Industry Opinion Piece
Who... California Restaurant Association
What... Mandatory Health legislation costs
When... this year before the govenor is voted on
Effect... small business and farms costs will be huge. State will lose jobs.
Click here for more details.

SYSCO Corporation announces a number of promotions. SYSCO, the latest foodservice marketer and distributor in North America, announced that James E Lankford, who is currently President and CEO of Sysco Food Services of San Francisco, has been named Senior Vice President of Operations - Western Region. Daniel S Haag, who is now President of Sysco Food Services of Modesto, will succeed Mr. Lankford as President and CEO of the San Francisco operation. Mr Lankford succeeds Arthur J Swenka, who will be retiring at the end of calendar year 2000.

In his new role, Mr. Lankford, 47, will have responsibility for Sysco operating companies in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Vancouver B.C. and Seattle, Washington, as well as Los Angeles, Modesto, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco. He has been involved in foodservice his entire career, having joined his families' company, S.E. Lankford Jr. Produce company, at its founding.

After graduating from the University of Maryland in College Park in 1974, he served as sales manager until 1981. At that time, the Lankford Company merged with SYSCO to become the present LankfordSysco Food Serices, Inc. Pocomoke, Maryland, and Mr Lankford was promoted to Vice President of Sales at that time. In 1986 he advanced to Senior Vice President, a position he held until 1991 when he transferred to SYSCO's Philadelphia operating company as President and CEO, and in 1998 assumed his current role in San Francisco.

U.S. Foodservice (Formerly Rykoff Sexton) announces that it will close its San Francisco branch as part of its "profitability strategy". Last minute negotiations for the lines to be represented by Columbus Meats out of Oakland, or BIRITE Foods did not pan out for the U.S. Foodservies management. Say goodbye to all those jobs. Columbus meats keeps moving along the path to becoming a full service distributor and BIRITE is still experiencing tremendous growth. Our hearts go out to everyone at U.S. Foodservice San Francisco branch who gave their all - up to the last minute.

Chasen's Chili hits the mark, and "Everybody Knows Chasen's" is the slogan. Chasen's is the legendary Chasenn's Chili that Liz Taylor shipped to Rome during the filming of Cleopatra. The chili is being offered in microwave packages to retailers and comes in chicken as well as regular style. Chasen's is in the long-line of chef named products to try for retail shelf space.

Round Table for Women in Foodservice appoints Jeannie Mosgrove, National Accounts Manager for Otis Spunkmeyer, the 2000 National President for the Roundtable for Women in Foodservice. Jeanne's responsibilities as National President include managing a Board of Directors comprided of 15 women from across the country and acting as liaison with other industry' organizations. Jeanne oversees the administration of the organization with the help of the RWF's new Executive Director, Mary 0'Connor, at the national office in Chicago. RWF is a national foodservice industry trade association open to male and female operators suppliers and service professionals who are committed to the development and enhancement of women's careers across all segments of the industry through education, mentoring and networking. RWF has eight active chapters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego. Orange County. Dallas, Houston, New York City and Atlanta. RWF's 17th Annual Pacesetters luncheon will be held on Monday, May 22, during the National Restaurant Show in Chicago. Over 700 foodservice professionals will attend the event to honor the five women Pacesetters chosen for their contribution and impact in the industry.

RWF announces the 2000 Woman of the Year, Debi Benedetti. Debi will also be honored during the luncheon for her work and lasting impressions made in this business. Herman Cain, CEO of Digital Restaurant Solutions and past President of the NRA is scheduled as the event's keynote speaker.

Marketing Specialists appoints a new Division President Adderton, a graduate of the University of Missouri. He will relocate immediately to Southern California to begin his new position with Marketing Specialists. MS, with some 7000 associates and located in 65 offices throughout the nation, is one the largest food brokers in the country.

Sable Technologies is the value leader in "POS" Point of Sale systems for the restaurant and hospitality industry. Diane Soshnik has been appointed Regional Account Manager for the San Francisco Bay area, and is a member of Round Table for Women in Foodservice.

Unified Wine & Grape Symposium 2000, held February 15th in Sacramento, recorded its highest attendance ever. Emerging as the nation's largest wine and grape tradeshow, this year's event attracted over 7000 wine industry professionals, a 95% increase over last year. The grassy winged Sharpshooter, a pest that could wreak havoc in the vineyards proved to be the hot topic of the day.

Myers Restaurant and Supply in Santa Rosa, California, equips Roast Haus, Hof Bran. At the same time, Myers announces that they have completed work on Ludy's BBQ Grill in Santa Rosa, California. Myers supplied all cooking equipment, custom ventilation, refrigeration, fryers, booth seating. and small wears.

Napa Valley Grille comes to San Diego. Yountville California brainchild of California Cafe' Restaurant Corporation will open on the top floor of the Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego in the spot formally occupied by California Cafe'. Bob Hurley one of the wine country's celebrity chefs, will be Executive Chef of the new restaurant. Hurley, who recently made his second appearance at the Beard House in New York City, will oversee culinary operation with the on-site Chef Joseph Foley, an eight year veteran of the company Renzo Roder, recently of Tutto Mare in La Jolla, CA, will take the helm as General Manager. Recently named as one of the country; Hot New Concepts, Napa Valley Grille Restaurants wins praise for innovation, seasonal Cuisine, award winning wine list, and a romantic wine country ambiance.

Chocolates A La Carte moves into new 110,000 square foot facility in the Valencia Gateway Commerce Center. The new facility' occupies 5.5 acres in the commerce center. Chocolates A La Carte has a customer base of 500 hotel resorts, cateres, premier restaurants. It is an industry leader in artistic chocolate designs for special occasions, VIP amenities and corporate gifts.