palzkill, owner of Draganetti’s Ristorante in Altoona and the new Taverna Grill in Eau Claire, was immediately suspicious when a very odd catering order came into Draganetti’s from a “customer” using relay service.

“My sister took the call. She was gone awhile and came back saying, ‘You won’t believe the phone call I just got,’” Palzkill recalled. The order was for 300 sandwiches, potato salad and coleslawundefinednot, as Palzkill said, “food you‘d order from a typical Italian restaurant.” Even odder was the caller’s apparent disinterest in the food itself: “People do not order for 300 and not care what they’re getting,” Palzkill said.  Although suspicious, Palzkill responded the next day to the email address that was given to her sister. She got an immediate reply to her email saying an “intermediary” would come pick up the food. The immediacy of the response, the odd phrasing of the reply and the disinterest in the food itself sealed it for Palzkill and she dismissed the whole order as a scam attempt.

Previous to receiving the relay call, Palzkill had heard about the scam from the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and had printed out copies of the WRA Alert and put them at both of her restaurant’s phones. However, it still took her by surprise, she said, as she thought big metro areas would be the target of the scammers. “I couldn’t believe itundefinedright here in Wisconsin!” she said.

How to spot the scam: Be wary of callers ordering very large to-go orders, customers who show little interest in the food being ordered, people who want to use a third party delivery service, or callers who want to split orders between several credit cards. Like the reservation scam, many of these ploys also originate in foreign countries and odd or overly formal phrasing is typical. All of these may be signs you are the target of a scam.”

Source: Wisconsin Restaurant Association

New company name and brand identity reflect broader vision and growth strategy

U.S. Foodservice today unveiled its new corporate name, US Foods, and brand identity reflecting its strategic focus on creating a better food offering and an easier service experience for customers.

“Our new name and brand image are a reflection of the many customer-focused improvements now underway at US Foods,” said John Lederer, president and CEO, US Foods. “We traveled the country and listened carefully to what our employees and customers had to say about how we can improve: provide better, more relevant and innovative food choices and make it easier for our customers to do business with us. We believe this is a recipe for mutual success.”

Based on extensive research, the new identity and underlying strategy mark the beginning of US Foods’ strategic transformation into a more creative and innovative food company dedicated to making things easier for customers.

In addition to changing its name to US Foodsundefinedwhich research showed is how most customers and employees already refer to the companyundefineda new logo and tagline will begin appearing on trucks, products and in other areas. With vibrant orange and green food colors and a bold, simple design, the new image expresses confidence and a fresh outlook.

“We wanted to let everyone know we’re on an exciting path,” Lederer said. “The new image will remind us of our focus every day, and our new tag line, ‘Keeping Kitchens Cooking,’ will keep our customers front and center.”

Lederer, who joined US Foods in August 2010, inherited a strong leadership team of industry veterans and has added deep specialist expertise in strategic areas such as product innovation, merchandising, supply chain and information technology.

Building on a strong foundation as one of America’s leading foodservice distribution companies, the new vision is inspired in part by the rich history of the many companies that came together to form US Foods. Beginning with the immediate launch of a line of new and innovative products exclusive to US Foods, the company is working to provide customers with better products, more intuitive tools and technologies, and thoughtful service solutions and informationundefinedall underscored by this forward-looking image transformation.

US Foods operates 64 test kitchens across the country, including a state-of-the-art Culinary Innovation Center in Rosemont, Ill. It’s here that US Foods chefs help customers stay abreast of culinary trends, increase sales and manage costs. In addition, a team of US Foods chefs and product developers regularly travel the world in search of new flavors and ideas to bring home to customers. As a result, US Foods has introduced more than 800 new products in 2011, and in October will launch two new brands including Chef’s Line, a new line of chef-inspired, time-saving foods that demonstrate the company’s innovative approach to product development.

“US Foods is committed to creating better, more innovative products that leverage our food expertise and market position, and to making the customer service experience easier every step of the way,” Lederer said. “Our new brand supports and advances both of these goals.”

About US Foods
With nearly $19 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America, and a leading foodservice distributor. Many of the entities that make up US Foods were founded in the 19th century, including one that sold provisions to travelers heading west during the 1850s gold rush. The company had used the name U.S. Foodservice since 1993. US Foods offers more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality “exclusive brand” items, ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide, and provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.

Heartland merchants receive millions of dollars through Durbin pass through program

QSRs and small-ticket merchants feel the pain of MasterCard® and Visa® fee changes

Just days after the implementation of the Durbin Amendment swipe fee reform on October 1, Heartland Payment Systems (NYSE: HPY), one of the nation’s largest payments processors, has released the first real-world data about the legislation’s actual effects on business owners across the United States.

From the first to the third of October, Heartland passed along $1,779,568 in debit interchange reductions to its merchants across the U.S. Restaurant merchants received $671,652 of this reduction. The company estimates its average merchant will save more than $1,000 in the first year alone.

“These savings are just the tip of the iceberg,” said Bob Baldwin, president at Heartland. “Durbin Dollars should stay where they belong undefined in merchants’ bank accounts undefined and Heartland is helping business owners keep more of their hard-earned cash. Merchants shouldn’t take this for granted. They need to be vigilant in ensuring they receive the cost savings they deserve so they don’t unknowingly fall victim to processors looking to profit at their expense.”

The real effects of the Durbin Amendment have already started to take hold as evidenced in the statistical findings below derived from data collected between October 1 – 3, 2011 across Heartland’s portfolio of 250,000 merchant locations. Heartland has found:

-65% of our signature debit sales volume qualified as regulated
-On average, there is a savings of $0.21 per transaction for regulated (vs. non-­regulated)
    -The average signature debit non-­regulated interchange fee per transaction is $0.44
    -The average signature debit regulated interchange fee per transaction is $0.23
-On average, there is a savings of 75 basis points for regulated (vs. non-regulated)
    -The average signature debit non-regulated effective rate is 1.55%
    -The average signature debit regulated effective rate is 0.80%

While the majority of merchants are realizing significant savings from the debit rate reductions, merchants that process a high volume of small-ticket transactions are actually paying more due to the elimination of MasterCard and Visa’s small-ticket interchange rates. As of October, the card brands are charging the same regulated rates as standard transactions of 21 cents plus one cent plus 0.05 percent of the transaction volume, which translates to increased costs on debit transactions less than $11. In Heartland’s portfolio, quick serve restaurants (QSRs), for example, are now paying an average effective interchange rate of 2.15 percent compared to the 2.08 percent they were charged under the small-ticket provision.

For more information on the Durbin Amendment, visit GetYourDurbinDollars.com.

About Heartland Payment Systems
Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (NYSE: HPY), the fifth largest payments processor in the United States, delivers credit/debit/prepaid card processing, gift marketing and loyalty programs, payroll, check management and related business solutions to more than 250,000 business locations nationwide. A FORTUNE 1000 company, Heartland is the founding supporter of The Merchant Bill of Rights, a public advocacy initiative that educates merchants about fair credit and debit card processing practices. The company is also a leader in the development of end-to-end encryption technology designed to protect cardholder data, rendering it useless to cybercriminals.  For more information, please visit HeartlandPaymentSystems.com, MerchantBillOfRights.org, CostOfABurger.com and E3secure.com.

The National Restaurant Association and founding partner Pepsico are pleased to honor restaurant companies that have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities through the Faces of Diversity Award program. Each year, four national winners receive $5,000 each to continue their charitable works.

Apply today for the 2012 Faces of Diversity Award

Applications will be accepted until December 5, 2011.

Pepsico Foodservice is the proud sponsor and founding partner of the National Restaurant Association's Faces of Diversity Awards.

The American Dream often begins in a restaurant. Whether born in the United States or abroad, raised in humble or affluent homes, restaurateurs embody drive and determination. Whatever challenges they face, they persevere to achieve their dream.

Each year, the National Restaurant Association and PepsiCo Foodservice celebrate those who achieve the American Dream in the restaurant industry. Our annual Faces of Diversity awards honor restaurateurs who show the enterprise and dedication to realize the American Dream and inspire others. The three American Dream awards are for individual restaurateurs. The Inspiration Award honors one company.

We also salute the diversity of the restaurant-industry workforce. It’s 12.7 million people strong and represents 9 percent of the U.S. workforce. Without them, the restaurant industry wouldn’t be the economic force it is and the means for achieving the American Dream.

Click HERE for more information and how to apply.

Restaurant Neighbor Recognizing Restaurateurs for Outstanding Community Involvement

Doing good work in your community?

Share your story and enter to win $5,000

Four national winners receive $5,000 each to support their community efforts as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC to receive their award during a gala awards dinner held in April 2012.

Deadline to Apply is December 5, 2011

For more information on the award or to apply online go to www.restaurant.org/awards.

We all know about Earth Day, right? It's truly great, but isn't it time we raise awareness across the U.S. focusing on important food issues?
 
That's what Food Day is all about.
 
In Georgia, we are organizing an “I Eat Real” campaign for Food Day, which is using Facebook to allow anyone to share their passion for healthy, clean food.
 
At farmers markets listed below, find the Food Day table, have your picture taken, and upload to Facebook your “I Eat Real _______” declaration. Another celebration of Food Day is premier of the much-anticipated documentary film on The Greenhorns, a national grassroots nonprofit organization of young farmers.

Oct. 15 Saturday, Snellville Farmer’s Market, 7:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 Tuesday, Emory Farmers Market, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Oct. 19, Wednesday, Decatur Farmers Market, 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.
Oct. 20, Thursday, East Atlanta Village Farmers Market, 4 p.m. – 7 .p.m.
Oct. 21, Friday, Truly Living Well Downtown Market, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Oct 22, Saturday:
•Peachtree Road Farmer's Market, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
•Taste of Atlanta, Tech Square Midtown, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
•The Savannah Food Day Festival 11 a.m. E. Broad St., Savannah
•Bring it Home at Forsyth Farmers Market 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Savannah

Oct. 23, Sunday:
•Grant Park Farmers Market, 9:30 a.m - 1:30 p.m.
•Taste of Atlanta, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tech Square, Midtown Atanta

Oct. 24, Monday
•Parish Farm to Table, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., 240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta
•Food Day at Emory, 7 p.m. -10 p.m., “Greenhorns” screening & conversation, Dobbs University Center
•“Greenhorns” screening & conversation, 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., The Plaza Theater, Atlanta
 
Don’t have time to go to a farmers market?  Print out the “I Eat Real” poster here, fill it in, and upload your own picture to the Facebook page.
 
GET MORE IDEAS ON CELEBRATING FOOD DAY HERE.
 

Source: Matthew W. Clark, Attorney, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, Employment Update, September 23, 2011

Under Georgia law, corporations are required to utilize legal counsel to represent them in any litigation or other proceeding before a court of law. However, when it comes to garnishment proceedings, employers throughout the state often have human resources or payroll employees respond to and comply with any garnishment notices. Last week, the Georgia Supreme Court issued a ruling that disallows this practice, holding that a garnishment action constitutes the type of legal proceeding that requires legal representation. Otherwise, the non-attorney who completes the form will engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
 
As many Georgia employers are aware, a Summons of Continuing Garnishment ("Summons") requires an initial Answer of Continuing Garnishment ("Answer"), followed by additional Answers every 45 days until the expiration of the Summons, receipt of a renewed garnishment, fulfillment of the amount owed by the employee, or the employee's termination. Typically, these Answers are filled out and submitted by a designated corporate employee, who also calculates the proper amount to withhold and submit with each Answer. In fact, the Answer forms provided by many Georgia courts are, by their own terms, designed to be completed by non-attorneys. However, under the Georgia Supreme Court's ruling in In re: UPL Advisory Opinion No. 2010-1, each of these Answers must be completed by a licensed Georgia attorney. In order to comply with this requirement, an employer will have to send a Summons to their attorney, who will file the Answer on the employer's behalf, and then continue to provide the attorney with wage information on a regular basis for subsequent Answers during the garnishment period. Not only is this requirement impractical from a logistical standpoint, but it also increases the cost of dealing with employee garnishments by the necessary inclusion of counsel. While it is expected that the Legislature may enact a statute to allow employers to continue the practice of answering garnishments without representation, such a measure will likely take months to come to fruition. Until such a statute is passed into law, employers should have either outside or in-house counsel, who is admitted to the Georgia Bar, submit garnishment Answers to avoid liability for the unlicensed practice of law.
 
Although the ruling applies specifically to wage garnishments, its scope likely includes tax liens, child support orders, or any other obligation that is imposed by a court of law and requires the filing of a formal response with the issuing court or any other court of record. We will continue to keep you apprised of any developments.
 
If you have any specific questions about this new requirement, please contact your employment counsel at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP.

This client alert is intended to inform clients and other interested parties about legal matters of current interest and is not intended as legal advice.