Inspired by the huaraches (mini pizzas) of Mexico City, crispy flatbread is topped with spicy refried beans, sautéed poblanos, cheese, fresh avocado, lettuce, and sour cream.

Yield: 20 Flatbreads

Ingredients

• 1 Pch Santiago® EXCEL® Refried Beans Smooth, prepared (Item #28816)
• 5 Cup Avocado, 1/4″ diced
• 5 Cup Fire-roasted tomato salsa
• 3.75 Qt. Romaine lettuce, shredded
• 20 Each Flatbread, baked
• 2.5 Cup Cotijo cheese
• 6.5 Cup Poblano peppers, 1/4″ diced, sautéed
• 1.25 Cup Sour cream

Directions

1. Prepare beans according to package directions. Add salsa and stir well to combine. Hold warm.
2. To assemble, top flatbread with 2/3 cup spicy beans, 1/4 cup peppers, 1/4 cup diced avocado, 3/4 cup shredded lettuce, 2Tbsp cheese and then drizzle 1.5 Tbsp sour cream. Serve immediately.

From menu innovation to organizational tweaks, savvy restaurateurs seize this season to make strategic changes. Fresh ingredients find their way onto revamped menus, and outdoor seating areas come alive with the chatter of diners. Whether you’re a seasoned restaurateur or a fresh-faced foodpreneur, there’s something here for everyone.

Throughout this article, you’ll find hyperlinks to resources, product recommendations, and expert advice. Click away to explore in-depth guides and practical tips.

Ways to get organized and recalibrate your businesses 

Spring Cleaning-Cleaning tips and tricks

All our seafood links-in one place

Everything Dessert

How to appeal to everyone

From Dole, we added three new juice-based fountain syrups. Apple, Cranberry, and Orange Juice, all conveniently packed in 3-gallon bags. Dole’s Apple Fountain Syrup captures the essence of freshly picked apples, offering a crisp and natural sweet foundation. The Cranberry Fountain Syrup adds a burst of tangy sophistication, while the Orange Fountain Syrup contributes a vibrant and refreshing citrus twist. Designed for use in fountain dispensers, the innovative packaging ensures a smooth and hassle-free dispensing experience, allowing operators to incorporate these delightful flavors into a variety of beverages easily.

From NCCO (National Checking Company), we added 3″ Blank Circle Labels. Each roll contains 500 labels, providing an ample supply to meet your labeling needs. Convenience is key, as 4 rolls are expertly shrink-wrapped together, creating an easy-to-manage unit for swift and organized dispensing. Designed specifically for use with date code machines and Date Genies (label printers), these 3-inch circle permanent white labels are a perfect fit for your labeling requirements. The strong permanent adhesive ensures that your labels stay in place, providing a reliable solution for tracking and organizing.

From San Jamar, we added Terry Cloth Pot Holders – a kitchen essential designed for reliable heat protection and lasting durability. These 8-inch by 8-inch brown terry cloth pot holders are the perfect companions for handling hot cookware with ease and confidence. Crafted with quality in mind, out pot holders offer dependable heat protection up to 500°F for a duration of 30 seconds, ensuring your safety in the busiest kitchen environments. Easy maintenance is a priority, and these pot holders are designed to be machine washable, making clean-up a breeze after every use. Each pack includes 1 pot holder, with a convenient 12-count pack ensuring an ample supply for your kitchen.

From Strawfish, we added Biodegradable Straws and Stirrers. These environmentally conscious solutions not only elevate your customers beverage experience, but also contribute to a cleaner planet. The jumbo paper wrapped straws are made from oyster shells, eliminating the need for a compost facility for breakdown. They are ultra-durable, allergen-free, and performs exceptionally well in both hot and cold temperatures. The natural light brown color adds an organic touch to the beverage presentation, and with a 6mm jumbo size, it’s perfect for a variety of drinks. The Paper Wrapped Black Stirrer is crafted from compostable and biodegradable up-cycled marine shells, actively contributing to cleaning up coastlines. These are also 100% allergen-free. Strawfish Biodegradable Straws and Stirrers are not just a practical choice; they’re a commitment to environmental responsibility. Save time and money without compromising on quality, and make a positive impact on the planet – one sip at a time.

From Dianne’s Fine Desserts, we added a Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake. This decadent cheesecake begins with a chocolate cookie crust, providing a rich and satisfying foundation. The cool, refreshing essence of peppermint infuses the velvety cheesecake, creating a blend of sweet and minty goodness. Topped with a layer of peppermint icing, each slice is a visual and flavorful delight. This cheesecake is drizzled with chocolate ganache, offering a perfect balance to the refreshing minty notes.

And finally, from Dabesta, we added 18 ounce pizza dough balls to this local vendors inventory. Dabesta prides itself on crafting pizza dough that is unbleached and unbromated, ensuring a quality product that minimizes jaw fatigue, resists shrinkage, and is consistently made in Maine.

New Item Details:

Dennis Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727

When culinary innovation meets local goodness, magic happens in the kitchen. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting Heather Kerner, the mastermind behind The Good Crust, in our test kitchen. Heather’s visit was nothing short of a gastronomic journey, blending creative pizza dough ideas with the goodness of locally sourced Maine Grains.

Exploring the Highlights

During her visit, Heather showcased a range of delectable creations that left our taste buds tingling with excitement. Here are just a few highlights from her inspiring session.

1. Fougasse: Heather’s take on this classic French bread was nothing short of sensational. She transformed the humble bread into an artisanal masterpiece with locally-sourced Maine Grains.
2. Rustic Tomato Galette: A rustic and savory delight that celebrates the flavors of local ingredients. The flaky, golden crust paired perfectly with Maine Grains’ wholesome goodness.
3. Breakfast Pizza: Who said pizza is just for lunch and dinner? Heather’s breakfast pizza was a revelation, featuring a perfect blend of flavors to kickstart your day.
4. Breakfast Roll: A delightful twist on traditional breakfast rolls, Heather’s creation incorporated Maine Grains’ nutritious touch, making it a breakfast worth savoring.

Maine Grains – The Heart of It All

What makes Heather’s creations truly exceptional is her commitment to using locally sourced Maine Grains. These grains add a unique, wholesome flavor to her dishes and support our local community.

Maine Grains has been a vital part of our culinary journey, ensuring that each dish crafted in our test kitchen carries the essence of our region. From artisan bread to pizza dough, these grains have become the heart and soul of our culinary creations.

Yield: 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 tsp. fennel seed
• 1/4 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/8-1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• 1-1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 4 round thin sandwich breads, any variety, split
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings of choice (sliced black or green olives, sliced red or yellow bell peppers, sliced red onions)optional

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine ground beef, fennel seed, salt, ground coriander, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and crushed red pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thororughly.
2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add sausage mixture; gook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasional.
3. Stir in pizza sauce; cook 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently.
4. Keep warm and set aside.
5. Place sandwich thinks, cut sides up, on rack of broiler pan. Spoon equal amounts of sausage mixture on each bread half
6. Evenly sprinkle with cheese and toppings, as desired.
7. Plae pizzas on rack of broiler pan so surface of cheese is 3 to 4 inches from heat.
8. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

From Chobani®, we added Non-Fat Greek Yogurt, Peach. Plump, juicy peaches beneath a blanket of delicious Chobani Greek Yogurt. Chobani yogurt is made from high-quality, non-fat Greek yogurt, known for its creamy texture and rich taste. Each case contains twelve individual cups, each weighing 4 ounces, conveniently portioned for grab-and-go consumption or meal customization. This yogurt can be served as a standalone snack, incorporated into breakfast parfaits, used as a topping for desserts, or blended into smoothies. The individually portioned cups eliminate the need for measuring and portioning, saving time in food preparation.

From Carando®, we added Genoa Classic Salami. Genoa Salami is known for its rich and savory flavor, made using a combination of pork, fat, and various spices. This salami is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It can be sliced and added to sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes, or simply as an appetizer with cheese and crackers. Each case comes with four half-sticks averaging 3.2 lbs.

Just in time for Back-to-School, we added two new K12 items from Bake Crafters. Just when you thought pancakes couldn’t get any better, Bake Crafters brings you delicious pancake bites! These gourmet, bite-sized pancakes are whole grain and perfect any time of the day. Serve them with syrup, powdered sugar, or just as they are! Made from a delicious pancake batter these bites are designed to be easily heated and served, providing a quick and convenient breakfast or snack option.  The second item from Bake Crafters is Whole Grain, White Garlic Pizza. You think you know pizza? Wait until you try this new Sal’s White Garlic Pizza! It’s made with a 50 percent whole grain crust, no artificial additives or preservatives, and only fresh ingredients.

And finally, from Smithfield®, we added fully cooked bacon slices. These ready-to-eat bacon comes in convenient bundles, with each slice of bacon being fully cooked saving time and effort in the food preparation process. Suitable for quick and efficient meal preparation, these bacon slices are perfect for busy kitchens, cafes, hotels, catering services, and similar establishments. Use as a topping for sandwiches, salads, and burgers, or as a component in various dishes to enhance flavor.

New Item Details:

Dennis Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727

From The Good Crust, we’ve added 12″ Pizza Dough, sheeted. Get that 100% whole wheat crust made from Maine Grains’ without the rounding, and stretching required with dough balls. The perfect canvas for your artisan creations. In a busy kitchen, convenience is key, and this dough delivers. This sheeted dough allows you to jump straight into the fun part – topping your pizza with favorite ingredients and getting it into the oven in no time. Not only is this Maine Grain pizza dough perfect for traditional pizza creations, but it also opens the door to a world of experimentation, including calzones, stromboli, bialys, focaccia, and knots. Each pack comes with twenty 12″ pre-sheeted doughs.

And from Rosina, we’ve added Buffalo Style Chicken Meatballs to our line of delicious frozen products. These buffalo-flavored meatballs are made with quality chicken, real bread crumbs, and carefully selected flavors and spices. These easy-to-prepare meatballs come in a convenient .5 oz size and are perfect for creative appetizers and main dishes that customers will love. Spice up your menus and increase your business by ordering Rosina Buffalo Style Chicken Meatballs today!

New Item Details:

Dennis Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727

NEW from Fontanini® Cup & Char Sliced Italian Sausage Topping

Crisp, caramelized, and craveable… Introducing the greatest innovation in pizza topping since sliced sausage! The unique cup and char appearance of Fontanini’s classic Italian sausage delivers exceptional flavor in any application. Plus, you’ll capture your guest’s attention with the unique shape, texture, and superior mild Italian flavor.

TRUSTED TASTE
The attention to detail and classic mild Italian flavor of Fontanini Sausages let you add authentic Italian craft to your menu.

PREMIUM INGREDIENTS
Made like you would, with always-fresh, never-frozen meat, coarse-ground and held for 24 hours in our signature spice blends.

UNIQUE APPEAL
Add a distinctive flair to your pies with a cutting-edge product ready to revolutionize the pizza game.

Ask your Dennis AE, they’ve tried it!

Be sure to follow Dennis for the latest foodservice innovations and new products! We’re stay engaged with the industry and foodservice manufacturers; trying new products and bringing the best back to our customers. Fontanini’s new Cup & Char Sliced Sausage is a brand new innovation from Hormel.

Related Video Chef Tim and Luke visit the Hormel booth at the 2023 National Restaurant Show

From Hormel, we added Bread Ready® Premium Top Round Sliced Roast Beef. This whole muscle slice, roast beef is truly a premium product that delivers a natural beef texture and rich beef flavor. Made from a top round (cap off) and cooked to a medium degree of doneness. The TRUETASTE Technology allows for a true meat flavor, clean ingredient statement, longer shelf life, and enhanced food safety. Each package comes presliced for ease of portioning, convenience, and reduced labor costs. This sliced roast beef comes ready to use and is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and party trays.

From Crestview, we added Skin On Turkey Breast Roast. This ready-to-cook raw roast comes packaged in foil to preserve freshness and is the perfect alternative to a whole turkey. Deliver that traditional turkey roast flavor on a sandwich or as a home cooked entree option at your establishment.

From Highliner Foods, we added Frozen-At-Sea Haddock Fillets. Icelandic Frozen-At-Sea Haddock Fillets are wild caught in the pristine waters of Iceland and frozen at sea for peak freshness. Representing Haddock at its best, these recipe-ready fillets are easy to prepare and cook to desired perfection, preserving this species’ famously mild, sweet flavor and melt-in-your-mouth, flaky texture. A versatile choice for a range of menu applications.

From Pacific Gold, we added Fully Cooked Mussels. These farm-raised, frozen mussels in whole shell come directly from the cold waters of Chilean Patagonia. They are the perfect choice to bring the ocean flavor to your favorite recipe.

We added two different pizza dough balls this week. From The Good Crust, we added their small batch Artisan pizza dough balls made with 100% “Maine Grains” fresh stone-milled flours. These dough balls come individually wrapped making them perfect for retail sale. From The Dough Co. we added an all-natural pizza dough ball. There is no artificial dough conditioners or preservatives in this dough. These are both great choices when it comes to school cafeterias.

From Valay, we added Barista Edition Oatmilk. Made from liquid oats, meaning this oat milk isn’t overly sweet or excessively heavy. This Barista Edition Oatmilk is fully foamable, putting you in total control over the density and performance of your foam, so you can showcase your latte art skills. Non-dairy, nut-free, and gluten-free, this oat milk is a perfect addition to add to your cafe, restaurant, or convenience store.

From San Jamar, we added BestGuard® Oven Mitts. With exclusive technology, these mitts provide superior heat protection while keeping your hands cool. The Angled cuff provides ease-of-movement and comfort. The WebGuard Plus, made with Kevlar®, provides extra durability and protection between thumb and forefinger, while Kevlar®-reinforced stitching ensures the insulation stays in place.

And finally, from Morcon, we added Valay® Premium Roll Towels and the compatible dispenser system. The Valay® family of premium roll towels consistently delivers high-quality performance that will exceed your expectations. This 800′ premium roll towel offers superior strength and absorbency in addition to a bright, white color that provides a sense of cleanliness and sophistication that will impress any food service owner, educator, or office manager. Meeting EPA guidelines for post-consumer content, this 100% recycled premium roll towel is also an environmentally friendly option. The Valay® Hardwound Towel Dispenser offers reliable dispensing and a sleek design that looks great in any setting. When paired together, these products save on product and labor costs while still providing a clean and professional look.

New Item Details:

Dennis Food Service delivers thousands of foodservice products and supplies to restaurants and food operations in Maine and New Hampshire. If you have a question or are interested in becoming a customer contact us or call 1-800-439-2727.