Food and Beverage
PEPSI® Dig In Culinary Residency: Exclusive Dishes Return to Las Vegas
This year’s Restaurant Royalty Residency brings eight new limited-edition menu items to The Fan Districts at both Strip resorts, with dishes from the GRAMMY-Award winner’s Atlanta restaurant and bar, fan-favorite Cranky Granny’s, Taylor’s Tacos, Blk Swan, LoLo’s on The Water, and Bridgetown Roti
PURCHASE, N.Y. /PRNewswire/ — PEPSI® Dig In, the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with its Restaurant Royalty Residency program in Las Vegas on September 30 – giving restaurant goers a chance to discover every bite is Better With Pepsi and experience a new selection of exclusive dishes from Black-owned restaurants across the country. Following last year’s successful partnership with MGM Resorts International, Pepsi Dig In is bringing six new restaurants and their concepts to the company’s Fan Districts – popular go-to destinations for fans to rally before and after Allegiant Stadium events – at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Luxor Hotel and Casino. For the first time, Esco Restaurant & Tapas from the multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning MC 2 Chainz will be featured alongside other renowned concepts.
In June, Pepsi Dig In rallied foodies to share and nominate their favorite Black-owned restaurant as Restaurant Royalty, to recognize the country’s best establishments. A spot in the MGM Resorts International residency was reserved for the winning chef and restaurateur to give them a moment in the spotlight at one of the country’s hottest culinary destinations. As the fan-voted top Restaurant Royal, Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls from Pflugerville, Texas will be joining Esco Restaurant & Tapas to kick off this year’s residency program.
Each of the six participating Restaurant Royals will have a limited-edition menu item available exclusively for a three or four-week period at Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay and Public House at Luxor. The residency will also feature two new cocktails: one inspired by 2 Chainz featuring STARRY® and another with Pepsi® Zero Sugar.
“No matter your background, building and running a restaurant is a constant grind but that’s what makes the rewards, like this residency, worth it. Opportunities for this kind of exposure in Vegas can be life changing for businesses. It’s great to see brands like Pepsi Dig In and MGM put the power of their platforms behind these talented Black entrepreneurs, and it’s a privilege to be among them,” said 2 Chainz.
This year’s Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency at Mandalay Bay’s Libertine Social and Luxor’s Public House will begin on September 30 and run through February 6, featuring mouthwatering dishes from Black-owned eateries across the country that include:
- Esco Restaurant & Tapas, Co-Founders 2 Chainz and Mychel “Snoop” Dillard (Atlanta, GA) – Sept. 30 to Oct. 27, 2023
- With several locations across the country, this restaurant-by-day and lounge-by-night is known for its seafood and Southern dishes. Vegas foodies will get a taste of one of 2 Chainz’s favorites, the Blackened Salmon Alfredo Pasta, featuring Cajun-seasoned fish over classic alfredo. Fans can also enjoy 2 Chainz’s own cocktail creation throughout the residency.
- Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, Owner Sianni Dean (Pflugerville, TX) – Sept. 30 to Oct. 27, 2023
- Voted the number one Black-owned restaurant by fans via Pepsi Dig In’s Restaurant Royalty contest initiative, Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls is serving its Churro Cinnamon Roll with a classic cream cheese glaze, chocolate and caramel drizzle. The dessert is finished with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a strawberry.
- Taylor’s Tacos, Co-Owners Taylor and Maya Mason (Chicago, IL) – Oct. 28 to Nov. 24, 2023
- Specializing in authentic street style tacos with soul, Taylor’s Tacos will be serving their Extra-Juicy Chicken Tacos with braised chicken thigh, secret salsa, cilantro, cheese, and lime in crisped corn tortillas.
- Blk Swan, Executive Chef and Co-Owner Saon Brice (Baltimore, MD) – Nov. 25 to Dec. 15, 2023
- Known for their uniquely crafted New American menu, Blk Swan will serve its top-selling seafood risotto with shrimp, scallops, Maryland jumbo lump crab, white wine and sambal, for a heated twist.
- LoLo’s on The Water, Executive Chef Raymond Mohan and Co-Owner Leticia Skai Young (New York, NY) – Dec. 16, 2023 to Jan. 12, 2024
- Inspired by island flavors, LoLo’s on The Water created a new dish exclusively for the residency. The Island BBQ Beef Shank Platter features BBQ beef shank with an achiote glaze, served with Johnny Cakes and honey-rum glazed plantains.
- Bridgetown Roti, Chef and Owner Rashida Holmes (Los Angeles, CA) – Jan. 13 to Feb. 6, 2024
- The James Beard Award finalist will bring one of the most popular vegan dishes from her Los Angeles Caribbean pop-up: Curry Channa Doubles – savory Trinidadian-bara bread with curry chickpeas, cucumber chutney, lime and tamarind sauce.
“Las Vegas provides a valuable culinary stage and unparalleled business opportunity for restaurateurs. In partnership with MGM Resorts International, the Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency Program is putting Black-owned restaurants and chefs in front of foodies from around the world,” said Scott Finlow, CMO of PepsiCo Global Foodservice.
The residency, now in its sophomore year, ladders back to the larger Pepsi Dig In platform. Pepsi Dig In helps diners discover and visit Black-owned restaurants while providing resources, mentorship, and training to Black restaurateurs made possible by PepsiCo. The residency was created in alignment with MGM Resorts’ commitments to greater inclusion in building a diverse culture for employees, guests, community partners and stakeholders.
Tony Gladney, MGM Resorts International Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, added, “MGM Resorts continues to deepen our commitment to social impact by focusing on the intersection of culinary excellence and diverse representation. Together with Pepsi, we’re proving that delicious food can drive meaningful change, and we look forward to another year of extraordinary culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and spark meaningful conversations.”
For further information on Pepsi Dig In, fans can visit PepsiDigIn.com and follow @PepsiDigIn on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates.
About Pepsi Dig In
Pepsi Dig In is a platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants. Pepsi Dig In helps diners discover, dine at, or order from Black-owned restaurants while providing resources, mentorship, and training to Black restaurateurs. Utilizing the scale and reach of PepsiCo and its partners, Pepsi Dig In aims to create opportunities for Black-owned restaurants to thrive.
Launched in 2020 as part of PepsiCo’s Racial Equality Journey (REJ), the company committed $50 million to support Black-owned businesses over five years, part of PepsiCo’s larger REJ initiative totaling more than $400 million to increase representation within the company, support Black-owned businesses, and help to create economic opportunities in the communities it serves.
For more information, visit pepsidigin.com and follow @pepsidigin on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for the planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels and casinos, state-of-the-art meetings and conference spaces, incredible live and theatrical entertainment experiences, and an extensive array of restaurant, nightlife and retail offerings. MGM Resorts creates immersive, iconic experiences through its suite of Las Vegas-inspired brands. The MGM Resorts portfolio encompasses 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations globally, including some of the most recognizable resort brands in the industry. The Company’s 50/50 venture, BetMGM, LLC, offers sports betting and online gaming in North America through market-leading brands, including BetMGM and partypoker, and the Company’s subsidiary LeoVegas AB offers sports betting and online gaming through market-leading brands in several jurisdictions throughout Europe. The Company is currently pursuing targeted expansion in Asia through the integrated resort opportunity in Japan. Through its “Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet” philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make a bigger difference in the lives of its employees, guests, and in the communities where it operates. The global employees of MGM Resorts are proud of their company for being recognized as one of FORTUNE® Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies®. For more information, please visit us at www.mgmresorts.com. Please also connect with us @MGMResortsIntl on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
SOURCE PepsiCo Beverages North America
Business and Finance
Feed the Soul Foundation: Empowering Culinary Businesses with Financial Support
Feed the Soul Foundation provides financial support to marginalized culinary businesses, empowering their growth and success in a challenging industry.
Small culinary businesses have faced significant challenges and hardships due to the pandemic, including burnout, financial constraints, and a sense of isolation. In response to these struggles, the Feed the Soul Foundation, a national non-profit organization, has been providing financial relief and solutions to marginalized culinary businesses. Through their Restaurant Business Development Grant Program, the foundation has awarded $850,000 in support to 30 culinary business owners, empowering them to overcome obstacles and thrive in a competitive industry.
Financial and Professional Support:
With the support of the Grubhub Community Fund and Stella Artois, Feed the Soul Foundation’s 2023 grant program has provided each of the selected restaurant owners with $25,000. The program aims to address the challenges faced by these businesses, such as slim profit margins, labor shortages, inflation, and rising minimum wages. The six-month cohort program offers a range of supports, including financial literacy training, marketing and advertising guidance, and one-on-one business development consultations with industry experts. By equipping these entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and resources, the foundation aims to foster their growth and success.
The Role of Feed the Soul Foundation:
Under the leadership of Executive Director Juana Collins, a seasoned nonprofit executive, Feed the Soul Foundation is dedicated to nourishing and empowering individuals through culinary education and entrepreneurship. With a commitment to making a profound difference in lives and legacies, the foundation offers critical support to culinary businesses, acting as a vital resource for their sustainability and growth.
Creating a Supportive Network:
The importance of establishing a robust support network becomes evident when comparing the success rates of businesses that have received Feed the Soul Foundation’s support with the national average. Over 98% of the businesses that received financial and business development assistance from the foundation are still operating and have experienced growth within their operations. This success demonstrates the significance of providing both financial backing and expert guidance to culinary businesses, fostering a community of support and collaboration.
Milestones and Achievements:
Since its inception in 2020, Feed the Soul Foundation has achieved significant milestones in supporting marginalized culinary businesses. These include:
- Investing $1,078,000 in financial and business development support to 59 culinary businesses across the nation.
- Providing $46,000 in emergency funds through the Emergency Relief Fund to assist culinary businesses affected by unforeseen damages and natural disasters.
- Establishing an internship program and distributing $59,000 in student stipends while providing workforce training to 15 minority college students studying small business marketing, marketing research, and public relations.
Recognizing Culinary Excellence:
The foundation’s 2023 grant program has recognized and supported a diverse range of culinary businesses. The awarded cohort includes establishments such as 7th & Grove, Andes Café, Bueno Dias Café & La Bodega at The Met, Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, Pepitos Paletas, The Urban Oyster, and many more. These businesses represent the resilience and creativity of the culinary community and highlight the foundation’s commitment to fostering growth and sustainability within the industry.
Future Opportunities:
Feed the Soul Foundation will continue to provide support and resources to marginalized culinary businesses. In October, they will open applications for the 2024 Restaurant Business Development Grant Program, offering entrepreneurs another chance to receive financial assistance and expert guidance. Furthermore, the foundation has scheduled a Global Culinary Conference in Houston, Texas, in January 2024, aiming to foster growth and collaboration within the culinary community.
The Feed the Soul Foundation’s Restaurant Business Development Grant Program has been instrumental in providing financial relief and professional support to marginalized culinary businesses. By equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and guidance, the foundation empowers them to overcome challenges and thrive in a competitive industry. Through their continued efforts, Feed the Soul Foundation is making a lasting impact on the lives and legacies of culinary entrepreneurs, fostering sustainable growth within the culinary community.
About Feed the Soul Foundation
Feed the Soul Foundation was established in 2020 to aid marginalized entrepreneurs in the culinary industry with business development resources and support to foster sustainable business growth. The Restaurant Business Development Fund supports marginalized business owners with business development scholarships and emergency funding.
SOURCE Feed the Soul Foundation
(Family Features) Lo que usted come y bebe, así como su nivel de actividad y sus hábitos, afectan la salud de su corazón y cerebro y son esenciales para controlar la presión arterial, el colesterol y más. La presión arterial alta (lecturas consistentemente superiores a 130/80 mm Hg) es una de las principales causas y un factor de riesgo controlable de enfermedades cardíacas y ataques o derrames cerebrales, así como de otros problemas como insuficiencia renal, pérdida de visión y problemas sexuales.
De hecho, casi la mitad de todos los adultos estadounidenses tienen presión arterial alta (hipertensión), según los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, pero es posible que muchos ni siquiera se den cuenta de que la tienen a menos que experimenten otras complicaciones. Es más, el origen étnico también puede influir en sus factores de riesgo.
Por ejemplo, según la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), los adultos hispanos tienen una de las prevalencias más altas de presión arterial mal controlada, que es uno de los principales factores de riesgo de enfermedad cardíaca. Debido a barreras sistémicas de larga data, como la falta histórica de acceso a la atención de la salud y alimentos nutritivos, la comunidad hispana y latina se ve afectada de manera desproporcionada por enfermedades cardíacas y problemas de salud relacionados.
Las mujeres negras en edad fértil tienen más del doble de probabilidades de tener presión arterial descontrolada que las blancas, según una investigación presentada en una edición especial Go Red for Women del “Journal of the American Heart Association”. Además, la inseguridad alimentaria o la falta de acceso a alimentos saludables adecuados, que es uno de los factores sociales que pueden afectar el riesgo de presión arterial alta, es mayor entre las mujeres hispanas y negras en comparación con las mujeres blancas.
Para ayudar a mantener la presión arterial por debajo de 120/80 mm Hg y controlar los factores de riesgo, la American Heart Association, con el apoyo nacional de Elevance Health Foundation, recomienda estos cambios en el estilo de vida.
Mantener un peso saludable. Si tiene sobrepeso o es obeso, tiene un mayor riesgo de sufrir presión arterial alta. Perder tan solo 10 libras (o entre el 3 y el 5 % de su peso corporal) puede brindar beneficios para la salud, incluida la reducción o prevención de la presión arterial alta. Hable con su proveedor de cuidados de salud sobre un enfoque saludable para perder peso, incluida la ingesta calórica y las actividades que pueden ayudar tanto a perder como a mantener el peso.
Comer más saludable. Comer frutas y verduras, como mangos, aguacates y arándanos, puede reducir la presión arterial con el tiempo. Otras opciones inteligentes incluyen nueces y semillas, cereales integrales, lácteos bajos en grasa, proteínas magras y pescado. El plan de alimentaciónEnfoques dietéticos para detener la hipertensión (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) o DASH, está orientado a reducir la presión arterial y ayuda a crear un estilo de alimentación saludable para el corazón.
Reducir el sodio. Los estadounidenses consumen hasta el 75 % de su sodio de alimentos procesados como sopas, salsa de tomate, condimentos y productos enlatados. Para reducir el consumo, lea las etiquetas cuando compre y elija versiones bajas en sodio de sus comidas favoritas, omita la sal de mesa y considere especias y hierbas como alternativas de condimento.
Controlar el estrés. Se sabe que el estrés contribuye a los factores de riesgo de presión arterial alta, como la mala alimentación y el consumo excesivo de alcohol. Practicar técnicas de relajación, como el yoga o la respiración profunda, practicar la gratitud y hacer cosas que disfrute, pueden ayudar a reducir el estrés.
Estar activo. La actividad física no solo ayuda a controlar la presión arterial alta, sino que también ayuda a controlar el peso, fortalece el corazón y reduce los niveles de estrés. La American Heart Association recomienda al menos 150 minutos por semana de actividad física de intensidad moderada, como caminar a paso ligero.
Limitar el alcohol. Beber demasiado alcohol puede aumentar la presión arterial. Si bebe, limite su consumo a no más de dos tragos por día para los hombres y un trago por día para las mujeres.
Dejar de fumar. Cada vez que fuma, provoca un aumento temporal de la presión arterial. Tanto fumar como exponerse al humo del tabaco ajeno también aumentan el riesgo de acumulación de placa dentro de las arterias, un proceso que se sabe que acelera la hipertensión.
Encuentre más consejos para controlar su presión arterial en Heart.org/highbloodpressure.
Fotos cortesía de Getty Images
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
Food and Beverage
CHIPOTLE DRIVES HOLIDAY GIFTING TO NEXT LEVEL WITH FAN-INSPIRED CAR NAPKIN HOLDER AND MYSTERY TEES
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced its latest Chipotle Goods merch drop just in time for holiday gifting. Starting November 30 at 9 a.m. PT, Car Napkin Holders and Mystery Tees will be available for purchase exclusively on www.chipotlegoods.com while supplies last.
Fan-Inspired Car Napkin Holder
Chipotle superfans are known to store “extra” Chipotle napkins in their cars (see HERE). This holiday, Chipotle is helping fans declutter their glove box with the gift they never knew they needed until now: a Chipotle Car Napkin Holder. Retailing for $30, each purchase includes a free entrée card*, giving fans an excuse to dine at Chipotle to restock their napkin supply before their next car mukbang. Limit four per order.
Artist Designed Mystery Tees
Chipotle has tapped four celebrated artists and creators to craft an exclusive line of Mystery Tees, perfect for gifting to oneself or the burrito lovers in your life. This limited-edition capsule collection features Chipotle-inspired designs from artists including:
- Small Talk Studio, a New York-based clothing brand known for their custom hand-drawn and embroidered garments.
- Sebastian Curi, a Los-Angeles based artist celebrated for his bold, bright and whimsical graphics.
- Julia Dufossé, an Austin-based graphic artist with a colorful, textured airbrushed aesthetic.
- Jasmin Sehra, a London-based illustrator and typographer with a playful, nostalgic visual identity.
Mystery Tees are made with sustainable 100% Organic Cotton, designed to minimize environmental impact. Priced at $25 each, with a limit of two per order, the mystery unfolds when the gift is unwrapped.
“Through artist-designed Mystery Tees and the fan-inspired Car Napkin Holder, we’ve curated unique goods for our passionate community to celebrate their true fandom,” said Chris Brandt, Chief Brand Officer.
New Holiday Gift Cards
Chipotle is also offering new physical and virtual holiday-themed gift cards, a great stocking stuffer for the foodies on your list. Fans can learn more and purchase Chipotle holiday e-gift cards at https://www.chipotle.com/gift-cards.
*Free Entree Legal Terms
Free Entree expires 12/31/24. Valid in the U.S. and Canada for a single free regular-priced entree. Must be surrendered upon redemption. May not be combined with other coupons, promotions or special offers. Void if reproduced or altered and where prohibited. Will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Not for resale. Not redeemable for cash. No cash value unless required by law, in which case it’s 1/100th of a cent. Additional restrictions may apply.
About Chipotle
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle had over 3,300 restaurants as of September 30, 2023, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on the 2023 list for Fortune’s Most Admired Companies and Time Magazine’s Most Influential Companies. With over 110,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.
SOURCE Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
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