It was in March 2018 when Sudan, the last male northern white rhinoceros, passed away. The creature that had been guarded 24 hours a day via watchtower, drone, and armed guard likely would have otherwise been a victim of poaching like the other members of its species. Instead, Sudan eventually succumbed to old age, and so sealed the fate of the wild northern white rhino, leaving behind his daughter and granddaughter as the last remaining of their kind.

The conservation and repopulation of animals such as these is a key part of David Rio’s mission. By incorporating endangered animals such as tigers and elephants into the labeling of its products, David Rio sees its role as one that reminds customers of our responsibilities to the environment. In addition to simply spreading the word, this company has partnered with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, and Cat Tales Zoological Park to do its part in ensuring the well-being of the world’s most at-risk creatures is properly funded. But David Rio isn’t stopping with those partnerships…

It’s no secret that the world’s rhino populations are under threat due to poachers, regional conflicts, and loss of habitat. Fortunately, as a result of conservation efforts, the northern white rhino’s nearest relative, the southern white rhino, has successfully recovered its numbers (nearly 20,000) from the brink of endangerment. Still, there are other species of rhino that remain desperately in danger and require intervention before they disappear entirely.

In 2011, one of the four sub-species of black rhino was declared extinct. Today, only 5,000 black rhinos remain, placing them in a category known by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) as “Critically Endangered.” In an effort to spare the black rhino from the fate of the northern white rhino, a few have decided to join the cause to restore this species’ population.

For a limited time, David Rio will be offering a new product focused on the preservation of this species: Black Rhino Cocoa Chai. This blend offers chai spices, black tea, cocoa, and cayenne pepper for a hint of heat. Together, the flavors form a beverage that meets David Rio’s high quality standards, but its goal extends beyond simply making a premium chai.

David Rio has partnered with Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the prior residence of Sudan, as well as the biggest and most respected Black Rhino conservancy in the world. By adopting Baraka, the conservancy’s blind black rhino, David Rio has proven that it is dedicated to this cause. Much like Thor (the Bengal tiger that David Rio adopted in 1999) before him, Baraka is an ambassador for his species and has been inspiration for David Rio’s newest product. All of this is in an effort to raise awareness about black  rhinos, but it also about providing a way to safeguard this species for years to come.

David Rio has now launched its Feel the Charge campaign that allows anyone to donate directly to Ol Pejeta in support of its black rhino initiative. With a goal of $10,000, David Rio has a long way to go, but it’s not expecting to hit that number solely from outside sources. David Rio is planning to match the first $5,000 in donations. Besides helping an animal population in dire need, by donating you can enter to win a canister of Black Rhino Cocoa Chai. Find out how to enter by visiting David Rio’s website.

Houston’s is proud to also be offering David Rio’s Black Rhino Cocoa Chai while its supplies last. Like all of David Rio’s flavors, it is unique and certain to please the palate, but more importantly it is in support of an excellent cause. We always strive to provide the best products for our customers, but we love it when that mission is accompanied with an even broader reward.

The post David Rio Introduces Black Rhino Cocoa Chai appeared first on Houston's Blog.

If you’ve ever looked at the fruitier side of a Starbucks menu, then you’re probably familiar with the drink that was introduced by the specialty coffee chain: refreshers. The beverage combines real fruit juice with green coffee extract to provide a delightful and energizing experience. Since these refreshers have grown in popularity, a few have tried to duplicate the flavor to compete with the original. Only now is there another truly refreshing option.

Dr. Smoothie’s Refreshers are now available through Houston’s! This brand new line boasts real fruit flavor and the natural energy boost from coffee, without that toasty taste often associated with the bean, leaving you with a thirst-quenching, caffeinated beverage for any time of day. In honor of this exciting new product launch, we decided to investigate what has made this product so popular amongst consumers, as well as how Dr. Smoothie’s iteration on the recipe has improved upon the established flavored water craze.

It’s no secret that better-for-you products are quickly on the rise amongst Americans, with 43% saying that nutritional information is important to their diet. Along with that, 90% of Americans consume caffeine on a daily basis, but new evidence is showing that many are looking for alternatives to coffee that provide a reduced level of caffeine and no midday crash. Dr. Smoothie’s Refreshers offer an option for both of these groups. With limited, natural ingredients (and a calorie/sugar count that’s lower than the leading competition’s), Dr. Smoothie’s Refreshers are the obvious choice for a growing population that is dedicated to maintaining a healthy diet while continuing to enjoy a specialty coffee experience.

An increasing number of consumers also expect a personalized experience when they order a beverage from a specialty coffee operator. Whether it’s the latte art finish or a barista’s knowledge of a regular’s typical order, the ability to impress the consumer with more than a speedy caffeine solution establishes loyalty between customer and cafe. This was a central insight in developing the Dr. Smoothie Refreshers line. Instead of producing a ready-to-drink solution, these concentrates provide opportunity for the operator to craft (perhaps even customize, per the consumer’s order) a beverage behind the counter, creating a sense of quality and specialty to the product. Of course, we all know that enhancing and elevating the flavored water experience isn’t everything. It’s also important for the product’s preparation to remain simple for the establishment.

Preparing a finished Dr. Smoothie Refresher beverage only takes two steps and only requires two ingredients: Refresher concentrate and water. Here’s how it’s done.

By keeping the typical recipe simple, operators will be able to make multiple refreshers in a short time frame and with a limited cost of production. However, this also allows operators to experiment with different recipes or to customize a refresher to the consumer’s specifications. Looking for something with a little fizz? Top the mixture off with a bit of soda or add some fresh fruit and herbs to really make it taste and feel like a craft drink! Here are just a few other recipes operators might try.

With all of the possibility offered by Dr. Smoothie’s three launch flavors (Wildberry Hibiscus, Watermelon Cucumber Mint, and Strawberry Acai), there is certain to be something that operators and consumers will enjoy, but Dr. Smoothie isn’t planning on stopping there. Soon, they will be adding a fourth flavor to the mix, so stay tuned for more information on Blood Orange Coconut Ginger!

The post New Dr. Smoothie Refreshers Are Sparking a Sensation appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Now and then, everyone needs a little boost of energy. For some, the convenience of ready-to-drink (RTD) brands outweighs the prospect of an enjoyable flavor, but there’s no doubt that a sizable portion of consumers are willing to take the extra step into their favorite retail shop for something crafted with a little more care. Much like the coffee industry, the desire for a customized, personalized, “the usual” sort of experience is capable of driving a vast share of the energy drink market. It’s about time that someone took notice.

Houston’s is constantly keeping an eye out for products that can make operator’s lives a little easier while improving a customer’s experience. We look for vendors who are introducing bold, new ideas. We believe we’ve found just that with Tsunami Energy Drink.

With over 50 years of experience in the specialty beverage industry, the team at Tsunami has struck the perfect balance between customization and convenience. Its energy drink concentrates have been designed to give consumers more control over the flavor of their beverage while enjoying the same level of energy surge provided by typical convenience store brands. For operators, Tsunami offers a new sale opportunity while keeping the operation process simple.

A few pumps of Tsunami Energy Drink concentrate is all it takes to transform a regular beverage into an energizing, kickstart to the day. Operators will find that the drinks they already provide can easily be paired with Tsunami, as it comes in three different flavors, designed to match the most common flavor profiles.

• Tsunami Red – mixes perfectly with Raspberry, Watermelon, Huckleberry, and Pomegranate
• Tsunami Yella – is awesome alongside Blue Raspberry, Sour Apple, Cherry, Lime, and Coconut
• Tsunami Zero – tastes great with Mango, Peach, Guava, and Pineapple

Fans of energy drinks are likely to notice that Tsunami offers similar flavors to the energy drinks that they already know. The options provided by Tsunami were designed to mimic the flavor profiles of existing brands on the market today, but in a more refined formula to better coexist with the customer’s desired customization.

Aside from its great flavor, Tsunami Zero also boasts itself as sugarless and as a source of as little as five calories. The fact that Tsunami had the foresight to provide this option as part of its debut, shows that the team truly understands the industry. For years, trends have indicated that energy drink consumers are on the lookout for healthier beverage options that still provide a good boost to the system.

In addition to providing beverage options that are good for the body, Tsunami is also dedicated to initiatives that are good for the environment. As a member of the “1% for the Planet” organization of businesses and individuals who have pledged to donate 1% of corporate profits to earth-friendly charities, Tsunami Energy Drink has established a level of commitment to the environment to be proud of. As their products do not require individual aluminum cans or bottles per serving, they also generate less material waste than typical RTD energy options. Additionally, with Tsunami’s bottle pump system, operators will no longer need to worry that a partially-filled can of energy drink needs to go to waste at the end of the day.

By entering the industry through concentrates rather than RTDs, Tsunami has established itself amongst an underserved segment of the energy drink consumer market. Rather than positioning itself to be in direct competition with popular RTD brands, Tsunami has discovered that operators are looking to access the energy drink crowd, and with these easily-operated pump-bottles, there’s no simpler way for anyone to get in on the action.

Houston’s is excited to share with you the energy drink revolution that Tsunami’s product represents. It’s time to get energized about this new opportunity!

The post Vendor Spotlight: Tsunami Energy Drink appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Seattle, WA is the home of this momentous occasion, bringing together like-caffeinated minds to show-off and discover the cutting edge of coffee products through various lectures, labs, and certificate programs. If any aspect of the coffee world is your business (or even your passion), this event was made for you.

Each year, Houston’s is proud to attend the Specialty Coffee Expo, but it makes us even prouder to see familiar faces sharing their extraordinary product. Here are just a few of our vendors who you can expect to find at Coffee Expo 2018.

Califia Farms® – Booth #429

Some may recall the Spanish myth that gave California its name: griffins, an army of warrior women, and a queen named Califia. With that formidable namesake, Califia Farms® pays homage to its Californian origins while remaining focused on the future of flavor with all-natural creamers, coffees, and juices that will love your body as much as you’ll love drinking them.

David Rio^TM – Booth #2100

While drinking an incredible chai, why not also fund a company with a strong commitment to animal welfare? When you sip David Rio^TM, that’s precisely what you’re doing! The animals featured in signature drinks like “Elephant Vanilla^TM” and “Tiger Spice Chai®” are of particular note for David Rio^TM and it regularly donates to the International Fund for Animal Welfare toward these species’ protection. Of course, over the last 20 years, the company has also proven its commitment to creating fantastic flavors.

DaVinci Gourmet® – Booth #941

Only the highest quality ingredients are poured into DaVinci Gourmet® bottles of syrup and flavoring giving each and every one of your beverages satisfying, exciting, and unforgettable taste. Whether you’re drinking coffee, lemonade, soda, or even creating a new dessert recipe, there’s always room for a little DaVinci Gourmet®.

Dr. Smoothie® – Booth #2300

Every sip of Dr. Smoothie® promises the fresh taste of 100% natural fruit juice. Because Dr. Smoothie® doesn’t use artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, their beverages retain a superior zest while also containing various vitamins and minerals to pack your day with energy and well-being.

ITO EN INC. – Booth #2350

In 2001, this company recognized the U.S.’s potential interest in green tea products and ran with it. A year later and ITO EN’s natural, unsweetened bottled tea launched, establishing the company as one dedicated to the core principles of Natural, Safe, Healthy, Well-Designed, and Delicious products.

Monin® – Booth #2113

The French have always boasted a sophisticated flavor palate, and as a company out of Bourges, Monin® has proven that it’s for good reason. But that doesn’t mean Monin® is only sharing its taste with France. Three generations since the company began and it’s now one of the most renowned syrup producers in the world.

Pacific Foods^TM – Booth #400

Founded in 1987, this company has made it a mission to provide incredible tasting, healthy, natural foods while never forgetting the people and planet that make it possible. With its simple and additive-free recipes, Pacific Foods^TM aims to preserve the nutrition and flavor in each ingredient it uses.

Torani® – Booth #1213

The dream that began in 1925 with handwritten Italian soda syrup recipes from Lucca, soon became known as the world’s first recorded syrup to be used in a flavored latte. 90 years ago, this family-owned business established itself as an authority on flavor, today making itself one of the most recognizable names in the coffee industry.

two leaves and a bud – Booth #S1

The Two Leaves and a Bud story began with one man’s passion for tea, and since 2004 has grown to become an international innovation. If you’ve drunk tea, you’ve probably encountered pyramid-shaped tea infusers, also known as “sachets.” Two Leaves and a Bud is credited with popularizing these bags in North America, bringing a revolutionarily efficient method of soaking tea leaves for fuller flavor. And with the quality of tea this company sources, you better believe you want to enjoy every drop.

Urnex® – Booth #914

To provide the best coffee equipment available, you need to have a deep understanding of the industry. Originally the Royal Urn Bag Company, Urnex® has been busy developing and manufacturing its own proprietary formulas since 1936, branching into every corner of the coffee market and constantly evolving to fulfill the motto the company established over 80 years ago: “No More Bitter Coffee.”

Credit: All of the above company descriptions were paraphrased from the vendor’s website linked to the vendor name. Logos courtesy of our vendors.

The post Houston’s Is Heading to SCA Coffee Expo 2018! Are You? appeared first on Houston's Blog.

(From left or right) Dean V., Melanie D., Christina G., Rebecca P., Amanda H., Jennifer V., Frank G., and Randy S.

Twenty-five years ago, Houston’s and Torani embarked on the beginning of a long-standing business partnership that has brought ample success and growth to both companies. As one of our top vendors, the Torani management team genuinely understands Houston’s business model and the benefits we provide not only to our customers but to our vendors as well.

After visiting family in Lucca, Italy, Ronaldo and Ezilda Torre returned home to San Francisco, and brought with them hand-written recipes for authentic flavored syrups. Using these recipes, they created Italian Sodas for their neighbors in the North Beach area. With the success of the flavored sodas, Torani was officially launched in 1925 with just five syrup flavors including the tart but sweet citrus flavor, Tamarind. The syrups were later used in bars as liquor flavorings and in the 1980’s to create the first-ever flavored latte, which helped propel Torani into the coffee market and helped to establish their global presence.

Touring the Torani plant

In August of 2017, members of our management team were invited to visit Torani HQ and tour the manufacturing facility and warehouse space. The employee-oriented, family-like culture is immediately apparent, and the bright colors of the office space enhance the high-energy atmosphere. Melanie Dulbecco, Torani’s CEO, describes the company’s culture and business approach as a 92-year old startup, “We’re constantly innovating and growing.” With three automated production lines complete with palletization, Torani’s San Francisco facility runs a very efficient ship. Fresh product is trucked down the street to a newly acquired warehouse space, which is utilized in conjunction with Houston’s and another third party warehouse facility in Texas to house product used to service customers within the U.S.

Dulbecco recalls Torani’s growth through Cash&Carry utilizing our Merchandising Department, “Out real estate with the stores went from a few shelves to half an aisle, seemingly overnight.” With their product now occupying a minimum of 32-feet of shelving space in most Cash&Carry stores, the effects of Houston’s services are evident as Torani’s sales are three to four times higher in stores that our team merchandises.

Christina G. and Rebecca P. at the annual Italian Heritage Parade in San Francisco

Torani’s team is on top of industry trends and constantly working towards developing the next new taste or sensory experience that’s worth sharing in today’s digitally connected society. With research showing younger consumers prefer fanciful flavors, a la Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappe, the food and beverage industry is not exempt from trends starting and going viral on social media. Torani is aware of this, and has invested efforts in their own social media platforms as well as in Research & Development.

To recognize and celebrate our 25 years of partnership, Rebecca Phillips and Christina Graiff joined Torani in their annual appearance in San Francisco’s Italian Heritage Parade. Complete with choreographed dance moves, a decked-out trolley car, 8-foot inflatable Torani bottle, blaring music, candy being handed out to the crowd, and more than 100 Torani employees and their families all donning the same branded red shirt – the level of participation and camaraderie amongst Torani employees is nothing short of inspiring. The parade route travels through the heart of “little Italy,” where restaurant move tables our onto the sidewalk and street, reserving space months in advance just for the parade. All of San Francisco seems to get involved, with one of the highlights of the day being the performance by the Blue Angels

Houston’s looks forward to many more years of partnership with Torani, as we continue to grow and find mutual success in the foodservice and coffee industries!

The post Vendor Spotlight: Torani appeared first on Houston's Blog.

3-step griddle cleaning system

On September 26th Julieanna Boyer of 3M stopped by to bring our Sales, Marketing, Returns, and Purchasing teams up to date on the different cleaning supplies and tools that 3M has to offer.

When it comes to cleaning, 3M has found a way to really embody the saying, “work smarter, not harder.” Regardless of your cleaning needs, 3M has you covered with cleaning pads ranging from from light duty to heavy duty, certified stainless steel cleaners and polishers, and even griddle cleaning products suitable for all grills.

Julieanna was personally a huge advocate of the three step griddle cleaning process. It only takes 3-5 minutes and all you have to do is squirt, scour, and squeegee. Squirt Scotch-Brite Quick Clean Griddle Liquid onto a hot grill to lift and loosen stubborn buildup. Then gently scour the griddle with a heavy duty griddle pad, and squeegee away any excess dirty liquid, leaving the griddle spotless. Julieanna couldn’t stress enough how quick, easy, and clean this process is and even mentioned that she wears a dress when demonstrating to emphasis how effortless it really is.

In the end, 3M products are perfect for any restaurant or bar. They offer a broad assortment of cleaning pads, polishers, and griddle products among other cleaning supplies to help make cleaning and maintaining equipment easier than ever!

Fun Fact:  3M stands for Minnesota, Mining, and Manufacturing

The post Scrub-a-dub, dub with 3M appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Christina G., Rebecca P., Jennifer V., and Amanda H. preparing for the Libbey plant tour

Amanda H., Jennifer V., Christina G., and Rebecca P. lounging at Libbey headquarters

Libbey has been a valued vendor partner of Houston’s for several decades. Our two companies have grown with each other over the years, and formed a unique partnership that we look forward to continuing to build on for many years to come. Members of our management team made a trip to Toledo, Ohio in September to visit Libbey Headquarters and tour one of Libbey’s six manufacturing plants (one of only two located in the U.S.).

The plant tour was an incredibly educational experience during which our team saw the entire glass making process from beginning to end – from raw materials to packaged glass products ready for shipment. “The factory tour was impressive to say the least,” says Amanda Hackathorn, Purchasing Manager. “The plant was huge. but still ran smoothly and efficiently.”

Despite Libbey’s advancements in automation, there are still a few manual processes along the production line. While the stems of all one-and-two piece glasses are pulled via automated processes, Libbey’s signature “Z-stem” is carefully hand twisted using special tong while the glass is still hot malleable.

Image courtesy of Libbey

The raw materials are combined and melted together at 2800-degrees Fahrenheit. The glass is pushed though custom-manufactured machinery that portions the molten glass before it is blown in molds, and then slowly cooled in what looks like a large pizza oven for an extended period of time. This process is known as annealing and relieves any residual internal stresses in the glass that commonly occur during manufacturing. Relieving these stresses allows Libbey to better control how the glass breaks. Rather than shattering into lots of sharp, tiny pieces, annealed glass will break into larger pieces with fewer sharp edges. This is key in foodservice where glass commonly breaks and can potentially get into food.

The Toledo factory produces primarily clear and cobalt-colored glass products. While colored glass can be checked for quality assurance purposes via camera, clear glass products are hand-checked for quality because they cannot be “seen” by the camera. Both clear and cobalt items that do not meet Libbey’s strict quality standards are recycled back into future product runs. Small product runs are manually boxed and palletized while palletization for large runs is automated. As you walk through the plant, it’s not uncommon to have conveyor belts carrying product over your head.

While in Toledo, our team had the opportunity to meet with Libbey’s new executive and upper management team members to discuss business challenges, opportunities, and successes as well as strategies for the future that will allow our two companies to continue to grow and support each other. “The Libbey visit was a great opportunity to discuss ways to grow our business with one of our most established and valued vendor partners,” said Jennfer Vigil, President of Houston’s. “The hospitality [Libbey] extended and ability to view their company from both their corporate and manufacturing segments was truly appreciated.”

Libbey’s showroom

Libbey’s journey to becoming “america’s glassmaker” began in 1818 in East Cambridge, Massachusetts as New England Glass Company. When Edward Drummond Libbey took over in 1888, he moved the factory to Toledo, Ohio. In 1893, Libbey became a household name when it displayed its beautiful cut glass at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Together with Michael Owens (founder of Owens Corning), Libbey revolutionized the industry when they introduced automation to the glass-making process.

Today, Libbey sells over 1 billion pieces of glass around the world each year. Known for its value, craftsmanship, durability, and innovative designs Libbey is the top producer of casual glass drinkware in the western hemisphere.

The post Vendor Spotlight: Libbey Glass appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Amanda H., Rebecca P., Christina G., and Jennifer V. with the David Rio crew at Chai Bar by David Rio

San Francisco-based David Rio was founded in 1996 by David Scott Lowe and Rio Miura and has grown to become a market leader in premium chai products around the world. With a strong following in Asia, Europe and Mexico David Rio has partnered with Houston’s to increase brand awareness and availability here in the United States. Over the past three years, David Rio has grown to become a valued Houston’s partner.

Members of our Management Team recently visited David Rio to introduce President Jennifer Vigil and Purchasing Manager Amanda Hackathorn to the David Rio team and to learn more about the David Rio product line at “Chai Bar by David Rio.” The specialty cafe focuses on premium chai drinks and other treats. “Chai Lab” is located in the back corner of the cafe, and offers customers a chance to try new products or taste recipes that are in development, and give immediate feedback.

Our team got to taste key products from David Rio’s Endangered Species Line®, including Tiger Spice, Elephant Vanilla, Orca Spice, and their new White Shark. Through their commitment to animal welfare, David Rio supports the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), The Greater Farrallones Associations SPCA, the local humane society, and Cat Tales Zoological Park in Mead, WA. It was through Cat Tales that David Rio adopted and funded the support for a Bengal Tiger, named Thor, in 1997. He became the inspiration behind the Endangered Species Line® and the face of David Rio Tiger Spice Chai. With Thor’s passing in 2014, David Rio decided to adopt and support his brother, Atlas.

With Chai Lab’s primary purpose being to gather feedback on new and developing recipe, the team was introduced to a multitude of spicy versus sweet chai offerings.

David Rio’s dairy-free, vegan “Power Chai” is made with Japanese Matcha and black tea, and combines bold tastes and traditional flavors with the antioxidants of the matcha. Both the Cub Chai Original and Cub Chai Super Concentrates offer more spicy alternatives via the true Masala-method of chai preparation.

The newest David Rio product, Turmeric Golden Latte is a soothing blend of turmeric, cinnamon, and spices. It can be prepared on its own, or in combination with Tiger Spice for a great sweet and spicy balance.

We appreciate David Rio’s commitment to their customers, their employees, and both the local and global communities. We take pride in working with vendors, like David Rio, who keep their carbon footprint in mind, and give back to support the world around them.

If you are ever in San Francisco, we encourage you to stop by Chai Bar for a chai and tasty snack!

The post Vendor Spotlight: David Rio appeared first on Houston's Blog.

We, at Houston’s, had the pleasure of sitting with Demitri as he showed us the ins-and-outs of the different products that his company carries.

Bloody Mary Mixes

“Want to win a Bloody Mary contest? CHEAT with Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasonings.” This is a statement that Demitri
lightheartedly made in reference to his Bloody Mary Seasoning. But it is definitely an accurate statement as Demitri’s has won many awards with their seasonings.  Currently, there are four seasonings, all of which contribute to creating the ideal Bloody Mary:

Classic: Fourteen all-natural ingredients, balanced for the perfect Bloody Mary

Chilies and Peppers: The “Classic” recipe with added chilies and peppers for extra spicy goodness.

Extra Horseradish: Just like the name says, Demitri upped the horseradish in this recipe resulting in a nice zesty horseradish aroma and flavor.

Chipotle -Habañero: If you like your Bloody Marys hot and spicy, this one is for you. Whole chipotle peppers and habañero chilies are pureed and added to this fiery recipe.

A great thing about these seasonings is they are all very versatile. They are not only great for making Bloody Marys, but they are also great for cooking. Demitri’s seasonings are good for marinating steaks, chicken, pork, etc.

Size

Demitri’s Bloody Mary Seasonings are packaged in multiple sizes, making it convenient for any party, household, restaurant, and bar!

8oz Bottle: Make yourself a Bloody Mary whenever wherever with this travel sized bottle

16oz Bottle: Perfect for bar use – “Flip-Top dispenser and our squeezable, shatterproof PET bottle helps make individual drinks or batches perfect, every time, in no time!”

64oz Jug: Great in high volume bars, events, etc.

How to make the perfect Bloody Mary

Demitri’s takes pride in making the perfect Bloody Mary “every time, in no time.” So how does one make the perfect Bloody Mary every time? Well it’s as simple as one, two, three:

Add 2oz. of Demitri’s to the ridge of the 1qt Store N’ Pour (pictured on the left)

Fill with 30oz tomato juice (we recommend Sacramento Tomato Juice)

Shake!

RimShot! Rim Salts

The perfect Bloody Mary wouldn’t be complete without salt. Demitri’s carries salt, but it isn’t just some ordinary run of the mill salt. It’s a custom blend of sea salts and spices from around the world that complements any Bloody Mary!

Original Rimshot!: Hawaiian sea salts, smoked salts, celery seed, and a few secret ingredients.

Bacon Rimshot!: Made with Bacon Salt by J&D’s, this salt is a smoky, savory garnish that adds aroma and tons of flavor-great with a nice cold sip of a Bloody Mary.

Not a Fan of Bloody Marys? Try a Margarita!

For those of you who are not big fans of Bloody Marys, Demitri’s also supplies both a margarita mix and a margarita rim salt. Demitri’s is also currently working on creating an all-organic margarita mix.

Traditional Mix: A classic margarita mix with no preservatives, gluten or high fructose corn syrup, and designed for people who seek premium-quality cocktails.

38 Calorie Mix: This is the skinny version of the “Traditional Mix”, but with the same great flavor.

NEW Margarita Rimshot!: A pomegranate, pineapple, lime, rim salt with mild Korean chili flakes for a colorful, all-natural finishing touch to any margarita. (pictured on the right)

In the end, Demitri Pallis’ journey to create the perfect Bloody Mary recipe was a success! He has really covered all bases of what it takes to make an all-around delicious beverage. With the right mix, the right salt, and the simple three step process, you too can enjoy the perfect Bloody Mary today.

Contact Houston’s today and lets us help you with your Bloody Mary and Margarita needs!

Images courtesy of Demitri’s

The post Vendor Spotlight: There’s Something About Bloody Marys: Demitris Bloody Mary Mixes appeared first on Houston's Blog.

Photo courtesy of CDN

For those of you unfamiliar with the company, CDN is a family owned business that specializes in kitchen measurement tools, with a wide assortment of thermometers, timers, and scales. With products in over 14,000 foodservice locations, CDN is the global leader in its category and has been named “Best Overall Company” in its category from the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. CDN prides itself on its personal service and commitment to its customers as they are the only company that is solely focused on time and temperature to ensure it meets customers’ needs.

But enough with the history, right? What exactly did Shawn enlighten us with during her visit?

Shawn showed and informed us about different products that her company has to offer. The kitchen measurement tools business is actually more complex than one would think. There are different thermometers and timers for different conditions – from dry and cold storage, to cooking, to thick and thin cuts of meat – and almost every application you can think of.

Here are a few of the products that Shawn showed to us:

ProAccurate® Insta-Read® Beverage and Frothing Thermometer

This is one of CDN’s most popular thermometers. It is actually supplied in every Starbucks worldwide! It’s your standard beverage thermometer. It has a stainless steel body that is both waterproof and shatterproof and measures up to 200°F. This is the ideal tool for any coffee shop.

ProAccurate® Infrared Gun/Thermocouple Thermometer

This thermometer is good for measuring the temperature for almost anything. It measures up to 662°F and is an ideal tool for a health inspector or even your average Joe. All you have to do is it point the thermometer in the direction of the object you are trying to measure and it will give you the temperature. It also has a stainless steel probe if you wish to measure the temperature in that fashion too.

Digital Nutrition Scale

This is a very versatile scale. The measurement range is 11 pounds/5 kilograms/176 ounces/5 liters by ounces, fluid ounces, grams and milliliters . It has 999 different food codes from the USDA National Nutrient Database and measures calories, sodium, protein, fat, carbohydrates, cholesterol, and fiber. This is the ideal scale for those who are conscious of what you are putting into your body.

ProAccurate® Meat/Poultry Ovenproof Thermometer

As specified in the name, this thermometer is for meat, specifically thick cuts of meat. It has a stainless steel body and glass lens making the thermometer ovenproof and perfect for cooking foods like Thanksgiving turkeys, roasts, and much more.

ProAccurate® Pocket Thermometer

This compact thermometer is perfect for thin cuts of meat. Although it is not ovenproof, it is both waterproof and shatterproof. Due to its small size, this thermometer is very functional for everyday use as you can carry it with you in the kitchen without it being a hassle.

In the end, CDN’s products are top-notch and value driven. They offer the broadest assortment of thermometers and timers, with superior customer service, product innovation, quality and value. CDN makes an effort to put their customers first as its product development, “begins with understanding the needs of professional chefs.” CDN is big enough to offer a comprehensive line, but small enough to get things done!

Feel free to contact Houston’s for more details or any questions!

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