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November 20.2025
3 Minutes Read

Michael Symon's Festive Dark Chocolate Bark: A Must-Try for Workplace Indulgence

Chef in kitchen with fruit, smiling joyfully, bright kitchen.

Michael Symon Brings Holiday Joy to Workplaces Nationwide

This holiday season, nationally acclaimed chef and television personality Michael Symon is bringing joy to workplaces across the country with his latest creation: Festive Dark Chocolate Bark. Available exclusively at Kitchen Works by Sodexo, this limited-edition sweet treat is designed to make workdays a little more special for busy employees. The delicacy combines melted dark chocolate with the festive flavors of toasted pistachios, dried cherries, and a sprinkle of salt flakes, making it an ideal indulgence during the hectic holiday season.

Where Culinary Creativity Meets Workplace Dining

Kitchen Works by Sodexo aims to transform workplace dining into a chef-driven experience. As President Joe Ganci explains, "At Kitchen Works, we believe the workplace café can be more than just a place to grab lunch." This approach supports employees in finding nourishment and connection, especially during the festive season when family and community take center stage.

The Story Behind the Bark

Symon, a culinary ambassador for Kitchen Works, infuses his dishes with rich flavors reflective of his Greek and Sicilian heritage, accentuated by his Cleveland upbringing. He explains that many of his inspirations come from family gatherings, where laughter and food are ever-present. His fondness for pistachios, influenced by his mother's baklava recipe, shines in the Festive Dark Chocolate Bark. He hopes that this creation will evoke a sense of family and community in workplaces nationwide.

Elevating On-Site Dining With Seasonal Offerings

The Festive Dark Chocolate Bark is just one of many seasonal dishes developed by Symon since partnering with Kitchen Works in 2024. Past offerings have included Smokey Cherry Pork Grits and the Juicy Lucy Double Cheese and Bacon Burger. This collaboration underscores a growing trend in workplace dining, where gourmet flavors are accessible during the workday. By enhancing workplace meals with quality ingredients and innovative recipes, chefs like Symon are changing how we view dining at work.

What This Means for Restaurant Owners

For restaurant owners, Symon's partnership with Kitchen Works highlights an important trend in the industry. As more corporations seek to enrich their employee experiences, there is a rising demand for gourmet food solutions in on-site dining. This shift opens up new avenues for chefs to partner with organizations to provide high-quality food that fulfills both nutritional and culinary desires. While traditional workplace meals often prioritize convenience, these innovative collaborations aim to marry flavor and wellness—offering an enticing alternative.

Future Trends in Workplace Dining

As upscale dining options become increasingly prevalent in business environments, restaurant owners may want to examine how they can innovate their offerings. Evolution of the food service landscape points toward a need for more seasonal menus and chef-driven experiences in workplaces. The success of Symon’s creations could pave the way for further culinary ventures in corporate spaces, giving chefs the opportunity to align their passion for cooking with expanding market needs.

Conclusion: A Sweet Call to Action

As the holiday season approaches, let us remember the importance of connectivity through food, whether at home or in the workplace. For restaurant owners, this festive season presents an opportunity to get creative with their menus and cater to an audience longing for more than just sustenance at work. Consider how you might integrate festive, chef-inspired dishes into your offerings and transform everyday dining experiences. Embrace this chance to be part of the culinary movement that elevates workplace dining.

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11.22.2025

Key Executive Moves at Jersey Mike’s, Potbelly, and Peet’s Coffee: A Boost for Restaurant Owners

Update Executive Moves: The Winds of Change in the Restaurant Industry The restaurant industry is buzzing with recent executive reshuffles that could reshape the landscape for established and emerging brands alike. With leadership changes spanning various esteemed companies, this movement signals a pivotal moment for individual chains and the industry overall. Let's dive deeper into some key appointments and what they mean for the respective brands and franchise opportunities across the sector. New Leadership at Jersey Mike's: A Bold Global Vision Jersey Mike's recently named Andy Skehan as the president of international operations. Skehan steps into the role with an impressive background that includes leadership positions at Krispy Kreme and Popeyes. Charged with the ambitious task of expanding Jersey Mike's brand globally, Skehan's proven track record makes him an asset as the sandwich chain aims to establish a more significant footprint in international markets. Meanwhile, there’s a noticeable increase in restaurants focusing on growth strategies, with brands like Portillo’s also witnessing executive shifts that prioritize international expansion and franchise development considerations. Potbelly's Strategic Focus: Franchising Growth Under Jennifer Durham Joining the ranks, Potbelly has appointed Jennifer Durham as the Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development. Her expertise in increasing franchise recruitment and overseeing strategic market planning reflects a contemporary approach that many chains are adapting to foster growth amid economic fluctuations. With the goal of expanding to over 2,000 locations, Potbelly's fresh strategic direction could position it as a highly competitive player in the fast-casual sector. Peet's Coffee: A New Era with Stuart Heflin Stuart Heflin's recent ascension to president of Peet’s Coffee comes after Eric Lauterbaugh’s long tenure. Heflin, with two decades of experience in the industry, is expected to leverage his past successes to drive innovation within the brand. His arrival coincides with a culinary environment favoring fresh perspectives and new strategies, indicating that Peet's is ready to innovate their offerings. Operational Growth at Paris Baguette with Zac Sulma Another noteworthy appointment is Zac Sulma as COO of Paris Baguette. Tasked with guiding the brand to its ambitious target of 1,000 locations by 2030, his role emphasizes the current trend of operational excellence being a crucial part of the expansion dialogue across the industry. His extensive background will be pivotal in navigating the growth strategy. Industry Trends: The Implications of Leadership Changes The collective leadership transitions at notable chains like Church’s Texas Chicken, Bojangles, and Chester’s Chicken reflect a broader industry movement towards diversifying leadership skill sets and focusing on innovative growth strategies. Drawing parallels with trends highlighted in recent discussions surrounding Bloomin’ Brands and Portillo’s executive shifts, it becomes evident that companies are prioritizing digital fluency, operational efficiency, and a customer-centric experience as they position themselves for future growth. Competitive Landscape: Adapting to Market Demands As the restaurant sector undergoes these leadership changes, insights suggest a keen focus on understanding customer preferences and digital capabilities. The competition among restaurant brands to cater to evolving consumer needs is intensifying, drawing from decisions made by chains like Qdoba and Snooze, which are enhancing their marketing strategies through new CMO appointments—an essential move for staying ahead in the crowded marketplace. The Power of New Leadership: What It Means for Franchise Owners For restaurant owners and franchisees, these executive transitions offer vital insight into the strategic directions their brands may take. In an ever-changing industry landscape, understanding these movements can guide franchise owners in aligning their strategies with broader corporate goals. The emphasis on innovative leadership could foster not only company growth but boost franchisee confidence in long-term profitability. In conclusion, keeping abreast of these leadership changes is crucial for anyone involved in the restaurant industry, especially for franchise owners looking to leverage opportunities for expansion and growth.

11.22.2025

Is Your Restaurant Name at Risk? Unraveling the Call Your Mother Trademark Case

Update A Dispute Over Family Names: Call Your Mother vs. Call Your BubbiThe restaurant industry is no stranger to trademark disputes, but few cases resonate as deeply culturally as the recent clash between Call Your Mother, an 18-unit bagel café based in Washington, D.C., and Call Your Bubbi, a New Jersey deli. On November 18, 2025, Call Your Mother filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court over trademark infringement, alleging that the naming of Call Your Bubbi, which translates to 'grandmother' in Yiddish, poses confusion among consumers.A Caring Tradition at StakeAt the heart of this case lies not just business interests, but an endearing cultural legacy. Both names invoke nurturing, familial sentiments within Jewish culture. "Both terms express a warmth that encourages patrons to connect with family while enjoying a meal," states Andrew Dana, co-founder of Call Your Mother. The distinctiveness of each brand, however, has become blurred, especially as both establishments utilize similar logo designs and serve bagels. This similarity could potentially mislead customers regarding which establishment they are representing.Legal Grounds and Consumer ConfusionCall Your Mother’s lawsuit articulates multiple points of confusion, including both establishments’ offerings and visual branding. The lawsuit claims that the likelihood of consumer deception is a significant risk, particularly in a market saturated with eateries aiming to connect with cultural roots. The legal action follows an unsuccessful cease-and-desist letter sent to Call Your Bubbi in August, which went unanswered. Dana has expressed a willingness to resolve the issue amicably, but clashes continue.The Bigger Picture: Brand RecognitionFounded in 2018, Call Your Mother has expanded its footprint, boasting plans for further growth in Florida. This emergence into new markets, backed by a strategic investment firm, has solidified its identity and brand recognition. In contrast, Call Your Bubbi lacks the same financial backing and market presence. Their relatively recent launch is a typical case of a small business acting on familiar themes within the culinary landscape. Such growth may lead to an uptick in similar disputes as independent restaurants proliferate.Legal Insights: Experts Weigh InTrademark attorney Josh Gerben shared insights regarding the specificity of the issue at stake. He noted that the cultural implications surrounding the names complicate the situation. As he remarks, "It’s a close call in trademark law, especially as each name resonates deeply within its target audience's familial and cultural framework."Conclusion: What This Means for Restaurant OwnersThis lawsuit serves as a crucial reminder for restaurant owners to evaluate their brand identity carefully. As the case progresses, it presents a unique opportunity for restaurant entrepreneurs to consider how closely they are tethered to community heritage and how that might affect their brand’s legal standing. In an industry rife with competition and subtleties, understanding the implications of naming and branding can be vital for establishing lasting market presence.

11.21.2025

Discover How Comfort and Value Shape 2026's Restaurant Trends

Update Navigating the Changing Culinary Landscape: A Look Ahead The National Restaurant Association's 2026 Culinary Forecast has been released, shining a light on emerging trends expected to reshape American dining. Central to this year’s forecast are themes of comfort, value, and a rich blend of global and homegrown flavors. As economically conscious consumers take to the dining scene, understanding these trends can offer restaurant owners the insights needed to stay ahead of the curve. Comfort Foods: A Culinary Pillar Comfort food is significant in the forecast, featuring timeless classics like burgers, soups, and stews. Consumers are drawn to meals that evoke nostalgia, resonating not only with their taste buds but also speaking to emotional connections from their past. Restaurant menus showcasing comfort food with a twist are poised for success, as they embody familiarity while embracing modern culinary artistry. Value Matters: Balancing Cost and Creativity As the cost of living continues to rise, diners are increasingly seeking meals that deliver exceptional value without sacrificing experience. This presents an opportunity for restaurant owners to innovate their menu offerings by including more satisfying yet affordable options. “Value” now encompasses not just price, but quality — customers desire wholesome ingredients skillfully prepared. From Smash Burgers to Global Comfort Fast becoming a social media darling, the smash burger is illustrative of the growing trend for simple yet high-flavor options. This humble dish is re-emerging with inventive toppings and sides, showcasing how comfort foods can evolve while still staying true to their roots. In addition, global comfort foods are making waves, as chefs reinterpret traditional dishes from diverse cultures, combining authenticity and local tastes. Delivering More Than Flavor: The Importance of Transparency Today’s consumers prioritize transparency regarding their food choices. Clear menu labeling and allergen-friendly dishes are not only beneficial but essential. As restaurants adapt by offering clearer ingredient information and accommodating dietary restrictions from gluten-free to vegan options, they foster an inclusive dining experience that encourages larger patronage. Embracing Sustainability Restaurants also play a vital role in sustainability by sourcing ingredients from local suppliers, signaling a commitment to community and environmental responsibility. Along with local sourcing, compostable packaging is becoming the standard in many establishments, reducing waste and showcasing an eco-conscious mindset. This not only appeals to environmentally-minded consumers but builds goodwill within the community. Future Outlook: Adapting to Change The 2026 Culinary Forecast highlights an industry in constant evolution, where adaptability and creativity are keys to success. As restaurant owners embrace these trends, they can better connect with patrons by crafting menus that resonate emotionally and financially. In conclusion, the insights gleaned from the National Restaurant Association's report underline the importance of balancing comfort and value in culinary offerings. By embracing these trends, restaurant owners can thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Stay ahead and find innovative, authentic ways to engage with your customers, meeting their desires for both nostalgia and modern culinary excitement. ***Explore ways to integrate these evolving trends into your restaurant practice today!***

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