Business, Hilbish Ford

Hilbish Ford Celebrates 70 Years Of Excellence In Kannapolis

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Hilbish Ford, located in Kannapolis North Carolina, proudly marks its 70th anniversary this month. Founded on March 19, 1954, by the visionary FG "Buddy" Hilbish, the dealership has been a trusted name in the Kannapolis and Concord communities. Buddy Hilbish, born on April 20, 1924, hails from Piney River, VA. After completing his education at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, Buddy was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy, proudly serving in World War II. Following his military service, he attended Harvard Business School, solidifying his foundation in business. Driven by ambition and a passion for the automotive industry, Buddy set a goal to become a Ford Dealer before his 30th birthday.

His determination and hard work paid off when he was appointed as the Ford Dealer in Kannapolis on March 19, 1954, just 30 days before his milestone birthday. Since then, Buddy Hilbish has been a rock in Kannapolis and Concord, displaying unwavering love for his family, staff, church, and the community at large.

As part of its 70th-anniversary celebration, Hilbish Ford proudly reflects on its legacy of giving back. Over the years, the dealership has made significant contributions to various organizations, demonstrating its commitment to community welfare.

Some notable beneficiaries of Hilbish Ford's philanthropy include:

* Boys and Girls Club

* Big Brothers Big Sisters

* Cooperative Christian Ministries

* Cabarrus Partnership for Children

* Habitat for Humanity

* Hospice of Cabarrus County

* Atrium Hospital Foundation

* Rotary

* Kannapolis City Schools Teacher of the Month

* Cabarrus County Schools Teacher of the Month

* Cabarrus Meals on Wheels

* Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce

* Kannapolis Parks and Recreation-sponsored events

* Concord City-sponsored events

* YMCA

* Kannapolis Cannon Ballers-sponsored events

* Kannapolis Police

* Concord Police

* Rowan Cabarrus Community College

* Cabarrus Arts Council

Hilbish Ford's commitment to community service has left an indelible mark on Kannapolis and Concord. The dealership looks forward to many more years of serving its customers with excellence and continuing its tradition of making a positive impact on the community.

For more information about Hilbish Ford, please visit their website at: https://www.hilbishford.com/

Related link: https://www.hilbishford.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Doherty Enterprises-Owned New Jersey Applebee’s® Restaurants Launch 8th Annual ‘Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest’

ALLENDALE, N.J. -- Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in New Jersey announced today the launch of their 8th annual "Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest." Developed to acknowledge exceptional local educators, the contest encourages students to write an essay nominating the special teacher who has had the most impact on their educational journey. Winning teachers receive a $500 check to better their classrooms and the opportunity to host an exclusive end-of-year class celebration at their local Doherty-owned Applebee's.

Starting today, the teacher essay contest is live at participating Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® restaurants in New Jersey (refer to the complete list of participating restaurants below).

After the judging period concludes this spring, eight outstanding teachers from New Jersey will each receive a $500 check to enrich their classrooms for the 2024-2025 academic year. Additionally, these deserving educators can host an end-of-year party for their current class!*

To participate, students can nominate their favorite instructors by submitting essays in-person at their nearby New Jersey Doherty Enterprise-owned Applebee's®. The essays should illustrate why their nominated teacher deserves the prestigious title of Applebee's® "Teacher of the Year."

For elementary school students, a 1/2 page essay is required for nomination, while middle and high school students must craft a compelling 500-word essay detailing why their teacher is most deserving of this recognition. As an added incentive, all students submitting essays will receive a complimentary ice cream certificate** for future use.

The submission guidelines allow for one essay per student and will be accepted exclusively at the participating Applebee's® restaurants from Monday, January 8th through Sunday March 17th with a deadline of 10 pm ET. The announcement of winners is scheduled for Friday, April 19th, and the end-of-year parties will take place before Friday, June 14th. If circumstances prevent these celebrations, class parties will be substituted with two Free-Dinner-for-Four certificates.

"We are thrilled to kick off our eighth annual 'Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest' at our New Jersey locations," remarked Kevin Coughlin, Doherty's Director of Operations. "Recognizing the tireless efforts of local teachers in shaping young minds is truly an honor. Providing a platform for students to articulate the profound impact of their teachers and spotlighting community champions who make a difference daily is immensely rewarding."

The Applebee's® Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest warmly welcomes submissions at the following NJ Applebee's® locations, all owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises:

* Brick
* Bridgewater
* Butler
* Clark
* Clifton
* Edison
* Garfield
* Hackensack
* Hackettstown
* Hillsborough
* Howell
* Jersey City
* Jersey Gardens
* Kearny
* Lacey
* Linden
* Manahawkin
* Manalapan
* Manchester
* Middletown
* Milltown
* Mt. Olive
* Newark
* Newton
* North Bergen
* Ocean
* Paramus
* Parsippany
* Phillipsburg
* Piscataway
* Rockaway
* Tinton Falls
* Totowa
* Union

NOTES:

*Two winners will be selected from each set of counties, grouped together by the following geographic areas: - (Bergen, Passaic, Hudson); (Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union); (Morris, Sussex, Essex); and (Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean). Please note, essay submissions from the 2024-2025 school year will also be included in this year's voting. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.

**Offer valid only at Doherty Enterprises owned and operated Applebee's® locations in NJ. Limit one per person. May not be redeemed on day of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

About Applebee's®

As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it's in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood(tm) is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®.

Applebee's franchise operations consisted of 1,654 Applebee's restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 11 countries outside the United States as of September 30, 2023. This number does not include two domestic Applebee's ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and 12 Applebee's international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 140 restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, including five restaurant concepts: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 13 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.

Doherty Enterprises is ranked 25th in Top 200 Franchisees in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation's Restaurant News, the 73rd largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain's Business, and 34th largest privately held company in New Jersey by NJBIZ.

The Doherty vision is to be the "Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve" and its mission is to "Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers." Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,00 people and donated over $5.3 million directly back to those in need. (www.DohertyInc.com).

Related link: https://www.dohertyinc.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest, Business, Education and Schools, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Doherty Enterprises-Owned Florida and Georgia Applebee’s® Locations Announce 8th Annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Florida and Georgia today announced the official start of their 8th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest. The annual essay contest recognizes top teachers - as nominated by their classroom students - rewarding teachers with a $500 sponsorship check and special end-of-year class party.

Starting today, the essay contest is open at participating Applebee's restaurants in Florida and Georgia that are owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises (see complete list of participating restaurants below).

One deserving teacher from each school district throughout 13 counties in Florida and Georgia will be awarded with a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class!*

To nominate a teacher and enter the contest, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee's explaining why their teacher deserves to be Applebee's "Teacher of the Year."

Elementary school students are required to nominate their teacher with a 1/2 page essay, while middle and high school students are required to write a 500-word essay on why their teacher is most deserving. As an additional incentive, students who enter an essay will also receive a free ice cream certificate** for later use.

Essay submissions are limited to one per student and will be accepted at participating Applebee's restaurants from Monday, January 8 through Sunday, March 17th, no later than 10 p.m. ET. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 19th and end-of-year parties will be thrown before Friday, June 14th, 2024. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Free-Dinner-for-Four certificates for the winning essay writer.

"We're thrilled to celebrate the launch of our eighth annual Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest at our Florida and Georgia restaurants," said Kathleen Malato, Doherty's Director of Operations for Applebee's Florida and Georgia. "We're honored to recognize the local teachers who work so hard to educate the youth. It's truly gratifying to provide a platform where students can share the meaningful impact of their teachers make and to spotlight local community members making a difference each and every day."

Applebee's Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest entries will be accepted at the following Applebee's locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in:

:: FLORIDA: Cape Coral, Cutler Bay, Delray Beach, Fort Myers, Fort Pierce, Greenacres, Hialeah, Jacksonville, Margate, Naples, North Port, Okeechobee, Pembroke Pines, Port St. Lucie, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Tamarac, Venice, Vero Beach, and West Palm Beach.

:: GEORGIA: Waycross.

*One winner will be selected from each school district. Prizes are subject. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.

**Offer valid only at Doherty Enterprises owned and operated Applebee's® locations in FL and GA. Limit one per person. May not be redeemed on day of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

About Applebee's®

As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it's in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®.

Applebee's franchise operations consisted of 1,654 Applebee's restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 11 countries outside the United States as of September 30, 2023. This number does not include two domestic Applebee's ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and 12 Applebee's international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 140 restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, including five restaurant concepts: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 13 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.

Doherty Enterprises is ranked 25th in Top 200 Franchisees in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation's Restaurant News, the 73rd largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain's Business, and 34th largest privately held company in New Jersey by NJBIZ.

The Doherty vision is to be the "Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve" and its mission is to "Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers." Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,00 people and donated over $5.3 million directly back to those in need. ( https://www.dohertyinc.com/ )

Related link: https://www.dohertyinc.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Above and BEEyond Teacher Essay Contest, Business, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee’s® on Long Island Launch 8th Annual Above and ‘BEE’yond Teacher Essay Contest

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. -- Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee's® Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants on Long Island announced today the official launch of their 8th annual Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest. The annual essay contest recognizes top teachers - as nominated by their students - rewarding each with a $500 sponsorship check and special end-of-year class party.

Starting today, the essay contest is open at participating Applebee's® restaurants on Long Island that are owned and operated by local franchisee, Doherty Enterprises (see complete list of participating restaurants below).

This spring, four deserving teachers - two in Nassau County and two in Suffolk County - will be awarded a $500 sponsorship check to use toward their classroom for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, along with an end-of-year party for their current class!*

To nominate a teacher and enter the contest, students must submit an essay in-person at their local Applebee's® explaining why their teacher deserves to be Applebee's® "Teacher of the Year." Elementary school students are required to nominate their teacher with a 1/2 page essay, while middle and high school students are required to write a 500-word essay on why their teacher is most deserving.

As an additional incentive, students who enter an essay will also receive a free ice cream certificate** for later use.

Essay submissions are limited to one per student and will be accepted at participating Applebee's® restaurants from Monday, January 8 through Sunday, March 17, 2024 - no later than 10 p.m. ET. Winners will be announced on Friday, April 19 and end-of-year parties will be thrown before Friday, June 14. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates for the winning essay writer.

"We're thrilled to celebrate the launch of our eighth annual Above and 'BEE'yond Teacher Essay Contest at our Long Island restaurants," said Brian McDonnell, Doherty Director of Operations, Applebee's® Long Island. "We're honored to recognize our local teachers who work so hard to educate the youth. It's truly gratifying to provide a platform where students can share the meaningful impact of their teachers make and to spotlight local community members making a difference each and every day."

Applebee's® Above and "BEE"yond Teacher Essay Contest entries will be accepted at the following Applebee's® locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Long Island:

* Nassau County: Baldwin, Bellmore, Bethpage, Elmont, New Hyde Park, Rosedale, Valley Stream, and Westbury.

* Suffolk County: Bohemia, Brentwood, Commack, Deer Park, East Farmingdale, East Islip, Farmingville, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Miller Place, Patchogue, Riverhead, and Shirley.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

*Two winners will be selected from both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Prizes are subject to change. If end-of-year parties are not viable, class parties will be replaced with two Dinner for Four certificates.

**Offer valid only at Doherty Enterprises owned and operated Applebee's® locations in LI. Limit one per person. May not be redeemed on day of purchase. Cannot be combined with any other offers.

About Applebee's®

As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it's in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®.

Applebee's franchise operations consisted of 1,654 Applebee's restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 11 countries outside the United States as of September 30, 2023. This number does not include two domestic Applebee's ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and 12 Applebee's international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.

Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 140 restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia, including five restaurant concepts: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 13 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.

Doherty Enterprises is ranked 25th in Top 200 Franchisees in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 77th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation's Restaurant News, the 73rd largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain's Business, and 34th largest privately held company in New Jersey by NJBIZ.

The Doherty vision is to be the "Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve" and its mission is to "Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers." Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,00 people and donated over $5.3 million directly back to those in need.

Learn more: https://www.dohertyinc.com/.

Related link: https://www.dohertyinc.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

‘Best in the West’ Champions Reunite to Open 101 BBQ Hut in Westlake Village

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- 101 BBQ Hut, formerly known as Willy's Smokehouse and Rib Ticklers BBQ, announces its grand opening on January 13, 2024. This exciting event will showcase their award-winning BBQ and Blue Ribbon Sauces to the local community.

The venture, helmed by Marco Gonzalez and Dennis Ofsthun, traces its roots back to a 30-year history rooted in a serendipitous encounter over a sauce recipe at Marco's taco place in Saticoy, California.

The recipe, crafted by Willy Harris, a military cook and former personal chef to Bob Hope during USO tours, captivated many, including Mr. Hope and his friends. After Willy's passing, Ofsthun, inspired and driven, established Rib Ticklers BBQ in Gig Harbor, WA. Unexpectedly, a caller claimed ownership of Willy Harris' recipes and smoker. A partnership ensued, leading to accolades like winning the prestigious 1st place at the American Royal BBQ sauce contest in Kansas City, solidifying their decision to bottle these remarkable sauces.

In 1993, armed with a van full of sauce, a smoker in tow, and a treasure trove of awards, Ofsthun ventured to SoCal, where he met Marco Gonzalez. A connection sparked over a taco and beer, leading to joint successes, including winning the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off. This collaboration birthed Rib Ticklers BBQ on Kanan, evolving into Willy's Smokehouse, now Tavern 101. In 2007, Ofsthun's departure left Gonzalez at the helm, steering the legacy with warmth and hospitality while supporting local causes and organizations.

Gonzalez and Ofsthun reunite to introduce 101 BBQ Hut, delivering genuine southern-style slow-smoked BBQ and blue ribbon sauces to Westlake Village. Join them on January 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for FREE SAMPLES.

For more information, visit https://www.101bbqhut.com/

101 BBQ Hut, 30768 Russell Ranch Rd Ste. A, Westlake Village, CA 91362

Related link: https://www.101bbqhut.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Kiosk Industry News for January 2024

WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- The Kiosk Industry Group invites you to visit our booth at NRF 2024 January 14th thru 16th at Javits Center in New York City. #1602 Lower Level. Qikserve countertop kiosk with ImageHolders, Pyramid Computer with KioWare and Cash-to-Card demo by RedyRef. Show specials include Bill Payment kiosk by DynaTouch, Panasonic restaurant tech stacks, outdoor ticketing kiosks (solar powered), Doing Kiosks Right by Olea Kiosks, and LG entering EV charging kiosks.

We also offer a limited number of 3-Day Expo Passes for $1500. Here is our NRF page on Kioskindustry: https://kioskindustry.org/nrf-2024-national-retail-federation-big-show/

IN OTHER NEWS:

* Kodak Moments inducted into the Kiosk Hall of Fame

* Dot Inc. joining the accessibility committee

* digital signage AI software by 22Miles

* and the saga of self-checkout at Walmart.

Contact info@kioskindustry.org with any questions. From Kiosk Industry and Kiosk Manufacturer Association.

Featured Content This Month - We have a special report this month on Kodak Moments. Our recent tour of their U.S. headquarters in Rochester, NY is included. Here's a link to the feature - Kodak Moments: The Newest Hall of Fame Inductee is Inspiring a Kiosk Revolution

LATEST POSTS:

* Accessibility - Improving Digital Experience - OMB Guidance

* Assistive Technology - ATIA Orlando

* Digital Signage with AI Integration - 22Miles Interview

* Bill Pay Kiosk News - Kiosk Konnect DynaTouch

* Chinese Kiosk, Touchscreen and LED Suppliers

* Kodak Moments First Business Inducted Into Kiosk Hall of Fame

* See the latest in self-service tech at NRF 2024

* Accessible Kiosk - Dot Inc. Joins Accessibility Committee

MORE:

* Extended opinion and statistics on Telehealth + new model at HIMSS

* New RFID test unit for self-checkout in Bentonville

* For sale - kiosks, digital signage, android handhelds, components. New and Used.

* Over 500 companies listed. Submit your own company (free).

* Digital Financial Assets Law of California for bitcoin kiosks. See link.

* Digital signage and AV posts on AVIXA

About Kiosk Industry:

Kiosk Industry is the recognized source for opinions, insights, news, and market trends for self-service kiosks, digital signage, POS, and more. Learn from experts and join the community. We are a collective "co-op". We distribute RFPs and provide comparison RFPs for deploying companies writing RFPs.

For more information, contact info@kioskindustry.org or visit https://kioskindustry.org/. Since 1996, for almost 30 years. For all verticals, visit The Industry Group.

Thanks to the great companies who make this possible.

Related link: https://kioskindustry.org/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Beverage Dynamics Top 100 Retailer, Beverage Information Group, Business, The Wine Store

More Than A Wine Store: Award Winning Beverage Retailer Pours Into Community

WESTERLY, R.I. -- The Wine Store, a family-owned business in Westerly since 1985, is once again among the winners of Beverage Dynamics third-annual Top 100 Retailers Awards. These awards recognize off-premise retailers throughout the U.S. who demonstrate innovation, excellent customer and community service, and superior beverage alcohol industry knowledge.

The Wine Store has been recognized annually as a Beverage Dynamics Top 100 Retailer since the program's inception seven years ago. Prior, they were among Beverage Dynamics Retailers of the Year three years in a row. The Wine Store is the only Rhode Island retailer ever to be honored.

"We are thrilled to receive this award once again. It is a great testament to our employees' ongoing effort and dedication to the community we serve," shared Owner Frank Celico. "We have been family and community-oriented since day one."

Frank, his family, and his entire team consider The Wine Store "Your Partner in Community Service," a tagline he had copyrighted to signify that The Wine Store is not only a destination for its products and product knowledge, but also for support of community organizations. The list of local nonprofit and other organizations the store has partnered with for fundraisers and events over the years is extensive, as is the amount of money they have helped to raise. The retailer also displays information on other businesses and organizations in the area to further build community.

According to Lisa Konicki, President of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, "The Wine Store has been a generous and steadfast supporter of The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years. They truly lead by example and have demonstrated a sincere commitment to helping foster a positive business environment for the entire town and its valued non-profit community. From sponsoring events to providing volunteer staffing at major fundraisers, they are always there to help. We are forever grateful to Frank and his team for their community support."

Annually, nominees are judged by the Beverage Dynamics editorial team, and winners are chosen to represent a diverse cross-section of the off-premise industry. They are business owners who take pride in their store, care about their customers and employees and stay involved in the community and the industry at large.

For historical information about the Top 100 Retailers and Retailers of the Year Awards, visit https://beveragedynamics.com/top100/.

"We're proud to name these successful retailers as winners of our prestigious award," says Beverage Dynamics Vice President Jeremy Nedelka. "They join some of the best and brightest of the industry and deserve the recognition they've received."

About The Wine Store:

The Wine Store is a nearly 40-year-old, family-owned and operated business. Westerly native Frank Celico opened the store in 1985 with his wife Donna. Other family members involved include their son, Tim, as Chief Operating Officer, and at times their granddaughter Margret. The Wine Store offers a vast selection of wine, beer, liquor and gifts for purchase in store or online at https://www.thewinestoreri.com/ or via its app available on apple app and google play stores. The retailer also serves as a community center for information on and support of local organizations.

About Beverage Dynamics:

Beverage Dynamics is the largest and most respected national magazine dedicated to the needs of the off-premise beverage alcohol retailer, whether it's the owner of a single liquor store, the general manager of a warehouse store or the buyer for a large supermarket or drug chain.

About Beverage Information Group:

Beverage Information Group is the top information source for the beverage alcohol industry, serving all industry segments through its magazines (Cheers, Cheers@Home, Beverage Dynamics, Beverage Wholesaler and StateWays), industry events (Beverage Alcohol Retailers Conference and Cheers Beverage Summit) and information services division.

Related link: https://www.thewinestoreri.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Countywide Petroleum Company

Matrix Announces the Sale of Santmyer Companies, Inc.’s Convenience Retail and Branded Dealer Wholesale Businesses

RICHMOND, Va. -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Santmyer Companies, Inc. ("Santmyer" or the "Company") on the sale of its Red Rover convenience retail stores to Par Mar Oil Company and its branded dealer wholesale business to Countywide Petroleum Company (subsidiaries of Croton Holdings Co.). Santmyer is a leading privately-owned and family operated full-service distributor whose primary offerings include diesel, gasoline, propane, lubricants, diesel exhaust fluid and logistics services.

Santmyer was founded in 1952 when Myron Santmyer opened a Gulf service station in Dalton, OH, and became a Gulf distributor. In 1980, Terry Santmyer (Myron's son) purchased the business, which at the time was comprised of just two tank wagons and four employees. Terry began building the Company into a leading full-service petroleum marketer that today employs more than 175 Ohioans. Santmyer purchased a Marathon jobbership in 1999, and in 2012, Zach Santmyer (Terry's son) became president of the Company. Under Zach's leadership, Santmyer expanded into propane, developed the Red Rover brand, became a Chevron-branded lubricants distributor, added the Sunoco and Exxon brands to offer customers a more comprehensive slate of fuels, and leveraged technology to modernize the Company.

In 2021, Zach engaged Matrix to perform a strategic review of the Company to assess capital allocation and the return on investment between business segments. With that analysis, the Company decided to focus on the distribution of propane, commercial fuels, and lubricants. In early 2023, Santmyer purchased the commercial fuels and propane assets of Cole Distributing and made the strategic decision to divest its convenience retail and branded wholesale businesses.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Santmyer, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Andrew LoPresti, CPA, CFA, Vice President; Spencer Cavalier, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; and Kyle Tipping, CFA, Senior Associate.

Zach Santmyer, President of Santmyer, stated, "We are committed to evolving and growing our Company based on our core competencies, and we engaged Matrix years ago as an advisor in that planning and evaluation process. Based on our strategic goals, we decided to divest our convenience retail and branded dealer wholesale businesses to narrow our strategic focus on commercial fuels, propane, lubricants, automated cardlocks and car washes. This transaction puts Santmyer in a great position to pursue future growth opportunities that align with these segments going forward. The Matrix team ran a very structured process that yielded an outstanding result, and I would like to thank them for the expertise and dedication they provided throughout this transaction."

Mr. Cavalier added, "We have had the honor of working with Santmyer's talented management team for years. Zach and Nate have made a series of strategic decisions to grow the Company's core distribution business. We are thankful to be their advisor."

Christopher Pycraft and Easton Saltsman of Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston served as legal counsel for Santmyer.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals, car washes and quick service restaurants. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 300 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.​​​​​​​

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality

Foodiehall Serves Up Cheesesteaks and More From New Restaurant FH Steaks

CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- Foodiehall, the award-winning food hall in South Jersey, has just opened its newest restaurant. FH Steaks is now serving up cheesesteaks for dine-in, delivery, and take out.

The selection at FH Steaks features 100% USDA ribeye with house seasoning on freshly baked seeded rolls from Formica Bakery (the same bakery that supplies White House Subs of Atlantic City). Diners have the option to add Cooper Sharp, American, Provolone, or Whiz, along with toppings like fried onions, peppers, and mushrooms.

FH Steaks also offers a variety of cold beverages. Those include sodas from Jones, Boylan, and Dr. Brown's, along with Jarritos and La Colombe canned coffees.

And because FH Steaks is part of Foodiehall, patrons can also place orders with any of the other Foodiehall restaurants, including:

* Canting Wok & Noodle Bar

* Criss Crust, serving up pizza

* Dando Tacos

* DaNick's Craft Burgers

* Fornire Italian Kitchen

* Junior's Doughnuts

* Mac N Toastie, serving up grilled cheese and mac & cheese

* S5 - Sylva Senat's Soups Salads & Sandwiches

* Simply Fowl, serving up chicken sandwiches

If one member of the family wants a cheesesteak, for example, and another is craving tacos, they can get both on one order with Foodiehall. Patrons can enjoy their meal at the Cherry Hill food hall, pick it up to go, or get it delivered in Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Maple Shade, Marlton, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Voorhees, and the surrounding areas.

For every meal ordered - whether at FH Steaks or any of the other Foodiehall restaurants - Foodiehall donates a meal to Feeding America through its Meal 4 Meal program.

To learn more about FH Steaks and Foodiehall, visit foodiehall.com.

To place an order online, visit https://foodiehall.menu/pickupdelivery.

Or to visit Foodiehall in person, head to 1931 Olney Avenue, Suite 200, in Cherry Hill.

About Foodiehall:

Foodiehall is a value-driven food hall offering an unprecedented array of exceptional cuisines sent directly to you from the state-of-the-art kitchen. The Culinary Director has carefully curated a series of menus that reimagine how delivery food should taste. Foodiehall delivers to Cherry Hill, Marlton, Mt Laurel, Voorhees, Maple Shade, Haddonfield, Moorestown, and the surrounding areas. They also offer dine-in and takeout. And with the company's Meal 4 Meal program, every meal delivered is a meal donated to Feeding America.

Learn more at https://www.foodiehall.com/

Related link: https://www.foodiehall.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles

Matrix Announces the Successful Sale of Coborn’s, Inc.’s Holiday Franchised Fuel and Convenience Stores

RICHMOND, Va. -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Coborn's, Inc. ("Coborn's" or the "Company") on the sale of its 14 Holiday franchised fuel and convenience stores and one developmental site to Holiday Stationstores, LLC.

St. Cloud, Minnesota based Coborn's is a 102-year-old, employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois under the banners Coborn's, Cash Wise Foods, Hornbacher's, Tadych's Marketplace Foods and Sullivan's Foods. Coborn's entered the convenience store business in 1986 with its Little Dukes branded convenience stores and converted 14 locations to Holiday franchised stores in 2006. Coborn's operates several fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations as well. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn's also operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center.

Coborn's was founded in 1921 by Chester A. Coborn who opened a one-room produce store in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. Chris Coborn, a fourth-generation family member, is the current CEO and Chairman of the Board and his daughter Emily Coborn Wright, Vice President of Retail Support Services, and his son Peter Coborn, Director of Liquor Operations, are fifth-generation family members in leaderships roles.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to Coborn's, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by Spencer Cavalier, CFA, Co-Head of Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group; John Underwood, Managing Director; Nate Wah, CPA, Senior Associate; and G. Reilly Erhardt, CPA, Analyst.

Chris Coborn, CEO of Coborn's stated, "We are very pleased with the assistance Matrix provided in divesting our Holiday franchised fuel and convenience stores. This is part of Coborn's overall strategy to focus our growth efforts on the grocery store market. Matrix's efforts have led to the successful sale of our Holiday franchise stores to our long-term franchisor partner, Holiday. The transaction provides continuity to our store employees and customers, as the stores will remain Holiday branded and continue to accept the Coborn's MORE Rewards program. Matrix did an excellent job at meeting our strategic objectives in the sale."

Mr. Underwood added, "Chris and his team have done a tremendous job growing the Coborn's family business. The family legacy is incredibly impressive with what they have achieved over the last century since the Company's founding. I am very pleased that Matrix was able to contribute to Coborn's future growth by selling the Holiday franchised stores to allow for more capital deployment for Coborn's strategic growth initiatives."

Robert A. Rosenbaum and Morgan A. Helme of Dorsey & Whitney LLP served as external legal counsel for Coborn's, Inc.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals, car washes and quick service restaurants. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 300 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022