The National Restaurant Association names Hans Lindh senior vice president of membership and industry relations. Also this week: Heineken USA, The Beef Checkoff Program, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Rubbermaid Commercial Products, National Turkey Federation, Fishery Products International Inc., and Truitt Bros.
WASHINGTON — The National Restaurant Association has named Hans Lindh senior vice president of membership and industry relations. Previously, Lindh was vice president of Restaurant Industry North America for American Express, where he oversaw the expansion of the firm’s merchant business and trade relationships for full-service restaurants. In his new role at the NRA, Lindh is responsible for expanding and improving membership outreach and developing strategic partnerships.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA has appointed Lesya Lysyj chief marketing officer, effective Feb. 28. With more than 20 years of experience marketing consumer packaged goods, Lysyj most recently was with Kraft Food’s Confectionary division. In her new role at Heineken, she will be responsible for developing long-term marketing strategies for the company’s beer portfolio, overseeing Heineken’s consumer marketing activities and social media initiatives.
DENVER — The Beef Checkoff Program has announced the winners of the 2010 National Beef Backer Awards. This year’s national recipients are:
• Independent Restaurant category: The Hitching Post I & II, Buellton, Calif.
• Chain Restaurant category: Home Style Dining LLC Ponderosa and Bonanza steakhouses, Plano, Texas
• Innovator of the Year: Red The Steakhouse, Miami
The awards were presented at the 2011 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association trade show in Denver. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is a contractor to the national Beef Checkoff Program, which is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
WINCHESTER, Va. — Rubbermaid Commercial Products said it will use manufacturers’ agents for the Foodservice channel to expand the company’s product reach in the industry. Rubbermaid launched the initiative with the announcement that Jim Monnat was named to lead the newly formed Foodservice sales management team. Kevin Affeldt, vice president of sales for RCP, said, “By creating a distinct Foodservice channel sales structure, RCP can more sharply focus on the unique needs of the Foodservice segment. Concurrently, RCP will also intensify its sales efforts in the important Sanitary Maintenance and Industrial channels through our team of direct sales representatives.”
TUCSON, Ariz. — The National Turkey Federation has honored top restaurant brands with the Ninth Annual Turkey on the Menu Awards. The winners are:
• Fast-food category: Arby’s Richmond in Richmond, Va.
• Mid-scale/Casual dining category: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. in Lebanon, Tenn.
• Full-service category: Polly’s Pies in Anaheim, Calif.
• Quick-casual category: Quiznos in Denver
The T.O.M. awards are presented each year to foodservice chains in recognition of their excellence in menuing turkey.
DANVERS, Mass. — Fishery Products International Inc. has rolled out a new line of flame-seared fillets called FireRoasters. The fully prepared selections are Smoky Applewood Salmon, Asian Barbecue Salmon, Thai Basil Tilapia, Citrus Peppercorn Tilapia, Southwest Style Cod, and Rustic Italian Cod.
SALEM, Ore. — Truitt Bros. is now offering a range of third-party Food-Alliance Certified Foods. The products include pears, cherries and plums; kidney, black, garbanzo and pinto beans; chilis; side dishes; and desserts. The company said its production facilities and several growers have undergone comprehensive processes to achieve sustainable certification from the Food Alliance.