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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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01.06.2026

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01.06.2026

Huddle House Appoints Bob Campbell as Brand President: What It Means for Restaurants

Update Huddle House Welcomes a New LeaderIn a strategic move aimed at rejuvenating its brand, Huddle House has announced the appointment of Bob Campbell as Brand President. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Campbell’s leadership is expected to steer the iconic diner-style chain into a new era of growth and customer engagement. Under the stewardship of CEO Paul Damico, this appointment aligns with the vision of Ascent Hospitality Management to bolster their legacy brands for future expansion.Leading a Legacy Brand into the FutureHuddle House is celebrating more than 60 years of operation, known for its homestyle food served in a welcoming environment. As Bob Campbell takes the helm, he is set to leverage his extensive experience, including his time at Taco Mac, where he scaled operations from one franchise to over 30 locations. Campbell emphasizes that he aims to build on Huddle House’s rich heritage while innovating to meet contemporary dining expectations.Reacting to Industry TrendsThe family-dining landscape has seen significant evolution, with changing customer preferences and rising competition. Campbell acknowledges this shift, stating, “This is a pivotal moment for the brand to create new paths to meet guests where they are.” His focus on thoughtful growth and preserving the essence of heartfelt hospitality will be crucial for distinguishing Huddle House in an increasingly saturated market.Bob Campbell's Vision for the BrandIn his new role, Campbell plans to concentrate on brand strategy and building high-performing teams. His approach will ensure that Huddle House not only maintains its traditional values but also adapts services that resonate with today’s diners, positioning the brand to compete more effectively. As part of his timeline, Campbell is keen on responding to customer feedback and creating experiences that reflect the core values of the restaurant.Beyond the Plate: Cultivating CommunityFor Huddle House, the focus extends beyond serving meals; it's about cultivating community within each location. With nearly 300 locations open or in development, the brand's emphasis on creating an environment where everyone feels welcome aligns perfectly with Campbell’s vision of operational excellence. His tenure in the industry has been punctuated by recognizing the crucial role of restaurants in their local communities.Conclusion and Call to ActionThe appointment of Bob Campbell as Brand President signals a transformative phase for Huddle House. Restaurant owners and operators can take note of this leadership shift as a reminder of the importance of adapting to market changes while honoring brand heritage. As Campbell embarks on this new journey, the industry watches keenly to learn how Huddle House evolves to enhance the guest experience. Explore how these changes might impact your dining establishment by paying attention to industry trends shaping the business landscape.

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Discover How Papa Murphy's Became #1 Pizza Chain for Customer Service

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