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November 13.2025
3 Minutes Read

How Chef Brooke Williamson’s Cranberry-Apple Holiday Crisp Elevates Dining Experiences

Delicious cranberry-apple holiday crisp dessert with pink mug.

Bringing Holiday Cheer to Dining: Chef Brooke Williamson's Exclusive Dessert

This holiday season, renowned Celebrity Chef Brooke Williamson introduces a delightful twist to festive traditions with her exclusive Cranberry-Apple Holiday Crisp. Available only at Modern Recipe corporate dining locations, this dessert embodies the flavors of the season—bringing comfort, warmth, and a taste of home to employees and their families during a busy time of year.

A Nod to Nostalgic Recipes

The Cranberry-Apple Holiday Crisp is inspired by cherished family memories, infused with the comforting essence of childhood favorites. Chef Williamson recounts how her mother would often create baked apples and fresh cranberry sauce, blending the tangy fruit with hints of orange juice to create a familial dessert that made the holidays feel special.

Elevating Workplace Dining Experiences

Joe Ganci, President of Sodexo Corporate Services, emphasizes the importance of transforming everyday dining into memorable culinary experiences. “We are excited to work with Chef Brooke. Sharing a special dessert like this from a workplace dining venue allows employees to take home a piece of that chef-driven ethos,” he stated. This initiative not only adds a festive touch but also promotes shared moments of joy and comfort among families.

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

As a limited-time offer, this heartwarming dessert is designed for sharing. Whether presented as a single portion during a lunch break or taken home as a full crumble for holiday gatherings, it adds a memorable treat that can elevate any festive occasion. The crisp features cinnamon-spiced cranberry apple compote nestled under a delightful sugar cookie crumble, all topped with luxurious vanilla bean crème fraîche. It’s an irresistible combination that encapsulates the essence of holiday cheer.

The Culinary Ambassador's Vision

In her role as a Culinary Ambassador for Modern Recipe, Chef Williamson brings a signature California flair, prioritizing fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients that connect with the communities served. Her vision extends beyond this holiday special—Williamson is also known for her independent venture, Playa Provisions, and her accolades from winning on competitive cooking shows like Bravo’s Top Chef.

Connecting Through Food

Chef Williamson's effort resonates deeply with patrons seeking comfort through food—especially during a season marked by connection and celebration. “The Cranberry Apple Holiday Crisp is my way of sharing those cherished memories and flavors of the season with others. It’s a dessert that feels like home,” she said, emphasizing the emotional ties we cultivate through shared meals.

The Importance of Sustainable Dining

Modern Recipe is dedicated to crafting unforgettable dining experiences through high-quality, sustainable ingredients. This commitment aligns perfectly with the growing trend of health-conscious dining that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Offering a dessert like the Cranberry-Apple Holiday Crisp not only speaks to nostalgia but underscores a larger shift in how dining establishments value sustainability and health in their offerings.

A Call for Connection This Season

As we embrace this festive season, consider ways to enhance the culinary experiences offered at your own restaurant. Highlighting signature dishes that bring warmth and comfort can create memorable moments for your patrons. The introduction of exclusive, seasonal offerings like Chef Brooke Williamson’s Cranberry-Apple Holiday Crisp could be your next step towards captivating your customer base.

For more information about Modern Recipe and to find out how you can elevate your restaurant's offering with signature dishes, visit Sodexo.com/brands/modern-recipe.

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11.13.2025

Wings and Rings' Winter Menu Introduces Holiday Cocktails and Gift Card Promotions

Update Wings and Rings Unveils Festive Winter Menu As winter approaches, Wings and Rings is rolling out a delightful seasonal menu that promises to warm hearts and taste buds alike. Set to launch on November 12 and available until January 11, 2026, this menu features exciting new offerings that embody the spirit of the holidays while maintaining strong everyday value. Indulgent New Menu Items to Celebrate the Season Among the highlights of the winter menu is the new Creamy Garlic Asiago Wing Sauce, which combines rich parmesan and asiago cheeses with roasted garlic, providing a comforting flavor that is both festive and indulgent. Additionally, the introduction of two new Loaded Fries options sets the stage for sharable excitement: Buffalo Bleu Cheese Fries: A tempting mix of Buffalo bleu dry seasoning, queso, medium Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, scallions, and bleu cheese dip. Smoky Chili Cheese Fries: Topped with chili, cheddar jack cheese, jalapeños, and crispy sweet smokin' onions, these fries are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Director of Culinary Innovation, Dan Admire, stresses that the new offerings were crafted to provide a holiday feel without being overly heavy. He's emphasized the balance in flavors aimed at delighting customers throughout the season. Exciting Seasonal Cocktails to Complement the Cold No winter menu is complete without beverages that evoke the warmth of the season. Wings and Rings is introducing three festive cocktails, designed to be the perfect companions to their new menu items: The Spiced Apple Mule: Featuring Fireball Blazin’ Apple, lime, and Q Ginger Beer, providing a crisp, apple-forward flavor with a hint of spice. Sunday Sunrise Sangria: A blend of white wine, vodka, and tropical fruit flavors, offering a bright, fruity experience. Winter Berry Sangria: This drink combines cabernet sauvignon with peach and blueberry for a rich, berry-driven profile, ideal for cozy sipping. These cocktails are crafted to offer guests that cozy winter vibe, making them perfect for social gatherings. Generous Holiday Gift Card Promotions In addition to delectable new food and drinks, Wings and Rings is bringing back its popular holiday gift card promotion. Starting from November 12, customers can enjoy a $5 bonus card for every $25 in gift cards purchased. This offer will particularly shine on Black Friday, where patrons can receive a $10 bonus card with the same purchase amount, creating a great incentive for gift-giving. Moreover, they're emphasizing the second wave of December bonus promotions that will help shoppers earn additional rewards during the holiday rush, making dining at Wings and Rings not just a festive celebration but also an economical choice. Everyday Value Continues to Drive Frequent Visits Wings and Rings is committed to providing exceptional value year-round, which remains a cornerstone of their business plan. Weekly promotions such as: **Kids eat free on Mondays for children 10 and under with a paying adult** (certain dine-in limitations apply). **40% off wings every Tuesday**, creating an opportunity for families and friends to enjoy quality food at affordable prices. **Happy Hour specials available from Monday to Friday**, designed to attract those winding down after a long workday. This consistent value proposition should drive guests to visit more frequently, creating a win-win for both the restaurant and its patrons. A Destination for Holiday Gatherings Beyond just food, Wings and Rings is positioning itself as a go-to venue for holiday gatherings and parties. With new catering options available, including boxed meals and large platters, hosting a festive celebration or game day event has never been easier. Their offerings are tailored to promote social engagement among attendees, ensuring that gatherings are both memorable and hassle-free. Why This Matters for Restaurant Owners For restaurant owners, keeping an eye on Wings and Rings' strategies during this winter season could yield insights into successful promotional tactics. Their emphasis on quality, seasonal offerings, and customer loyalty as a means to attract new and returning visitors highlights the importance of thoughtful marketing and product development in the competitive restaurant landscape. As many restaurants strive to keep up with the dynamic demands of seasonal trends, observing a franchise like Wings and Rings offers valuable lessons in creating engaging experiences that resonate with patrons, particularly during festive times.

11.13.2025

East Coast Wings + Grill in Clemmons Embraces New Era with Fresh Ownership

Update New Ownership Brings Fresh Energy to East Coast Wings + Grill East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), a beloved family dining franchise known for its flavorful wings and community-focused dining experience, has recently announced new ownership at its Clemmons, North Carolina location. Gregory and Dafni Ballas, a husband-and-wife duo with significant roots in the restaurant industry and within the ECW+G family, are now at the helm, ready to revitalize the local spot. The Ballas Family Legacy Gregory Ballas, son of ECW+G's CEO Sam Ballas, has been part of the brand's evolution for years, primarily focusing on real estate and development. His wife, Dafni, carries her own wealth of experience, stemming from her upbringing in a restaurant-oriented family. Together, they share a passion for hospitality and aim to create memorable dining experiences for their community. “We believe everything starts with your people,” Gregory stated, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a positive work environment. This ethos emphasizes employee value, which the Ballases believe translates into exceptional customer service—essential for building long-term loyalty among guests. A Commitment to Community and Quality The Ballases don’t see ownership merely as a business opportunity; rather, it’s a chance to continue the family tradition of entrepreneurship and community service. To celebrate their new role, the couple is hosting a Community Day on November 18, donating 10% of sales to the local Ronald McDonald House. This event exemplifies their dedication to community involvement and highlights ECW+G's broader commitment to supporting families during challenging times. The Brand's Expansion and Future Goals ECW+G is focused on growth as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape. Previously affected by pandemic challenges, the franchise has made significant strides in enhancing its operational efficiency. In a recent report, CEO Sam Ballas noted the brand's successful strategies that maintained a 40% off-premise sales figure, even as dining norms continue to evolve. As they step into their new role, the Ballases plan to implement their vision for providing high-quality food and exceptional service at the Clemmons location, ensuring it reflects their dedication to the brand's core values. They envision solid team dynamics that enhance guest experiences, setting a precedent for future expansion efforts across North Carolina and beyond. What to Expect Moving Forward As the new owners, Gregory and Dafni Ballas are excited to engage directly with their community and create an inviting atmosphere at ECW+G. They intend to be hands-on in the daily operations, ensuring that the restaurant stands as a centerpiece of local dining culture. With a menu boasting over 50 flavors of wings, alongside burgers, flatbreads, and a variety of craft beverages, patrons can expect an enhanced dining experience that keeps them coming back for more. The Ballases encourage everyone to visit the Clemmons location and see the transformation for themselves. In conclusion, the change in ownership at East Coast Wings + Grill signifies more than just a shift in management. It represents a renewal of commitment to community values and exceptional dining experiences, led by a couple who not only understand the restaurant industry but are also deeply invested in their community's well-being.

11.13.2025

Unlocking Daily Profitability Insights: The Integration of MarginEdge and Qu

Update Revolutionizing Restaurant Management with Real-Time Insights The landscape of quick service restaurants (QSR) and fast-casual dining is rapidly evolving, especially with the integration of technology in operations. Recently, MarginEdge, a leader in restaurant management and bill payment solutions, joined forces with Qu, an innovative unified commerce platform, to enhance profitability insights for operators in the food service industry. Understanding the Game-Changer: MarginEdge and Qu's Integration Combining their strengths, the integration of MarginEdge and Qu delivers a powerful tool that allows restaurant operators to access real-time profitability data directly from their point-of-sale (POS) and back-office systems. This significant move promises to reshape the traditional approach of waiting until the end of the month to ascertain profitability, an outdated method in today's fast-paced restaurant environment. The Power of AI in Daily Profitability Insights With MarginEdge’s AI-powered sales forecasting tool, QSR operators can expect accurate predictive insights regarding their finances. Bo Davis, CEO and co-founder of MarginEdge, emphasized the urgency of this technology, stating, "Waiting until month-end to know if you've made money is no longer an option." This partnership empowers restaurants to see profitability daily and anticipate issues before they escalate. Expanding Accessibility and Efficiency for Operators The integration not only focuses on profitability but also streamlines the entire accounting process. Operators can connect Qu with MarginEdge in just days, gaining immediate access to critical financial insights without the sluggishness of traditional systems. This swift setup allows restaurant owners to focus more on delivering exceptional dining experiences rather than getting bogged down in back-office tasks. What This Means for Accountants and Financial Reporting Another compelling aspect of this integration is the direct link it creates between restaurant operators and their accountants. MarginEdge provides integrated access to more than 15 accounting platforms, simplifying financial reporting processes and eliminating the need for separate accounting systems. This not only reduces operational complexity but fosters a more collaborative environment between operators and their financial support teams. Critical Benefits for QSR and Fast-Casual Operators MarginEdge and Qu’s system combines comprehensive data, making it easier for restaurant management to track key performance metrics and adjust strategies swiftly. Ben Pryor, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Qu, noted that the partnership delivers substantial value, allowing operators to pinpoint their margins and respond swiftly in a competitive market. This agility could mean the difference between a vibrant restaurant atmosphere and one bogged down by unnecessary financial delays. Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Restaurant Operations As the restaurant industry continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, the integration between MarginEdge and Qu is a clear example of how technology can enhance operational efficiency and profitability. Embracing such innovations is essential for restaurant operators who seek to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

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