The Hunt Store

Mike Blakely has done it all. Not only is he an accomplished musician working on his twelfth album, he is also a prolific novelist with over 18 books in print to date. He’s written books with both Willie Nelson and Kenny Rogers. He’s toured across the country, as well as internationally, and as if that’s not enough, you could say that Mike Blakely’s music is intergalactic. Mike grew up on a ranch in Wharton, Texas. His father, musician Doc Blakely, had a large influence on his love for music. “He taught me three chords on the guitar when I was eight years old, and I’m still learning. He always had his musically inclined buddies coming to the house. They’d jam and play country music so it was just always part of normal life.” Inspired by musical greats like Marty Robbins, the Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Glen Campbell, Mike describes his music as Americana, Texas country, cowboy music. He sings and plays the guitar as well as the mandolin. In the past, he had a five-p...

Organizing a corporate event can be quite a taxing and overwhelming job. With all the administrative and logistical tasks you have to constantly handle and follow up on, and meticulously attend to, company events can be truly demanding and challenging. While you may have everything ironed out, from the venue to the interior design to the marketing and advertising of the business event to the knickknacks and giveaways, and everything else in between, your choice of corporate caterers is that one significant factor that can make or break the success of your corporate event. You will need to choose only the most excellent to do the job right and faultlessly. If you think this may be impossible, bear in mind there are ways for you to find and select the best corporate caterers for your next business event in Texas . You can start off with asking for referrals and recommendations. Then you can proceed with online searches and making direct calls to catering services providers. Thereafter,...

The Texas Hill Country is definitely one of the most picturesque and unique areas of the Lone Star State. It boasts of rolling hills, rugged landscapes, and diverse, lush flora and rich fauna. The Texas Hill Country is practically one of the most amazing vacation spots for you to have fun with family and friends with its attractions, natural and man-made alike, great hospitality of the locals (howdy y’all!), and extraordinary culture and festivities. Listed here are some Texas vacation ideas for you to consider upon setting foot in the Texas Hill Country . See, breathe in, savor and feel this inimitable side of Texas as you explore the Texas Hill Country. You will not want to miss out on the fun, adventure and excitement of these Texas vacation ideas. Texas Vacation Ideas to Add to Your Texas Hill Country Itinerary Kick up Your Heels in the Clear and Unblemished Texas Waters You can never run out of things to do in the refreshing lakes and river waters in the Texas Hill Country. ...

Philadelphia, PA  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Insomnia Cookies, the Nation’s largest warm cookie delivery concept announced today that they will open their real estate search to all 48 states in the continental United States. The announcement furthers the brand’s continued focus on company-owned growth. Insomnia Cookies has seen unprecedented growth over the last fourteen years since its beginnings in the University of Pennsylvania dorm room of Founder and CEO Seth Berkowitz. The brand celebrated their 100th opening last year and currently boasts 116 locations in 32 states. The concept’s locations are focused in areas that have a large college or university presence (defined as 10,000 or more full-time students), as well as dense urban markets with heavy nighttime and/or daytime traffic. The official search includes spaces ranging from 500-1,200 square feet. “Insomnia’s growth has been fueled by our fans across the country. In the past few years we have expanded out of our core...

Significant progress measured across supply chain, including CO 2 e and diesel emission reductions Fort Worth, TX  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) (“Farmer Brothers” or the “Company”), a national coffee roaster, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and culinary products, today released its 2016 Sustainability Report, demonstrating significant advances in using sustainable practices throughout its supply chain. “We are actively reinforcing our commitment to continuous improvement by holding ourselves accountable to measurable goals that impact people, profit and planet,” said Molly Laverty, Director of Sustainability. “In addition to the progress we’ve made within our organization, Farmer Brothers achieved a significant goal as the first coffee focused company to earn approval for its Science Based Targets.” During 2016, the Company made considerable progress against its sustainability goals, including: 2% reduction in CO 2 e emitted per kg of...

Esper devours 250 world-famous Hooters chicken wings in 10 minutes; Hooters now warns America that Smoking Can Be Addictive, in advance of National Smoked Chicken Wing Day, July 29 Atlanta, GA  ( RestaurantNews.com )  The number five professional eater in the world, Geoffrey Esper, caused a major upset last night at the sixth annual Hooters World Wing Eating Championship, held poolside at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The Oxford, Massachusetts man skillfully devoured a record-breaking 250 world-famous Hooters chicken wings in 10 minutes to clinch the coveted title over defending champion Joey Chestnut, who held the previous record at 241 wings in 2015. “I competed two years ago and came in seventh,” said Geoffrey Esper, 2017 Hooters World Wing Eating Champion. “I went to my local Hooters, bought a bunch of wings, and I guess it paid off!” Esper, 42, took down a field of 11 professionally-ranked eaters in the grueling 10-minute all-you-can-eat contest of world-famous H...

RestaurantData.com  has released its latest Restaurant Chain Growth Report. Growing Concepts of Multi Unit Operators Concepts that have grown by at least 5% (if less than 50 units). Jericho, NY-based NATHAN’S FAMMOUS (NASDAQ:NATH; founded 1916) has increased by 7 units, from 309 to 316 (2% growth). These fast casual hot dog restaurants are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with $4-$12+ per person price range. Beer and wine services are offered at some locations. Seating is for about 70. Trading areas are AL, AR, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, KY, MA, MI, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA and WV. Salem, OR-based NICK-N-WILLY”S (founded 1988) has increased by 1 unit, from 9 to 10 (11% growth). These fast casual pizza restaurants are open for lunch and dinner, with a $4-$12+ per person check average. Beer and wine are served and caatering is available. Units are franchised and trade in AZ, CA, CO, IL, IA, KS, MN, TN, TX and UT. Charlotte, NC-based SALSARITA’S FRESH CANTINA...

Wendy’s New Bacon Queso Burger, Chicken Sandwich and Fries are Inspired BY the Queso Obsessed, FOR the Queso Obsessed Dublin, OH  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Wendy’s® knows how passionate people have become about queso. In fact, this passion often turns into obsession. Good news for those folks, Wendy’s is also obsessed!  To celebrate this obsession, Wendy’s created three new limited-time Queso products – the Bacon Queso Burger, Bacon Queso Chicken Sandwich and Bacon Queso Fries. Inspired by the queso obsessed, for the queso obsessed. “Simply put, people are going to go crazy for our new queso products because they are just that good,” said Wendy’s Chief Concept & Marketing Officer, Kurt Kane. “Nobody does fresh beef, chicken sandwiches and topped fries like Wendy’s, so we’ve taken three things our customers already love and made them even better by adding queso.” For a limited time, Wendy’s will offer two Bacon Queso sandwich options – either with a quarter pound of ...

Two new Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations coming soon Las Vegas, NV  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Las Vegas local Kim Fewell was a self-taught Pit Master recreationally long before he joined the Dickey’s Barbecue family. Although the barbecue enthusiast enjoys the at-home pit-smoking process, what intrigued him about Dickey’s was the combination of delicious, authentic barbecue with the ease and convenience of a fast casual concept. When Fewell retired a few months ago, he began looking into joining a franchise. He first experienced Dickey’s barbecue on a trip to California and got the idea to bring the concept to his home community of Las Vegas, where there isn’t an abundance of easily-accessible, authentic barbecue. According to Kim and his wife, Susan, Dickey’s was a natural fit for the area as well as for them, personally. “First of all, you can’t beat the barbecue, but I also like the people at Dickey’s and the brand itself,” said Fewell. “Meeting Roland Dickey, Jr. really s...

New York, NY  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Just in time for summer and National Ice Cream Day on July 16th, 16 Handles is partnering with Food Network star and chef, Duff Goldman, to offer a limited edition ice cream flavor, Duff’s Strawberry Shortcake. The frozen dessert shop, traditionally known for its frozen yogurt, smoothies, and toppings, expanded its offerings to ice cream for the very first time earlier this summer with the introduction of Dutch Chocolate and Classic Vanilla. Duff’s Strawberry Shortcake flavor will be available at all store locations from July 10th for a limited time, while supplies last. “We are thrilled to partner with Duff Goldman to bring our customers new flavors and options,” says CEO and founder, Solomon Choi. “The addition of ice cream to our menu is just one of the ways 16 Handles is continuing to evolve – we pride ourselves on variety and creativity, and can’t wait for everyone to taste our limited edition summer treat. This is just the beginn...

Leading Fast Casual Cafe Launches Rewards App Campaign and Debuts Summer Menu Lineup Atlanta, GA  ( RestaurantNews.com )   Tropical Smoothie Cafe , the leading fast casual cafe concept known for its better-for-you food and smoothies with a tropical twist, announced today the launch of its Tropical Party Passport campaign. Now through August 6th, guests ordering smoothies through the Tropical Rewards App will receive a free 24 oz. smoothie for each 10 purchased, in addition to the $5 credit users receive for every $55 spent. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is also offering a fresh summer menu, including a Mocktail Smoothie lineup that features the perfectly blended Watermelon Mojito and Avocolada smoothies. Available now through August 20, the Watermelon Mojito is made with fresh watermelon, strawberries, lime and mint. With zero grams of fat, the seasonal limited-time menu item has become a favorite among guests. A core item on the brand’s menu, the Avocolada combines whole avocado,...

Costa Mesa, CA  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Nékter Juice Bar , the popular, Southern California-based modern reinvention of the juice and smoothie bar, has donated $5,000 to Festival of Children Foundation, a national nonprofit organization based in Costa Mesa, Calif., which brings together and coordinates the efforts of charities, companies and individuals that actively work to improve the lives of children across America. The funds were raised from the sale of “Sneaky Spinach,” a children’s book extolling the benefits of healthy eating written by Alexis Schulze, Nékter co-founder and chief visionary officer. Festival of Children Foundation will use the funds to continue offering free programs that strengthen children’s charities. Sneaky Spinach, which debuted in January 2017, was sold in participating Nékter restaurants in several Western states, online at www.nekterjuicebar.com and on Amazon . The book chronicles the story of a boy named Nick, who refuses to eat his vegetabl...

Just as the drive-thru accommodated generations shaped by mass-market car culture, the new digital efforts cater to a new cohort of fast-food customers shaped by e-commerce, social media, smartphones, streaming video and, in one way or another, a lack of time. Restaurants’ trial runs and partnerships with delivery services could give chains a head start in capturing today’s tech-savvy diners. Cowen & Co. estimated last year that U.S. restaurant delivery alone could become a $35 billion market by 2025. “We’re currently very optimistic that we’re tapping into a new customer base and serving them in a new way,” Bill Garrett, corporate vice president of delivery at McDonald’s, said in an interview. “It’s a customer that otherwise would likely have not gone out to eat.” Read the full story . . .

Bridgewater, PA  ( RestaurantNews.com )  Bruster’s Real Ice Cream named Applied Media Technologies Corporation its preferred partner for in-store music. Using AMTC’s new RemoteLink AV digital media player, Bruster’s shops will have the opportunity to enhance their guest experience with music and integration of fun, relatable marketing messages into an already upbeat environment. “Bruster’s is always working to serve premium ice cream in a fun environment,” said Dave Guido, Bruster’s Senior Vice President of Operations. “AMTC’s audio system will not only enhance the overall guest experience, but will offer the ability to deliver timely messages about the availability of specialty ice cream flavors and current promotions.” AMTC Account Executive Clayton “Bear” Burton III said, “We’re excited to help Bruster’s stores achieve a great atmosphere, as well as enhance its profitability with in-store marketing.” About Bruster’s Bruster’s Real Ice Cream features 150 flavors of prem...

Cloud Based System Rapidly Expands U.S. Market Share, Connects Operators, Vendors and Suppliers New York, NY  ( RestaurantNews.com )  MarketMan, the cloud-based inventory management and purchasing solution that streamlines the relationship between restaurant operators and suppliers, is mounting an aggressive push for new market share across North America. Founded in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2013 by entrepreneur Noam Wolf, MarketMan is now building on its rapid Middle Eastern and European success through partnerships with major restaurant groups across the U.S. market. Building on more than a decade of experience spent pioneering mobile apps and technology development globally, Wolf set out to close a gap in the restaurant industry that remains a well-recognized problem to most restaurant operators in the U.S. While exciting technological advancements have vastly improved front-of-house operations and customer experience, back-of-house operations driving have largely remained stag...

Franchise Development Websites: Best of the Best Ranked by Nick Powills 1851 Franchise More than 200 franchise brand websites were reviewed by industry judges, and 75 were recognized as best-in-class. Each of these categories were meticulously evaluated by a panel of 12 judges and given a score on a ten-point scale; the website rankings are based on a composite average of these scores. Rita’s Italian Ice was a “best of the best,” tied for 8th overall with a score of 7.25. The judging panel was comprised of industry experts: Sean Fitzgerald, of 1851 Franchise; Nick Powills, of No Limit Agency ; Batchelor, CEO and Jack Monson, Director of Digital Strategy, of Qiigo ; Michelle Rowan, President of Franchise Business Review ; Craig Slavin, CEO of Franchise Navigator ; Jamshaid Hashmi, CEO of ClickTecs ; Kay Ainsley, Managing Director of MSA Worldwide ; Keith Gerson, President of FranConnect ; Stan Friedman, President of FRM Solutions ; Steve Beagelman, CEO of SMB Franchise Advisors ; ...

Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar executes agreement to bring two restaurants to area Baton Rouge, LA  ( RestaurantNews.com )  The “#1 Sports Bar in North America” is branching out to the Tampa Bay area. Walk-On’s Enterprises founder and owner Brandon Landry announced today that the company has executed an Area Development Agreement with Jared and Heather Burnett and Paul Hollabaugh to bring at least two Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar locations to the Tampa area. “Heather and I live in Belleair, so we’re thrilled to team up with Paul to bring Walk-On’s to our area,” said Jared Burnett. “Heather and I opened our first Walk-On’s in Lubbock last year, and it has already become one of the company’s top-grossing locations. Everything about the concept is superior, from the phenomenal food, to the wide array of cocktails and craft beers, to the family-friendly sports atmosphere and culture that’s completely focused on providing outstanding customer service.” This is Walk-On’s thir...

Award-winning fast casual restaurant now open in St. Johns Town Center Jacksonville, FL ( RestaurantNews.com )  Newk’s Eatery , with its culinary-driven menu, open kitchens and blue-ribbon ingredients, opened its fifth Jacksonville restaurant today in St. Johns Town Center near Aspen Dental. Newk’s menu includes grilled and toasted sandwiches, handcrafted pizzas, grilled and tossed salads, kettle-batch soups and freshly brewed iced tea. Nothing at Newk’s is pre-chopped, pre-sliced, pre-packaged, pre-baked or microwaved. Instead, items are hand-prepared in open kitchens with quality ingredients such as petite tenderloin steak, Atlantic salmon, all-white meat chicken breast, sushi-grade Ahi tuna and Rainforest Alliance Certified teas. Sauces and dressings are all scratch-made in restaurants each day. Newk’s servers deliver meals to guests in the spacious dining rooms centered on The Roundtable , a complimentary condiment table inspired by a trip Newk’s co-founder and CEO Chris Ne...