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One On One With: Kendal’s new a “zen-inspired” senior community will feature partnership with noted veg restaurant

Ben Butler, vice president of culinary services for senior community operator Kendal, talks about its newest site and the special dining program planned for it.

Mike Buzalka, Executive Features Editor

May 21, 2021

1 Min Read
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Pennsylvania-based Kendal, which operates over a dozen CCRCs around the country, is in the process of developing Enso Village, a $300 million continuing care retirement community in Healdsburg, California, in conjunction with Greenbrier Development and the San Francisco Zen Center. The company describes Enso Village as “a zen-inspired life plan community [that will] focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, environmental stewardship, contemplative care and healthy life choices for adults 60 ”.

As part of that focus, Kendal is partnering with Greens, a landmark vegetarian restaurant in San Francisco’s Fort Mason district. Greens will work with Kendal on recipe development and fostering and expanding relationships with area growers as a big focus of the dining program will be on locally sourced, fresh product.

In this FM One On One podcast interview, Ben Butler, Kendal’s vice president of culinary services, talks about Enso Village and the plans for its dining component. He notes that as planning for the community proceeds, he will be looking for an executive chef with the experience and expertise to manage its very specialized dining program.

Food Management · Kendal’s new a “zen-inspired” senior community will feature partnership with noted veg restaurant

 

About the Author

Mike Buzalka

Executive Features Editor, Food Management

Mike Buzalka is executive features editor for Food Management and contributing editor to Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News. On Food Management, Mike has lead responsibility for compiling the annual Top 50 Contract Management Companies as well as the K-12, College, Hospital and Senior Dining Power Players listings. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from John Carroll University. Before joining Food Management in 1998, he served as for eight years as assistant editor and then editor of Foodservice Distributor magazine. Mike’s personal interests range from local sports such as the Cleveland Indians and Browns to classic and modern literature, history and politics.

Mike Buzalka’s areas of expertise include operations, innovation and technology topics in onsite foodservice industry markets like K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Healthcare and Business & Industry.

Mike Buzalka’s experience:

Executive Features Editor, Food Management magazine (2010-present)

Contributing Editor, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News (2016-present)

Associate Editor, Food Management magazine (1998-2010)

Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1997-1998)

Assistant Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1989-1997)

 

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