Latest news with #OldWorld
Malaysian Reserve
10-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Naf Naf Grill Launches NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders
CHICAGO, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Naf Naf Grill is turning up the flavor with the launch of its latest menu item: NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders, now available at all locations nationwide. These craveable tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with traditional Middle Eastern spices. They are the perfect addition to any meal. Crafted with care and seasoned with Naf Naf's traditional Middle Eastern spices, the tenders are designed to deliver maximum flavor in every bite. Whether tucked into their in-house baked pitas, layered in a rice bowl, served on a plate, or enjoyed as a 3-pack on the side, these tenders pair beautifully with all of Naf Naf's beloved toppings and sauces — from creamy garlic to spicy harissa. 'We're excited to introduce a new menu item that's both approachable and packed with the signature flavors our guests love,' said Nico Nieto, Chief Marketing Officer at Naf Naf Grill. 'Our NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders are made to be enjoyed your way — whether you're trying Naf for the first time or a regular looking for something new.' The NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders also speak to a new generation of guests seeking more from their fast-casual dining experience — bolder flavors, more variety, and a departure from the ordinary. By blending comfort-food familiarity with its authentic Middle Eastern roots, Naf Naf continues to carve out a unique place in the market, offering something that's both approachable and distinctly exciting. It's a fresh take that delivers the flavor adventure today's diners are craving. The launch of Crispy Chicken Tenders marks another step in Naf Naf's mission to bring bold, authentic Middle Eastern flavors to the fast-casual space in a way that's welcoming and exciting for all. Guests can now order the NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders at all Naf Naf locations. And those ordering online at or through the Naf Naf Perks app will earn 300 bonus perks points with any Crispy Chicken Tenders entrées. About Naf Naf GrillNaf is making fresh Middle Eastern cuisine a mainstream favorite across the United States. Inspired by tradition, Naf's genuine hospitality paired with handmade dishes derived from Old World recipes create a welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to fan the flame of culinary exploration. Every order is customized to the guest's liking with choices of top-quality meats, like its award-winning Chicken Shawarma roasted on a vertical spit, to hand made falafel and pillowy pita baked in-restaurant throughout the day. Naf is headquartered in Chicago with 39 locations nationwide. For more information, visit
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Naf Naf Grill Launches NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders -- A Bold, Flavorful Spin on a Classic Favorite
CHICAGO, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Naf Naf Grill is turning up the flavor with the launch of its latest menu item: NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders, now available at all locations nationwide. These craveable tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with traditional Middle Eastern spices. They are the perfect addition to any meal. Crafted with care and seasoned with Naf Naf's traditional Middle Eastern spices, the tenders are designed to deliver maximum flavor in every bite. Whether tucked into their in-house baked pitas, layered in a rice bowl, served on a plate, or enjoyed as a 3-pack on the side, these tenders pair beautifully with all of Naf Naf's beloved toppings and sauces — from creamy garlic to spicy harissa. "We're excited to introduce a new menu item that's both approachable and packed with the signature flavors our guests love," said Nico Nieto, Chief Marketing Officer at Naf Naf Grill. "Our NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders are made to be enjoyed your way — whether you're trying Naf for the first time or a regular looking for something new." The NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders also speak to a new generation of guests seeking more from their fast-casual dining experience — bolder flavors, more variety, and a departure from the ordinary. By blending comfort-food familiarity with its authentic Middle Eastern roots, Naf Naf continues to carve out a unique place in the market, offering something that's both approachable and distinctly exciting. It's a fresh take that delivers the flavor adventure today's diners are craving. The launch of Crispy Chicken Tenders marks another step in Naf Naf's mission to bring bold, authentic Middle Eastern flavors to the fast-casual space in a way that's welcoming and exciting for all. Guests can now order the NEW! Crispy Chicken Tenders at all Naf Naf locations. And those ordering online at or through the Naf Naf Perks app will earn 300 bonus perks points with any Crispy Chicken Tenders entrées. About Naf Naf GrillNaf is making fresh Middle Eastern cuisine a mainstream favorite across the United States. Inspired by tradition, Naf's genuine hospitality paired with handmade dishes derived from Old World recipes create a welcoming atmosphere where guests are invited to fan the flame of culinary exploration. Every order is customized to the guest's liking with choices of top-quality meats, like its award-winning Chicken Shawarma roasted on a vertical spit, to hand made falafel and pillowy pita baked in-restaurant throughout the day. Naf is headquartered in Chicago with 39 locations nationwide. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Naf Naf Grill
Web Release
10-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Veronika Zakharchuk Appointed Head Sommelier at Culinary Arts Group
Culinary Arts Group has announced the appointment of Veronika Zakharchuk as Head Sommelier, further strengthening the group's focus on exceptional guest experiences across its flagship concepts — Maison Dali, Bar Dali and Revolver Dubai. With an impressive international résumé, Veronika steps into a key leadership role to define and elevate the group's wine identity through thoughtful curation and an impeccable wine selection. Since joining the group in late 2024, Veronika has been instrumental in bringing a renewed perspective on wine — from sourcing rare bottles to launching curated tastings. Her remit includes wine list development, distributor partnerships, team training, pricing strategy and creating beverage programmes that are as emotionally resonant as they are technically sophisticated. Prior to her current role, Veronika recently served as Assistant Head Sommelier at the one-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. There, she was integral to the venue's pre-opening and post-launch success, overseeing a 6,000-bottle cellar and a 1,500-label list, while mentoring her team in delivering exceptional, story-led service. Before relocating to the UAE, she held senior roles in Russia, including the pre-opening of Gvidon and Gorynich by the White Rabbit Family – ranked No. 13 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2019. There she managed one of the country's largest Champagne selections, designed bespoke wine lists, led tastings and trained junior sommeliers. Her foundation spans respected institutions including Four Seasons Moscow, Ararat Park Hyatt and Simple Wine, Russia's leading wine supplier. A dedicated student of her craft, in the past year, Veronika recently completed the WSET Level 3 course and passed the Certified Sommelier Examination under the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). In her new role, Veronika brings a distinct approach to each concept within the group. At Maison Dali, she champions Old World classics, grower Champagnes and rare bottles showcased in Dali's cellar section. By collaborating with suppliers and brand ambassadors, she offers a curated selection of 50 wines by the glass — allowing guests to enjoy exceptional labels at accessible prices. At Revolver, her programme is more intuitive, highlighting unique pairings and exclusive imports unavailable elsewhere in Dubai. Here, she presents a focused selection of 25 wines by the glass, with a mission to make wine an integral part of the storytelling at the table. Reflecting on her appointment, Veronika shared: 'I'm truly excited to lead the wine programmes at Maison Dali, Bar Dali and Revolver — three exceptional venues, each with its own energy and identity. To me, wine isn't about rules; it is about creating moments of connection, discovery and joy. I believe in thoughtful pours, easy conversation and shaping guest experiences that are effortless and memorable. It is a privilege to work with a team that shares this passion for hospitality — no rules, just great wine and a good time.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dietz Distillery Wins Silver Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Five Judges Gin
The award recognizes the Texas-made spirit's exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to Old World distilling traditions FREDERICKSBURG, Texas, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dietz Distillery is proud to announce that its handcrafted Five Judges Gin has been awarded a Silver Medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC). Renowned for its rigorous blind tasting evaluation process, the SFWSC is one of the most respected spirits competitions in the world. This recognition places Five Judges Gin—a small-batch spirit crafted in the heart of the Texas Hill Country—among the finest gins globally. Handcrafted in Fredericksburg, Texas, Five Judges Gin is a juniper-forward, London dry-style gin distilled using old-world methods and the finest ingredients—including bright citrus from the Rio Grande Valley, giving it a uniquely Texan character. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious and longest-standing in the industry, honors only the highest-quality spirits. Earning a Silver Medal is a proud recognition of the gin's exceptional craftsmanship and distinct flavor profile. "We've always believed in honoring tradition while capturing the bold spirit of Texas," said Dietz Fischer, owner and distiller at Dietz Distillery. "To see our Five Judges Gin recognized on a global stage is a tremendous honor. This award affirms our commitment to slow, intentional distilling and to producing something truly special right here in Fredericksburg." The name Five Judges pays tribute to the five judges who have called our farm home over the past century—three generations of the Wieser family, along with two early Texas justices—all of whom played a role in shaping the legal and civic foundations of the region: J.B. Wieser, Jarvis Wieser, Mark Wieser, M.A. Dooley, and Julius Schuchard. Now, with this award, it also signifies a place among the best gins worldwide. Five Judges Gin is available exclusively for purchase at Dietz Distillery, located at the Fischer & Wieser Farmstead in Fredericksburg, TX. About Dietz Distillery Founded by Dietz Fischer and rooted in a rich family legacy in Fredericksburg, Texas, Dietz Distillery combines Old World distillation techniques with Texas-German heritage. Inspired by his experience at Fischer & Wieser Specialty Foods and trained under master distiller Markus Wieser in Austria, Dietz brings a deep commitment to tradition and quality. The distillery opened in 2021 with the debut of Five Judges Gin and now offers a distinctive range of premium spirits—including fruit brandies and other specialty spirits —crafted with farmstead grown fruits and locally sourced ingredients. Visitors are invited to enjoy immersive tastings and experience the artistry of small-batch distillation in a serene Texas Hill Country setting. For media inquiries, interviews, or to request a sample, please contact: Nicole Whorton Marketing & PR Manager Dietz Distillery Phone: (817) 932-5605 Email: Instagram: @dietzdistillery View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Dietz Distillery Sign in to access your portfolio
Mint
25-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
Tariffs are challenging the cachet of luxury goods from Europe
UBRIQUE, Spain—Europe's luxury brands have long sold pricey handbags based on the mystique of where they're made. Now the trade war is probing the value of producing in places like this sun-kissed town. Ubrique's workshops have pumped out leather goods for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and other brands for years, employing about a quarter of the town's population of 16,000. A giant statue of the patacabra, a wooden tool used to shape and smooth the leather, rises by the road leading into town. 'We're all basically living off leather here," said José Antonio Bautista, the town's deputy mayor. President Trump's tariffs are now shaking the foundations of Ubrique's business model—and that of the broader luxury industry. On Friday, Trump threatened a 50% tariff on goods imported from the European Union. European brands have long cultivated the image that Old World heritage uniquely positions the continent to create goods for the world's most discerning customers—justifying their eye-watering price tags. While high margins offer brands some protection from tariffs, Trump's push to shift production to the U.S. has sparked fresh scrutiny of the 'Made in Europe" value proposition. The worry for some brands: Luxury goods produced in America won't carry the same cachet with consumers. 'It wouldn't make sense to me to have Italian Gucci bags made in Texas," François-Henri Pinault, chief executive of the group that owns Gucci, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, told French lawmakers earlier this month. 'It doesn't make sense to my clients. I can't explain that." The allure of European provenance is already being questioned in the industry's second-biggest market: China. After Trump announced his tariffs, a wave of videos flooded TikTok, purporting to reveal the true cost of luxury by showing how a range of high-end handbags—including the Hermès Birkin, which sell for more than $10,000—can be cheaply counterfeited in a Chinese factory. The scrutiny has shone a spotlight on places like Ubrique, where first-year trainees start on the equivalent of around $30 a day, and the most experienced workers earn a daily wage of roughly $57, according to a local labor agreement. Shifting production to the U.S., however, is easier said than done. Louis Vuitton opened a leather-goods workshop in Alvarado, Texas, in 2019 as part of a push to diversify manufacturing and meet growing demand in its largest market. But scaling up has proven difficult. The site has faced growing pains as Louis Vuitton struggled to recruit and train local artisans. LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault said he planned to hire a thousand staff at the plant when it initially opened, but years later the facility only employs around 300 people—a slower-than-expected expansion that the company partly attributes to the pandemic. Still, Arnault recently said the group would 'inevitably be forced to increase its American production" if the EU fails to reach a deal to avert Trump's tariffs. Spain quietly plays a central role in the global luxury supply chain—especially in leather goods. Nowhere is that more evident than in Ubrique, where leather craftsmanship took off in the 19th century—helped by the town's abundant water supply, crucial for softening hides and dyeing leather. The area's isolation and poverty played a role too. Families raised livestock while women began sewing and finishing leather goods at home. By the 1970s, Ubrique had become a byword for craftsmanship, drawing brands like Dior and Loewe. Today, handbag makers rely on Ubrique's extensive network of suppliers, specialized machinery makers, tanneries and logistics hubs that have developed together over decades. Their close proximity enables speed and flexibility, which are crucial in an industry that is constantly working on new designs. Workshops often work hand-in-hand with brands to develop prototypes and refine products. Longstanding relationships have fostered trust and discretion, helping protect sourcing strategies and unreleased designs. Chanel purses are made in a discreet workshop with no signage, while Louis Vuitton relies on a longstanding supplier with several sites across town to produce pieces including a $3,000 hobo-style bag. Ubrique's rich industrial ecosystem would be difficult, and take years, to replicate elsewhere. Similar tightknit luxury clusters can be found in Tuscany for leather goods, La Chaux-de-Fonds for Swiss watches and the French town of Grasse for perfume. Economic forces have threatened Ubrique before. During the 2008 financial crisis, many luxury brands moved production to lower-cost countries like China. The result: factory closures, job losses and economic pain. 'You'd see people who had nothing to eat coming here asking for help," said Bautista, the deputy mayor. But just a few years later the brands were back. Factories in China proved susceptible to counterfeiters. When design specifications or materials were leaked, copycat producers could flood the market with knockoffs. Throughout Ubrique, the tap tap of the patacabra rings out from behind workshop walls. At many of the town's factories, workers arrive before dawn, stow their phones in lockers and wait for a 6.55 a.m. alarm. When it sounds, they head to their benches and work—mostly on their feet—until 3 p.m., broken only by a 20-minute break. Luxury brands often promote the image of a single in-house artisan meticulously crafting a handbag from start to finish. In reality, production is more industrial, broken down into a series of repetitive, specialized tasks that require less training—in theory making it easier to shift manufacturing elsewhere. Yet making luxury leather goods still involves a sequence of precise, hands-on steps that require a high level of skill. Leather must be inspected and cut, then thinned, reinforced, stitched and assembled—often using techniques that machines can't easily replicate. Edges are finished by hand and hardware is carefully fitted. More experienced workers are assigned to the most technically demanding tasks. At one factory, employees said men's backpacks were the hardest to make—not just because of the number of components, but also the precision needed to fit the panels, handles and zips. 'Finding qualified people is tough," said Manuel Fernández, owner of the Don Puro workshop, which supplies several luxury brands. 'Out of every three new hires, you might only keep one. The others just don't work out." While businesspeople in Ubrique say they're yet to feel the impact of Trump's tariffs, the uncertainty is leading to heightened concerns in the town. A broad luxury slowdown has already hit Ubrique's producers. While much of the slack has been taken up by Polène, a fast-growing French brand that makes all of its handbags in the town, some workshops are feeling the pain as clients cut back on orders. Marcos Obando, who works for a local employers' association, is hopeful big luxury brands will keep investing in Ubrique, even if tariffs do add to costs. He argues the town should double down on quality, since it can't compete on price—not even with lower-cost neighbors like Portugal or countries in Eastern Europe. 'There is a reason why all the brands have been working here for decades—why this town has been focused on this for many, many years," he said. Write to Nick Kostov at
