Orlando, FL – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) today announced City Barbeque as the recipient of its 12th annual “Turkey on the Menu” (T.O.M.) award in the “fast casual” category at its national convention. The T.O.M. award recognizes food service providers nominated by NTF members in the categories of fast casual, mid-scale, full service dining, and non-traditional.
City Barbeque was started by a competition barbeque team in 1999, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio with 23 locations in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, City Barbeque honors heritage and tradition that the best regions of barbeque in the country have to offer. The barbeque joint engages their customers with cooking classes and tips on how to carve their own turkey.
Accepting the award on behalf of City Barbeque was Alison Bechtel, Director of Marketing for the company. “We’re thrilled to have our turkey recognized as the star it is on our menu,” said Bechtel. “We take pride in serving what we consider the best turkey out there. We source our free range turkey locally in Ohio from Bowman & Landes Farm. It’s then hand rubbed with a secret blend of seasoning and smoked for hours over hickory wood. You can’t get much better than that!” she adds.
City Barbeque’s contributions in each of their community locations include a store-wide day to donate five percent of the day’s proceeds to a local Breast Cancer charity. Most recently, City Barbeque has partnered with local charities to freeze extra food and donate to families in need.
“This year, T.O.M. has broadened the search for excellence equally on presentation of turkey and involvement in the community,” said NTF president Joel Brandenberger. “In both the qualities of food and service, as well as serving their community, many candidates came to our attention for honor as exemplary foodservice operations with our annual T.O.M. Award.”
In alphabetical order by category, the T.O.M. Award winners also include:
· Turkey to Go – winner in the non-traditional category, nominated by Minnesota Turkey Growers Association;
· K&W Cafeterias – winner in the mid-scale dining category, nominated by Prestage Farms;
· Walt Disney World – winner in the fine dining category, nominated by Dakota Provisions.
A panel of objective foodservice professionals rate nominees on consumer appeal, versatility, taste, value, how turkey on the menu benefits the operation, and the positive impact the company has in their community. NTF extends heartfelt thanks to Karen Weisberg and Becky Shilling for judging this year’s outstanding nominees.
About NTF
The National Turkey Federation is found at EatTurkey.com, on Twitter @TurkeyGal and on Facebook as Turkey. The Perfect Protein. NTF is the national advocate raising awareness for its members' products, while strengthening their ability to profitably and safely deliver wholesome, high-quality, and nutritious food to consumers worldwide. The National Turkey Federation represents growers, processors, hatchers, breeders, distributors, allied services and state associations.
Source: The National Turkey Federation