MRA Loses Good Friend Lenny DeRosa Of The Hilltop Steakhouse
The Mass. Restaurant Assn. (MRA) is mourning the loss of one of its beloved members, Leonard, “Lenny” DeRosa, known for his work at the Hilltop Steak House and his many philanthropic efforts within the industry. Mr. DeRosa, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday May 9, at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Mr. DeRosa’s restaurant experience included some of the finest food service establishments all over the world. He was employed with Waldorf Astoria in New York and the Hilton of London, England. He was inducted into the MRA Hall of Fame in 2002 and is an honorary life member of the MRA where he previously served as a vice resident of the organization.
Born in Monroe, Mich., he grew up in Miami Springs, Fla. and graduated from Hialeah High School. He then graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New Haven, Conn. In 1967.
Memorial donations may be made to either the Culinary Institute of America, 1946 Campus Dr., Hyde Park, NY 12538-1499) or to the Brian Silber Fund, 18 Heath Rd., Peabody, Mass. 01960.
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Joe Rainert Named New CEO At Kettle Cuisine
Kettle Cuisine of Chelsea, Mass., a manufacturer of all natural soups for the food service and grocery operators, announced that Joe Rainert will take on the role of chief executive officer.
Jerry Shafir, who founded Kettle Cuisine 27 years ago, will transition from CEO to Chairman of the Board of Directors and continue to help the company navigate future opportunities.
Mr. Rainert first joined Kettle Cuisine in January 2013 as executive vice president of sales, marketing and Innovation. Before joining Kettle Cuisine, he served as managing director of a $200 million fresh, chilled foods company in London, England.
Mr. Shafir will continue to stay active with the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also plans on taking some more time for personal pursuits including travel and philanthropy.
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Restaurant Sales Hit Record High In April
Restaurant sales hit a new record high in April, according to preliminary figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Last week, Bruce Grindy the National Restaurant Association's chief economist, reported on April sales and some new consumer survey data which indicates that demand for restaurants remains historically high. Mr. Grindy speculates consumers will be ready to ramp up spending even more when their financial situation improves.
Eating and drinking place sales totaled $45.9 billion in April on a seasonally-adjusted basis, up 0.8 percent from March and approximately $200 million above the previous high registered in December 2012.
In a national survey of 1,000 adults conducted April 25-28 for the NRA by ORC International, consumers were asked if they are using restaurants as often as they would like. The answer was a resounding no, with 49 percent of adults reporting they are not eating on the premises of restaurants as frequently as they would like.
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Latest Word in Food Service...
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Peter Christie has announced his retirement as president and chief executive officer of the Mass. Restaurant Assn. and Bob Luz, former chief human resource officer at the Ninety Nine Restaurant, has been named the new chief executive officer and president effective July 15. Mr. Christie will stay on until the end of the year in a consulting role to Mr. Luz.
• The National Restaurant Assn. annual Convention will be held May 18-21 in Chicago, Ill.
• On May 15, one month after the horrific Boston Marathon bombings, close to 100 Boston area chefs and worked the concession stands at Fenway Park and served snacks to guests who paid $200 to $1,000 a ticket to benefit the Boston Marathon bombing victims. The event was attended by nearly 5,000 people.
• The second annual New Hampshire Restaurant Week started May 17 and will last a week until May 24.
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