December 14, 2009

Industry Headlines

Take-and-bake unit celebrates five years in business

The Nick-N-Willy's location in Grand Junction, Colorado, is celebrating its five-year anniversary this week by offering customers free pizza slices and entertainment, plus a chance to support the area's Community Food Bank during the holiday season. The celebration is scheduled for this Wednesday, December 16, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Nick-N-Willy's operation at 683 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction.

"We're so excited to celebrate our success with our loyal customers who have supported us all these years," says Janie Van Winkle, the store's franchise owner. "We hope that residents of Grand Junction will join us ... to share our passion for quality pizza, exceptional service and support those in our community who need it most."

Van Winkle has recently redesigned the interior of her location and is planning to open a second Nick-N-Willy's store in Grand Junction in 2010. Over the past five years she has helped raise more than $50,000 for local programs through pizza sales at her restaurant.

Nick-N-Willy's currently has 40 pizzerias in 14 states.

Pizza Fusion location becomes LEED certified

A Pizza Fusion store in Atlanta was recently rewarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). This marks the fifth Pizza Fusion location to receive the certification.

"It's very rewarding to be the first restaurant in Atlanta to be individually certified under the strict requirements of the LEED program," says Jeff Melnick, owner of Pizza Fusion's Atlanta outlet. "While there are other restaurants in Atlanta located inside LEED Certified buildings, Pizza Fusion in Buckhead is the first and only Atlanta restaurant to receive LEED certification for its interior build-out and ongoing operations. I'm very proud of the team of people who made this ambition a reality ..."

LEED certification, established by the USBGC, is based on site and location planning, energy conservation, water management, materials usage, indoor environmental quality and innovation in design processes. The Pizza Fusion store in Atlanta features countertops made from recycled concrete and glass, soy-stained concrete floors, tables made from reclaimed wood, eco-friendly paints, 30 percent recaptured industrial concrete, energy-star certified appliances, insulation made from recycled blue jeans, ceiling baffles made from recycled composite board and low-voltage, low-heat lighting.

"We're very proud to announce the LEED certification of another Pizza Fusion restaurant," says Vaughan Lazar, Pizza Fusion's president and co-founder. "Pizza Fusion Atlanta reflects the strict environmental approach we apply to every PIzza Fusion, whether it's LEED certified or not. We are committed to providing a healthy environment where our customers can enjoy Pizza Fusion's delicious organic food."

 Burke Corporation named outstanding corporate philanthropist

The Story County Alliance for Philanthropy recently honored Burke Corporation with the "Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist" award. The designation resulted from the company's donations of meat products and cash, as well as encouraging Burke employees to volunteer in the local community.

"I am extremely proud of my company and my employees," says Bill Burke, Jr., CEO of Burke Corporation. "We have always felt that it is important to give back, even without recognition."

Seattle-based Neapolitan pizzeria finds happy hour success

Tutta Bella's "Apertivo Italiano" happy hour, previously offered at one of the company's four Seattle locations, is being expanded to all of Tutta Bella's stores as a result of strong customer response. The "Apertivo Italiano" program is available from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and features $2 off draft beer, wine and food priced from $2 to $6.

"Seattle and Eastside have embraced Tutta Bella so wholeheartedly that we wanted to respond by offering to those heading out early a fun and value-driven menu alternative at all our locations," says Joe Fugere, Tutta Bella's founder.

In operation since 2004, Tutta Bella was Seattle's first Vera Pizza Napoletana (VPN) certified Neapolitan pizzeria.