June 8, 2009

Industry Headlines 

UNO named official pizza of Operation Pizza Surge

Uno Chicago Grill has joined forces with Pizzas 4 Patriots and DHL Worldwide to deliver over 25,000 pizzas to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the world's largest pizza party on July 4.

This record-breaking event, dubbed "Operation Pizza Surge," was conceived by Ret. Master Sergeant Mark Evans of Elk Grove Village, Illinous.  In 2008, Evans' 15-year-old son Kent asked if there was a way to deliver freshly-frozen, Chicago-style pizzas to service men and women stationed throughout Iraq in time for July Fourth Independence Day celebrations. Evans' initial effort required 2,000 pizzas and was extremely well received.  So much so, that Evans managed to ship another 2,000 pizzas out for this year's Super Bowl.

Now, Evans has a unique new challenge. Operation Pizza Surge will be the world's largest pizza party (to be noted in the Guinness Book of World Records). To pull it off, Evans has once again teamed up with DHL to fill a cargo jet with as many as 28,000 ready-to-bake, freshly-frozen pizzas from UNO, the inventor of Chicago's original deep-dish pizza.

Participating UNO locations will support the effort with a "4 for 40" Fundraiser, asking patrons to add a $4 donation to their checks. Those who participate will be thanked with a coupon book offering $40 in UNO savings.

"UNO is honored to be a part of Operation Pizza Surge," said Frank Guidara, CEO, Uno Chicago Grill, and Vietnam Veteran.  "We have tried for years, without success, to send pizzas to our servicemen and women overseas. This partnership with Ret. MSgt Evans and Pizzas 4 Patriots will finally allow us to accomplish that, and we are excited and proud."

Thousands of pizzas, packaged in temperature-controlled containers, will be picked up in late June at UNO's facility in Brockton, MA and loaded onto trucks. The shipment will fly from John F. Kennedy Airport in New York directly to the Middle East, with delivery to military bases just in time for July 4 celebrations.

"As a retired member of the military, I appreciate what it means to receive such a special care package like this, and I thank UNO and DHL for bringing reminders of home to our U.S. troops stationed thousands of miles away," said Evans. "The reactions we have received from families, friends of the military and the troops themselves about this initiative have been heartwarming."

Based in Boston, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes more than 200 company-owned and franchised full-service Uno Chicago Grill units located in 29 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Honduras, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Y-Not Do It Again? Y-Not raises money for hospital

Ynot Pizza raised over $3,000 in a single day to benefit Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD), why not do it again – only better?  On June 24th the family oriented kid-friendly YNot will offer a large 14-inch cheese pizza for $9.99 with $5 (100 percent of the profit) of every sale going directly to CHKD.

Tony Disilvestro, co-founder, in the family owned and operated restaurants, explains: “Last year we had people lining up like crazy. They came out hard-core to support CHKD and we're very thankful.  This year our goal is to sell 1,000 pizzas and raise 5,000 for CHKD.  We are giving to a great establishment and our customers are getting a deep discount. It's a win-win situation."

Having the shared vision of "being all about the children", YNot chose to collaborate with CHKD.  The Disilvestro family saw first hand the excellence in quality and service after a young family member was a patient there. The Disilvestro family recently toured CHKD.  Disilvestro adds, “This is an amazing facility, I am in awe of the work they do. It's reassuring to know that an outstanding Children's Hospital exists locally in Hampton Roads. The real reason to support CHKD is simply ’It's all about the Kids!’”
 
“We are thrilled that Y-Not Pizza has chosen to work with CHKD again this year and support the children at the hospital through this wonderful fundraiser. It was a great success last year and we are privileged to be working with Y-Not Pizza again this year," Ashley Dorey, development officer at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters stated. The offer will be honored at both area locations from 11a.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.  While their operations will have to be streamlined for such a community event, other featured items will include are buffalo wings, Ynot’s signature Caprese salad and homemade spaghetti.
 
CHKD is a full-service pediatric regional referral center serving southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.  It was founded in 1961 on the philosophy that children deserve the highest quality of medical care.  Today, thousands of children  from birth up to 21 years old who are stricken with illnesses such as birth defects, breathing disorders, cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart defects, and traumatic injuries turn to CHKD’s experts for premier health care.

YNot Pizza was established in the Virginia Beach area in June, 1993. YNOT is committed to providing high-quality food served by a friendly, courteous staff. The operation is owned and operated by the Disilvestro family. Currently they have locations in Great Neck and Kempsville.

Sam's Sorrento Pizza to deliver via boat

According to the Associated Press, Michigan-based Sam's Sorrento Pizza is launching the SS PIzza on Lake St. Clair in Mount Clemens, Michigan. The boat will be fitted with an oven and kitchen, and will use smaller, dingy-sized boats for weekend delivery.

Customers may visit the boat to order, and phone-in orders will also be accepted.

The company has more than 10 units in southeast Michigan.

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