Let Them Eat Cheesecake! Pie Five Pizza Celebrates Summer’s End with New Cheesecake Brownie

Chef Andy Wittman has done it again.

Pie Five Pizza’s culinary guru locked himself in his kitchen, whipped out all his favorite ingredients and created yet another sinfully delicious dessert – just in time to celebrate the end of summer.

Today, customers of the rapidly growing fast-casual pizza concept will have their first chance to indulge in his Cheesecake Brownie, a wickedly creamy cheesecake made with Philadelphia® Cream Cheese swirled with decadent chocolate fudge brownie.

It’s half cheesecake and half brownie. But it’s all delicious.

“Sure, I’ll admit it. I have a bit of a cheesecake obsession,” said Wittman. “But the good news is that Pie Five guests are the ones who benefit from it. And if I may toot my own horn a bit, the new Cheesecake Brownie just might be my best cheesecake creation yet.”

Each slice of Chef Andy’s Cheesecake Brownie is just $1.59; or yield to temptation and grab a whole pie for $9.99.

But you can only have your cheesecake, and eat it too, through September 14.

At Pie Five, guests can choose from more than a million combinations of handcrafted pizzas and a variety of specialty pie choices prepared in less than five minutes on one of four crusts, all for one low price. The rapidly expanding chain is capitalizing on growing consumer demand for fresh dining options and artisan pizzas in stylish environments without the wait.

Pie Five Pizza has been named among Fast Casual’s 2014 Top 15 “Movers & Shakers,” a 2012 Hot Concepts winner by Nation’s Restaurant News and one of “10 Hot New Restaurant Chains from Established Brands” by Forbes.com. The company currently has 22 locations in seven states (Florida, Kansas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia) with more than 200 announced franchise units under contract in 12 states and Washington, DC.

ABOUT PIE FIVE PIZZA CO.

Pie Five is a subsidiary of Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZI), based in the Dallas suburb of The Colony, Texas. Pizza Inn Holdings is an owner, franchisor and supplier of more than 275 restaurants operating domestically and internationally. Pie Five Pizza Co. is the leading brand in the rapidly growing fast-casual pizza space, offering individual handcrafted pizzas with fresh ingredients made to order in less than five minutes.

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Burger 21 Expands Brand Presence to 10 States with First Michigan Franchise Agreement

Burger 21^®, a new better burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot^® Restaurants, Inc. franchise company based in Tampa, Fla., announced today the signing of its first franchise agreement in Michigan. Set to open in Ann Arbor, this Michigan location expands the brand’s national footprint to 10 states.

Additionally, the company signed two franchise agreements for single units in Ocala, Fla., and Raleigh, N.C. The new deals are part of the fast casual concept’s aggressive growth strategy to expand its presence in new and existing markets nationwide. To date, Burger 21 has 13 open locations and 25 franchised restaurants in development across the country.

“In under three years, we’ve made impressive strides in building Burger 21’s national presence and are pleased with the overall success that the brand has experienced thus far,” said Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. “Raleigh, Ocala and Ann Arbor represent three new markets where we are confident that Burger 21’s diverse menu and unique dining experience will be extremely well received. All three of our new franchise groups come with great foodservice and franchising backgrounds and they all have a desire to open additional Burger 21 locations in the future.”

Mohammad and Wisal Samaha, experienced multi-unit Jimmy John’s franchisees, plan to open the first Burger 21 location in the state of Michigan in Ann Arbor by summer 2015. “When searching for a fast casual concept to invest in, Burger 21 was the obvious choice,” said Wisal. “As experienced franchisees, my husband and I appreciate the extensive training and support provided by Front Burner Brands. We look forward to bringing the first Burger 21 to Michigan and know that the Ann Arbor community will love its 21 chef-inspired burgers as much as we do.”

Additionally, John Usher and Ken DePasquale will open a restaurant in Ocala, Fla., in the first half of 2015. Both partners are seasoned restaurant operators with Usher having owned nine McDonald’s restaurants, while DePasquale has operated several independent restaurants. Lastly, long-time foodservice operators Mitch Neal and Keith Smith are planning to open their first restaurant in the Morrisville area of Raleigh, N.C., by summer 2015. Neal, who has owned and operated eight Sonic drive-in locations, will manage the restaurant’s day-to-day operations.

“Keith and I are very excited to bring the first true better burger concept to the Triangle. Burger 21 is literally redefining the gourmet fast casual burger. The taste profiles are out of this world and will leave your taste buds screaming for more,” said Neal. “The brand’s national pledge and commitment to support local charitable organizations on the 21^st of each month speaks volumes as both of our families are active members of our surrounding Triangle communities. We look forward to seeing our neighbors in their local Burger 21 very soon!”
To further fuel Burger 21’s expansion, the company is actively seeking qualified franchisees and will host a live webinar on Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. EDT. To register, or to learn more about franchising opportunities with Burger 21, please visit www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx.

Recently, Burger 21 was named one of QSR’s “Best Franchise Deals” and also earned the No. 5 ranking in Fast Casual’s Top 100 “Movers and Shakers” of 2014, up from No. 22 the prior year. Additionally, Burger 21 President Mark Johnston was acknowledged as one of the “Top 25 People” for his continued strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand. Last year, the franchise’s gluten-free menu received the No. 1 ranking in the “Top 10 Menu Innovations” category.

As the brand continues to expand across the U.S., Burger 21 is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience to join its upscale fast casual dining concept. Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000 per unit. Burger 21 will be developed through both single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $422,083 – $974,395. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with Burger 21, contact Ashley Pollard, franchise development associate for Burger 21, at 813-425-6252 or apollard@burger21.com or visit http://www.burger21franchise.com.

About Burger 21
With 13 locations open in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 25 in development in nine states, Burger 21 is a “beyond the better burger” fast-casual franchise concept founded in 2010. Burger 21 is a chef-inspired brand with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef^® to chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers, fresh salads, all-beef hot dogs, chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-crafted shakes, floats and sundaes. Burger 21 is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.

About Front Burner Brands
Front Burner Brands is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 135 locations in North America and more than 25 locations currently in development, Burger 21 with 13 locations open in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Virginia, and 25 in development in nine states, and GrillSmith with five locations in the Tampa Bay area. 

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SupHerb Farms Flavor Solutions Add Signature Flavor to Flatbread and Pizza

Recent findings released from Technomic indicate “27% of consumers would consider ordering a flatbread crust for their pizza (up from 23% in 2012), and 64% would like pizza establishments to offer premium ingredients/toppings.” Operators looking for premium ingredients (in the dough, as a sauce and a topping) for flatbread and pizza know to turn to SupHerb Farms, a leading supplier of easy-to-use fresh-frozen flavor solutions.

According to SupHerb Farms’ Executive Chef Scott Adair, “our Fusions line not only adds authentic global flavor profiles to flatbread toppings, these products simplify prep and deliver a consistent sensory experience that customers crave.” SupHerb Farms Fusions make it easy to develop and differentiate flatbread sauces and toppings; Indian Masala Flatbread is just one example of their versatility.

Chefs reach for the SupHerb Farms brand for its consistently fresh flavor and on-trend, innovative products. For more information about SupHerb Farms IQF Culinary Herbs, Specialty Vegetables, and Fusions Pastes, Purees and Blends visit SupHerbFarms.com.

SupHerb Farms, headquartered in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, is a leading supplier of fresh flavor solutions for foodservice operators and food manufacturers. The Company’s offering includes an extensive library of IQF Culinary Herbs, Specialty Vegetables, and SupHerb Farms Fusions® Blends, Pastes and Purées. SupHerb Farms was formed in 1992 as a partnership of McCormick & Company and Darégal of France. This union combines more than 170 years of collective experience bringing culinary herbs to market. As an agriculture-based business, SupHerb Farms is committed to responsible stewardship of the environment and to a multi-level food safety program.

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Delano Las Vegas Unveils Curated Craft Cocktail Program At Franklin

A distinctive social experience beckons guests this September as Delano Las Vegas, The Strip’s newest hotel, unveils the inspired cocktail program at its eclectic lobby lounge, Franklin.

The luxury hotel’s centerpiece for socializing, sipping and sampling, Franklin will offer an ever-evolving atmosphere that appeals to all senses. The intimate and sophisticated environment will incorporate gold lighting, hues of deep blue and bronze, and statement navy sheers that drape from ceiling to floor and shimmer with sparkling lights reminiscent of fireflies at dusk. Elevating the energy of the lobby, Franklin will buzz with live entertainment, including dynamic performances and beats from the hottest up-and-coming DJs.

Rare, premium liquors will highlight the cocktail-centric drink menu and provide unique backbar offerings, with one-of-a-kind spirits including a custom Glen Moray scotch, a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked bourbon and Delano’s hand-selected Black Barrel Mt. Gay rum. An intricate barrel aging program will infuse a creative selection of draught cocktails with layers of complex flavors, utilizing custom oak barrels stored in house. With more than two dozen craft beers by the bottle and a selection of wines-by-the-glass that is exclusive to Franklin, the beverage menu will provide an array of options to suit any taste.

Alongside libations, guests will enjoy a selection of whimsical small bites and appetizers such as Grilled Flatbread Cambozola with caramelized pears and walnuts; selections of charcuterie and cheeses; and unique offerings including sea-salted Pommes Frites with Smoked Pepper Ketchup; and Fried Pig Ears served with togarashi, lime and black garlic-yuzo aioli.

A cocktail aficionado’s enclave, Franklin will be anchored by a curated craft bar program that upholds the art of the cocktail through the execution of perfectly balanced drinks. Abounding with thoughtful touches, Franklin’s menu of classically inspired and signature creations is designed to be defiantly different.

• Start Conversations. Highlighted by creative cocktail names that allude to hidden meanings, tongue-in-cheek monikers and historical references, Franklin’s menu inspires curiosity and invites conversation.

o   History buffs will delight in The New Deal, a cocktail named for the signature achievement of the lounge’s presidential namesake. This innovative cognac-based drink features D’Usse Cognac, Licor 43, fresh lemon juice and orgeat syrup and is sweetened by emulsified Bonne Maman Plum Mirabelle marmalade.

o   Mr. Hyde, combining hand-selected Oxley Gin, St. Germain, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon juice and kaffir leaves, provokes debate: was the drink named for the classic novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, or for Hyde Park, the site of FDR’s Springwood estate?

o   Cocktail culture enthusiasts who sip the 1944 Classic Mai Tai may catch the nod to Trader Vic’s, the Oakland, California bar where the Mai Tai was concocted in the eponymous year.

• Seduce the Senses. Franklin’s libations offer a sensory experience appealing to more than just taste – from drinks whose scent is as delicious as the flavor, to added visual elements such as the array of uncommon, vintage-inspired cocktail glasses, the menu is a feast for the senses.

o   The Jefferson Library, a beer cocktail served in a tall and slender glass, produces a unique chemical reaction when Innis + Gunn Porter, a dark barrel-aged Scottish ale, reacts with lemon juice, maple syrup and pink angostura, creating ribbons of effervescence as the drink fizzes and cascades down the sides.

o   With a color reminiscent of the beautiful yet fleeting soft-pink hue the sky takes at dawn, the South Beach Sunrise pays homage to the iconic Delano South Beach and is balanced with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Campari, honey syrup and fresh lemon, offering a lingering flavor profile with the addition of egg whites.

o   The Mojito Cubano elevates the simplicity of the classic mojito’s fresh lime, mint and sugar with the fragrant nose of Cana Brava Rum. Featuring strong notes of vanilla, coconut and honey, Cana Brava’s delicious scent derives from the mineral-rich soils that produce Herrera, Panama’s indigenous sugarcane, while the rum’s ultra-smooth finish is the craftsmanship of Master Distiller and Cuban emigrant Don Poncho.

• Standout Through Spirits. Franklin’s cocktails incorporate a variety of rare liquors and reserves with unique stories all their own.

o   The perfectly balanced Delano Daiquiri incorporates Bacardi 1909 Heritage Rum, a limited-edition spirit that pays tribute to Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, the revolutionary distiller who founded the Bacardi brand and redefined rum in Cuba more than 150 years ago. Showcasing the original alcohol proof at 89 percent, this smooth rum has a high ratio of Aguardiente Redestillado, the Bacardi brand’s proprietary components.

o   The Basil Paloma, a refreshingly classic drink recipe featuring fresh lime juice, basil and Jarritos grapefruit soda, features Siet Leguas Blanco Tequilla. The Siet Leguas Distillery in Mexico invented the Patron tequila label – a brand that may have surpassed its predecessor in international recognition and sales but not in quality. Siet Leguas distills its own tequila to this day, using the ancient “de tajona” process of grounding the agave with a stone wheel pulled by mules.

o   The SNM also incorporates a unique liquor – a Mt. Gay hand-selected Black Barrel Rum, chosen by Delano’s mixology team at the Barbadian distillery and available exclusively at Franklin. The custom rum is the highlight of SNM, alongside Marie Brizard White Creme de Cacao, Fresh Lime Juice and Torani Brown Sugar Cinnamon syrup.

In collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Morgans Hotel Group, the luxury all-suite Delano Las Vegas will fuse South Beach chic with the vibrant energy of the Las Vegas Strip when it comes to life September 1.

About Delano Las Vegas

Opening September 1, 2014, Delano Las Vegas will offer a new all-suite, smoke-free luxury hotel experience located steps away from Mandalay Bay. Featuring a unique sand-meets-water design, Delano will blend signature elements of Delano South Beach with the distinct energy only found on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel will offer dynamic social spaces such as Franklin, an eclectic lounge; 3940 Coffee + Tea; and Della’s Kitchen, where “historic farmhouse meets urban kitchen.” BATHHOUSE Spa will infuse the soothing elements of locally sourced ingredients, drawing inspiration from Morgans Hotel Group’s collection of hotels around the world as well as Delano Las Vegas’ desert locale. Delano Las Vegas is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). 

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