Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. (July 11, 2024) — McCain Foods, a leading supplier of innovative frozen potato and appetizer products, is celebrating National French Fry Day on July 12 by introducing chef Dominic Zumpano as the recipient of the company’s first Service Superstar award.

In partnership with McCain Foodservice Solutions, celebrity chef Beau MacMillan nominated Zumpano and his staff at The Peanut Gallery in Lake Forest, Illinois, for the award. The honor recognizes foodservice professionals who go above and beyond to serve their customers and community. 

“The Peanut Gallery is truly committed to serving and supporting others,” MacMillan said. “I’m thrilled to partner with McCain to recognize this great restaurant with the Service Superstar award. It’s an honor that is very well deserved.” 

MacMillan recently helped McCain recognize The Peanut Gallery for National French Fry Day during a surprise celebration at the restaurant’s Lake Forest location. In addition to delivering a one-of-a-kind fry bouquet from McCain, MacMillan presented a $20,000 reward to Zumpano and his wife, Cecilia, which is intended to help The Peanut Gallery continue its support of the community and local first responders.

“Our business is run by people, for people. It’s important that we take care of those who look out for us,” Zumpano said. “We wanted to create a space for our community and its first responders to come relax and enjoy great food. To receive this honor and share the moment with them means the world to us.”  

In addition to providing a family-friendly restaurant that caters to kids, The Peanut Gallery’s community contributions include:  

Hosting Police v. Fire Department Burger Battles benefiting autism and breast cancer research 

Specials for local fire and police departments as well as members of the military

"National French Fry Day is the perfect day to launch an initiative that recognizes foodservice heroes," said Tracy Hostetler, VP, head of North American Potato Marketing at McCain Foods. "Fries bring people together, and we want to celebrate professionals who work tirelessly to do the same. From fundraisers and community events to their kindness and general goodwill, The Peanut Gallery embodies the kind of Service Superstars we're proud to support."

Vancouver, BC - July 11, 2024 - Big Way Hot Pot, one of Canada's fastest-growing hotpot chains, is thrilled to announce its expansion into the United States this fall with the opening of its first two U.S. locations in Los Angeles, in addition to six new locations in Metro Vancouver. This dual launch marks a significant milestone for the company as it brings its beloved self-serve hotpot experience to the international market.

Up first in Metro Vancouver is Big Way Ackroyd, which will be Big Way Hot Pot’s second location in Richmond at 175-8100 Ackroyd Road. It will open on Monday, July 15, 2024, with a grand opening ceremony slated for August 16, 2024.

"We are incredibly excited to bring Big Way Hot Pot to Los Angeles and expand our footprint in the Lower Mainland," said Jack Yao, Founder and CEO of Big Way Hot Pot. "Our growth is a testament to the love and support from our customers. We can't wait to share our authentic hotpot experience with even more communities."

The projected expansion timeline in Metro Vancouver features:

Big Way Ackroyd, 175-8100 Ackroyd Road, Richmond, BC - July 15, 2024

Big Way UBC, 2155 Allison Rd #222 - Vancouver, BC - August 2024

Big Way Coquitlam - Fall 2024

Big Way New Westminster - Fall 2024

Big Way Langley - Early 2025

Big Way Lougheed, Burnaby, BC - Winter 2025

Founded in 2021, Big Way Hot Pot offers guests a fun individual hotpot dining experience, where they build-their-own-hotpot by choosing from more than 100 fresh and premium ingredients, such as vegetables, proteins, and noodles, and from 10 unique broths. The pot is weighed, and Big Way Hot Pot’s kitchen staff will cook and serve guests’ creations directly to their table. For a sweet finish, guests receive a free ice cream cone after every meal.

“With these new openings, Big Way Hot Pot is not only solidifying our presence as a leader in the Canadian hotpot dining scene, but paving the way for international expansion,” adds Yao. “The response has been incredible since we first opened, and we couldn’t be happier to be able to open more locations and see how high our guests like to stack their ingredients. We want them to be able to create and enjoy their own hotpot their own way.”

For more information, please visit www.bigwayhotpot.com

Vancouver, BC, July 8, 2024 - ¿CóMO? Taperia (201 E 7th Ave), Mount Pleasant’s award-winning Spanish tapas destination, has recently welcomed industry talent Virginie Semery as its new general manager.

Previous to ¿CóMO? Taperia, Semery was assistant general manager at neighbouring Bar Susu, and spent most of her hospitality career at Montreal’s popular French brasserie Les Enfants Terribles.

“We’re excited to have Virginie officially join our team,” says Shaun Layton, co-owner of ¿CóMO? Taperia. “She’s a natural leader and believes in furthering the fun vibes of Como through great service and teamwork. She’s already been connecting with so many of our regulars. We look forward to having her further grow in her new role this summer.”

Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Semery travelled to Vancouver over two years ago and has called the West Coast her home ever since. She first got her start in the restaurant industry at Les Enfants Terribles, while studying for her Art History degree. During this time, she expressed interest in the wine world.

“I’ve just started about a month ago, and Shaun, Frankie, and the team have been very welcoming,” says Semery. “Como is known as one of Mount Pleasant’s most warm, sunny, and friendly neighbourhood spots. It’s a place I often visited before. It’s an honour to join this team and spread the love further.”

¿CóMO? Taperia is open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with Happy Hour specials between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Limited dinner reservations are available online via Resy. For more information, please visit www.comotaperia.com

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has undergone remarkable evolution since its inception, becoming a cornerstone technology that transcends various industries. From transforming healthcare with predictive analytics to revolutionizing finance through algorithmic trading, AI's potential seems boundless. As it permeates different sectors, the wine industry stands out as a notable example where AI's impact is both profound and multifaceted. This article explores how AI is reshaping the wine industry, focusing on vineyard management, sales and marketing, and AI sommelier applications, while also discussing the broader implications and future of AI in this age-old craft.

The Evolution of AI
AI began as a theoretical concept in the mid-20th century, with early pioneers like Alan Turing exploring the possibilities of machines simulating human intelligence. The subsequent decades saw the development of fundamental AI techniques, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. However, it wasn't until the advent of big data and enhanced computational power in the early 21st century that AI truly began to flourish. Today, AI is a pervasive force, driving innovation and efficiency across industries.

In healthcare, AI algorithms can predict disease outbreaks and personalize patient treatment plans. In finance, AI powers high-frequency trading and risk management systems. The automotive industry is witnessing the rise of autonomous vehicles, while retail benefits from AI-driven inventory management and personalized marketing. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into traditional industries like winemaking highlights its versatility and transformative potential.

AI's Impact on the Wine Industry

Vineyard Management
One of the most significant applications of AI in the wine industry is in vineyard management. Traditionally, viticulturists relied on experience and intuition to make critical decisions about planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting. AI now provides a data-driven approach, enhancing precision and efficiency.

AI-powered drones and sensors collect vast amounts of data from vineyards, including soil composition, moisture levels, temperature, and plant health. This data is analyzed using machine learning algorithms to provide actionable insights. For example, AI can predict the optimal time for harvesting grapes, ensuring they are picked at peak ripeness. It can also detect early signs of disease or pest infestations, allowing for timely interventions that minimize crop loss and reduce the need for chemical treatments.

Sales and Marketing
AI is also revolutionizing the sales and marketing strategies of wine producers. In an industry where branding and customer engagement are crucial, AI offers tools to better understand and target consumers.

Through machine learning algorithms, wineries can analyze customer data to identify trends and preferences. This allows for personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with individual consumers. For instance, AI can recommend wines based on a customer's past purchases, browsing history, and even social media activity. Such targeted marketing not only enhances customer satisfaction but also boosts sales.

Moreover, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide immediate customer support and assistance, enhancing the online shopping experience. These AI tools can answer queries, recommend products, and even facilitate virtual wine tastings, bridging the gap between digital interaction and personal touch.

AI Sommelier Apps
The rise of AI sommelier apps represents a significant leap in making wine appreciation more accessible and personalized. These apps leverage AI to offer expert wine recommendations, food pairings, and detailed tasting notes, making the expertise of a sommelier available to anyone with a smartphone.

AI sommelier apps use machine learning to understand individual preferences by analyzing user ratings and feedback. Over time, they become increasingly accurate in predicting which wines a user will enjoy, offering a highly personalized experience. These apps suggest wines based on flavor profiles and user reviews, helping both novices and enthusiasts make informed choices.

Optimism and Skepticism
The integration of AI into the wine industry has sparked a mix of optimism and skepticism. Proponents argue that AI enhances efficiency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. By leveraging data, wineries can make informed decisions that improve crop yields, reduce waste, and cater to consumer preferences more effectively. The personalized experiences offered by AI sommelier apps democratize wine knowledge, making it more accessible to a broader audience.

However, skeptics raise concerns about the potential loss of traditional winemaking practices and the over-reliance on technology. They argue that the art of winemaking, with its emphasis on human intuition and craftsmanship, could be overshadowed by a purely data-driven approach. Additionally, there are concerns about data privacy and the ethical implications of AI in marketing.

AI and Terroir
A particularly nuanced aspect of AI's role in the wine industry is its interaction with the concept of terroir. Terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape that gives a wine its distinct character. It is a cornerstone of traditional winemaking, emphasizing the importance of natural factors and human expertise.

AI has the potential to enhance our understanding of terroir by providing detailed data analysis and predictive modeling. For instance, AI can help winemakers identify subtle environmental changes and their impact on grape quality, allowing for more precise vineyard management. However, there is a delicate balance to maintain. The essence of terroir lies in its unpredictability and the human touch involved in interpreting it. AI should be seen as a tool that complements rather than replaces the intuition and artistry of winemakers.

AI is undeniably transforming the wine industry, offering innovations that span vineyard management, sales and marketing, and personalized consumer experiences through AI sommelier apps. While the benefits are substantial, the industry must navigate the challenges and ethical considerations that accompany this technological shift. By harmonizing AI with traditional practices, the wine industry can continue to thrive, blending the best of both worlds.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in the wine industry will undoubtedly expand, offering new possibilities for efficiency, sustainability, and customer engagement. Whether you are a winemaker, a connoisseur, or a casual enthusiast, the fusion of AI and wine promises an exciting future where technology enhances the timeless art of winemaking.