Trends in The Restaruant Business

If you are wondering what to grow on your farm or how to produce what the markets are asking for, the information below may be of some use. Hope it helps and Think Stokes First!

From the Restaurant News magazine daily updates:

The National Restaurant Association's "What's Hot in 2012" survey of nearly 1,800 professional chefs – members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) – reveals that children's nutrition and local sourcing will be the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2012.

The chefs also identified smartphone apps and tablet computers as the top technology trends. In addition, 6 out of 10 chefs said they would consider a food truck as an entrepreneurial business venture.

The top 10 menu trend predictions include:

1. Locally sourced meats and seafood

2. Locally grown produce

3. Healthful kids' meals

4. Hyper-local items

5. Sustainability as a culinary theme

6. Children's nutrition as a culinary theme

7. Gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items

8. Locally produced wine and beer

9. Sustainable seafood

10. Whole grain items in kids' meals

Holicay Thank You!

As I travel across the county, I have the opportunity to look at the large variety of locally owned and operated businesses we have and realize that we are truly blessed. This hardy band of entrepreneurs work long hours to provide goods and services for the citizens in Stokes County. I want to take a moment during this Holiday season to say a BIG THANK YOU!

Thank you to all the operators of general stores in the county. I love to walk in, take a deep breath and embrace the warmth and good cheer that surrounds me. It reminds me of my childhood, a time when we didn’t know what a big box was. We depended on them for more than simply a place to purchase food and other staples. We could go there for news, advice and we could always expect to find a fire in the woodstove on cold winter days.

Thanks to the owners of the hardware and building supply stores in the county. These are great places for do-it-yourselfers like me that sometimes get in over their heads. They not only carry a huge variety of items on their shelves (at really good prices), but they are willing to take the time to explain what I need to do to fix my problems before they really get out of hand. You don’t find this depth of knowledge at a superstore.

Thanks to our local garages, our dance studios, our florists, our insurance providers, our medical providers, our local farmers and the many other local businesses that I don’t have room to mention if this limited space.

If these words ring true to you during this special time of the year, please join me in visiting and shopping our Stokes County businesses. There are many special events planned in King, Walnut Cove and other areas of the county over the next few weeks. Stop in, say hello to your neighbors and friends while you Think Stokes First!

Buy Local Shopping in King

Friday - December 9- 5:00-9:00 pm- Holiday “Night on the Town” The King Chamber of Commerce invites you to an evening of holiday celebration and shopping in the local shopping centers and downtown stores. There will be carolers from Miss Joyce’s Dance Studio and Wishful Thinkers will perform from 7:30-9:00 pm at Coffee, Tea & Me. Many merchants plan to offer refreshments in sharing the holiday spirit. Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating the Grand Opening of their Re-Store with a ribbon cutting at 7:00 pm, and with a Holiday Market of vendors in their building. Dalton’s Crossing, a new clothing store coming to the downtown area will also provide a “sneak peek” and their corner building will house Bubble Me Pink girls’ accessories, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay Cosmetics and Tupperware vendors. Stop by the Chamber office to visit vendors there including Elke’s Shoppe collectibles, Mimi’s Accessories for Women, Pitter Pat Boutique with decorative clothing and accessories for children, Bill McKinnis and Jennifer Sealey with tinware and beeswax candles, the Loveday’s woodcrafts and Jan Rollyson’s ceramics. Stop by Bunny’s Trees to have your picture made with Santa. Stores including those below will be open in many locations with special merchandise ready for your gift giving:Downtown King -Gentry’s Store-Radio Flyer toys, Schrade Commemorative Knife-150th anniversary of the Confederate States of America, Eden Pure Heaters and sleds Terry’s Furniture-great selection of quality furniture ready for delivery now Nothing Ordinary Unique Gifts-huge variety of gifts and decorative items with up to 75% from 6:00-9:00 pm on selected items Carroll Memorials-marble bookends and desk nameplates, fossil stone candlesticks, pen and pencil sets and flags Mickey & Co. Hair Designs-specials for the evening: single color shellac-$20, double color shellac-$23, French shellac-$25; Waxing: eyebrows-$7, lip-$5, lip & eyebrow-$10 Gift certificates , flat irons and haircare products will be available for purchase. Coffee, Tea & Me-live music, women’s accessories, and of course wonderful beverages King Music Center-instruments, music and lessonsKing Computer Center-electronics and suppliesB.J’s Shoes-boots, Converse and Pointer Brand overalls. Miss Joyce’s Dance Studio- dancewear, gift certificates and performances by the Musical Theatre students Dalton’s Crossing-men and women’s clothing store opening in February Talley’s Flower Shop-live plants, home décor, candles, stuffed animals and much more Habitat for Humanity of Stokes County-Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting at 7:00 pm on Friday, December 9 at the new office and ReStore, 117 Dalton Road. Habitat will also have a Christmas Market in their new facility featuring Carolyn Tilley with Handmade Baskets, Kim Burroughs with quilted items, Amanda Hamilton with Premier Designs Jewelry and Jeanette Pardue with Scentsy. King Shopping Center King Antique Mall-antiques, collectibles, advertising items, glassware and Mrs. Hanes’ Moravian Cookies

Tradewinds Consignments and Jewelry-nice collection of winter apparel and accessoriesAbba’s Family Thrift Store-toys, clothing, books and holiday decorating items. All porcelain dolls-$3.00, all Christmas items-25% off, all books $0.25 .King Chamber of Commerce –Limited Edition King T-shirts - (Construction Survivor). Prices are (S-M-LG - $10.00) and (XXL - $12.00) Yhese make great socking stuffers