5 things: New York style deli opens unit in medical center

In this edition of 5 Things, Food Management highlights five things you may have missed recently about developments affecting onsite dining.

Here’s your list for today:

 1.    New York style deli opens unit in medical center

New York-style Jewish deli concept Borscht Belt Delicatessen is slated to launch a location in the St. Mary Medical Center cafeteria in Pennsylvania that will operate during the morning to early afternoon hours starting Nov. 13. Patrons can expect a menu featuring New York City’s Ess-a-bagels, classic deli sandwiches and a range of specialty items. Hospital officials touted the addition as a significant upgrade to their food service offerings.

Read more: NY-Style Deli To Open In St. Mary Medical Center

 2.    Virginia Tech’s Ted Faulkner to retire

Ted Faulkner, assistant vice president for dining, housing and student centers at Virginia Tech (VT), will retire in December after a professional journey that spans over 45 years, the last 25 at VT, where he has been director of dining services since February 2012. During his tenure, he oversaw the opening of six new dining locations, the updating and refreshing of multiple dining areas, the opening of FM Best Concept Award winning Turner Place at Lavery Hall, and new sustainability efforts. Also during his tenure, FM named Virginia Tech Dining its College & University Innovator of the Year in 2013 and the winner of the FM Best Concepts Awards Best of Show honor in 2018.

Related:5 tech things: Towson University debuts new 24/7 store

Read more: 'More than just food on a plate': Ted Faulkner to retire

 3.    Rodekamp named head of ISU Dining

Karen Rodekamp, associate director for engagement in Iowa State University (ISU) Dining, has been promoted to director of ISU Dining, effective Nov. 1 after serving on an interim basis since late September. She has worked for the university's campus dining services in a variety of responsibilities since 1999, when she started as an assistant manager for catering.

Read more: Welcome

 4.    US Foods acquires major California independent foodservice distributor

US Foods Holding Corp., one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, has announced that it has agreed to acquire Saladino’s Foodservice, an independent broadline distributor with over $600 million in annual revenue and more than 4,000 customers across California. The move follows the company's acquisition earlier this year of Renzi Foodservice in Upstate New York with its $180 million in annual revenue and customer base of more than 2,300 independent restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, government organizations, convenience stores and other customers

Related:5 things: Sodexo names new healthcare/seniors unit CEO

Read more: 79-Year-Old Fresno Family Foodservice Operator Acquired by New York Stock Exchange Company

 5.    Cinemark offers home delivery of movie theater concessions items

Movie fans who are looking for an authentic theater experience from the comfort of their own homes can now get Cinemark concessions delivered right to their door as Cinemark has announced a partnership with third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub to sell snacks like popcorn and candy for movie watchers at home. Cinemark is reportedly the first major theater chain to offer home delivery.

Read more: Cinemark offering home delivery of concession fare at movie theater prices

Bonus: Top 12 business and industry food service stories of 2023

Contact Mike Buzalka at [email protected]