Guac Mode is Back!  Chipotle Partners with Cash App so fans don't leave money on the table

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (StLouisRestaurantReview) Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) announced today it is relaunching Guac Mode, an exclusive benefit for Chipotle Rewards members that unlocks access to surprise free guac rewards throughout the year, to celebrate the three-year anniversary of the Chipotle Rewards loyalty program.  Today through March 31, newcomers and existing Chipotle Rewards members who are not Guac Mode verified can join Guac Mode by visiting chipotle.com/guacmodeverified.  When Guac Mode is activated by Chipotle, Chipotle Rewards members will see an extra reward in the My Rewards section of their account.  For complete information regarding Chipotle Rewards, fans can visit https://www.chipotle.com/about-us/rewards-terms.

$GuacMode: Extra Guac, Extra Cash

Any Chipotle fan who isn't Guac Mode verified is missing out on free guac, which is the equivalent of leaving free money on the table.  To remind guests of this, Chipotle is teaming up with Cash App to launch the $GuacMode Giveaway with $100,000 in cash drops on Twitter*.  From today through March 31, Chipotle (https://twitter.com/ChipotleTweets) will issue a series of tweets that encourage fans to sign up for Guac Mode, follow @ChipotleTweets, and @CashApp, and drop their $cashtag along with #ChipotleGuacMode as a response to the tweet for a chance to win extra cash.

Fans can create a Cash App account for free by downloading Cash App on their mobile device through the Apple App Store or Google Play.

"Since Guac Mode launched two years ago, we've given out more than seven million orders of free guac to fans enrolled in the program," said Chris Brandt, Chief Marketing Officer. "With surprise guac rewards and extra cash drops on the line, Guac Mode is a can't miss the opportunity for all Chipotle fans."

Chipotle Rewards, 27 Million Members

In addition to Guac Mode, Chipotle's more than 27 million Rewards members can earn 10 points for every $1 spent in the restaurant, online, or in the app.  Through the Chipotle Rewards Exchange, members can choose to exchange Rewards points for more than fifteen different reward options, including free guac, double protein, beverages, and Chipotle Goods.  Members can also redeem their points for cash donations to support a variety of Chipotle's non-profit partners like The Farmlink Project, the National Young Farmers Coalition, and the National Urban League.  The program also features Extras, personalized challenges that allow members to earn extra points and collect achievement badges.  Chipotle Rewards is among the fastest-growing loyalty programs in the history of the restaurant industry and was recently named to Newsweek's list of America's Best Loyalty Programs for 2022.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/chipotle-guac-mode-is-back/

Patty's Cheesecakes - you are somebody's reason to smile.  So while that is her slogan, she is also giving people reasons to smile.

ST LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Our featured talent is Pat Upchurch, owner, and founder of Patty's Cheesecakes.  Her slogan is "you are somebody's reason to smile."  However, Patty has made her slogan her life's work because she offers cheesecakes that make people smile.

We would feel comfortable saying that most people love cheesecakes.  However, I can honestly write that I have never met a person who does not love cheesecake.  I am sure they exist, but I don't know anybody!

We like to discover those people with unique talents and skills that love to create foods that people love.  The type of person whose passion is pleasing others with their unique creations.

There are many people with unique cooking talents in the St. Louis area.  The challenge is to find them, find them early, and find them before they give up or fail before their creations become popular.  Unfortunately, it is a tough market to break and succeed in due to the overwhelming competition.  Only the best talent with the best marketing and connections will succeed.

We believe that we have found what we believe can be one of the hottest dessert bakeries in the region.  She possesses all of the necessary ingredients to succeed.

We discovered this talent while researching the City Foundry STL.  She has a kitchen at the new food hall that we have been exploring to learn about everything the City Foundry offers and will offer in the future.

We met with Patty and discovered somebody who loves their job and takes it seriously, investing her heart and soul into the business venture backed by family recipes that have been passed down to her from her grandmother.

She started her business in 2013, but her passion for cooking was embedded in her by her grandmother, Ophelia Reese, and her father, Andrew Gregory, who was a chef at the Chase Park Plaza.

Patty started at the Bakers Hub in Chesterfield, Missouri, but outgrew the small shared bakery as demand for her product grew.

In addition to her location at the Foundry STL, Patty sells her cheesecakes online, in select Schnucks stores, Fresh Thyme Food Market (City Foundry STL location), and wholesale to restaurants and caterers.

Patty offers three sizes of cheesecakes, 7 or 9 inch and petite size, which is my favorite because you can buy two or three different flavors to enjoy without looking like an out-of-control foodie.

Patty's Cheesecake menu is as follows:

NOTES:

- All Flavors may not be available at their bakery location.

- They change their bakery flavors monthly - check their social media for the latest updates.

- You can order in advance.

- Seasonal Flavors (Available in Traditional & Petite - except where noted)

Prepare yourself!

- Apple Pie (Fall)

- Banana Split (Summer)

- Blueberry

- Blueberry Lemonade (Spring/Summer)

- Caramel Apple (Fall)

- Carrot Cake (Spring)

- Champagne Strawberry

- Cherry

- Cherry Pie

- Cinnamon Crumb (Fall)

- Cranberry Almond (Fall)

- Cranberry Orange (Fall)

- Cranberry, White Chocolate Pistachio (Fall)

- Eggnog (Fall)

- Hot Chocolate (Fall/Winter)

- Key Lime (Spring/Summer)

- Peach Pie (Summer)

- Peppermint Chocolate (Fall/Christmas)

- Pineapple (Summer)

- Pumpkin (Fall)

- Pumpkin Chocolate (Fall)

- Pumpkin Vanilla (Fall)

- Root Beer Float (Summer)

- S'Mores (Fall/Winter)

- Strawberry

- Strawberry Lemonade (Spring/Summer)

- Sweet Potato (Fall)

Be sure to check out Patty's website for the latest updates on seasonal flavors, hours, and shopping.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/pattys-cheesecakes-giving-people-reasons-smile/

Wingstop Drops Free Ranch and Reveals Secret Menu Hack in Honor of National Ranch Day

The ranch that causes people to freak gets even more flavorful (and free)

DALLAS, TX (StLouisRestaurantReview) People go crazy over Wingstop Inc.'s (Nasdaq: WING) ranch.  As a common topic on social, fans speculate about its ingredients, want to drink it, and have gone as far to say they'd give their kidney for a lifetime supply.  So today, in celebration of this unrivaled fandom and National Ranch Day, Wingstop is giving flavor enthusiasts its famous dip free of charge and offering insider tips for fans to spice up their ranch game for days to come.

For any digital purchase made on Wingstop.com/app, simply add one regular-sized, house-made ranch to your cart and enter the code "RANCHDAY" today, March 10, to get the dip for free. What's the secret menu hack, you ask?  In addition to your side of ranch, up to your flavor game by adding a side of flavor to your cart.  Combine both sauces into one cup, mix together and dip for a next-level flavor experience.

"Our ranch is a lifestyle – plain and simple," said Wingstop's Director of Culinary, Chef Larry Bellah.  "But if 'plain' isn't your jam, one of my favorite secret menu hacks is to mix one of our 11 flavors with ranch for a one-of-a-kind flavored ranch combo. Our most loyal fans deserve to hold one of our precious secrets in their hands, especially on the holiday that crowns ranch king."

Chef Larry recommends the following flavored ranch combinations for every taste preference:

- For spice fans: Mix in Atomic for some serious heat, complemented by the cooling effect of the ranch.

- For a side of sweet: Incorporate Hawaiian, Mango Habanero, or Spicy Korean Q into your ranch cup for a sweet balance to the savory ranch base.

- For tried-and-true picks: Turn to some traditional flavors like Hickory Smoked BBQ, Original Hot, and Mild for can't-go-wrong combos.

While celebrating National Ranch Day, fans are encouraged to share their ranch pictures on social media using #WingstopRanch for the chance to keep the free ranch coming.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/wingstop-reveals-secret-menu-hack/

ANN ARBOR, MI (StLouisRestaurantReview) Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, today announced the promotions of Joe Jordan to the role of President, U.S. & Global Services and Art D'Elia to the position of Executive Vice President – International, effective May 1, 2022. Jordan and D'Elia will report to Russell Weiner, current Chief Operating Officer, and President – Domino's U.S., and incoming Domino's CEO (effective May 1, 2022.)

"Joe and Art are extremely talented executives who have 15 years of Domino's experience between the two of them," said Mr. Weiner.  "They are well known and respected by our team members and franchisees around the world. Each is an incredible leader whose insights, expertise, and values embody what makes Domino's such a special place to work. I am excited for them and the Company."

As President, U.S. & Global Services, Jordan will be responsible for leading the Company's U.S. business and vital global centers of excellence.  He most recently served as Executive Vice President – International of Domino's since April 2018, after serving as Senior Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer of Domino's from May 2015 to April 2018. Before joining Domino's, Jordan worked for six years at PepsiCo North America, where he served as the senior director of marketing. Jordan holds an MBA from New York University and a bachelor's degree in business administration from the College of William and Mary.

As Executive Vice President – International, D'Elia will be responsible for overseeing Domino's business in more than 90 countries worldwide. D'Elia most recently served as Executive Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer of Dominoes since July 2020.  He joined Domino's in January 2018 as Senior Vice President – Chief Brand & Innovation Officer.  Before Domino's, D'Elia served as chief marketing officer for Danone Dairy's business unit, which serviced the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg.  D'Elia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/dominos-announces-executive-promotions/

St. Louis Restaurant Reviews awards Restaurateur of the Year Award - 2022 to Sasimonthon Ongartsutthikul, owner of Thai Kitchen restaurants.

ST LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) St. Louis Restaurant Review is excited to announce our first award.  The award is "Restaurateur of the Year Award."

We have been online publishing restaurant reviews and news since 2014.  Each year, this award will be given guidelines to ensure we find the best restaurateurs in the St. Louis region.  Operating a successful restaurant is one of the most challenging small businesses to operate.  They require a big focus, sufficient cash flow, and understanding of managing employees and meeting customers' expectations.  It is a big challenge!  Unfortunately, the past two years have been even more challenging due to the pandemic.

Our selection makes the challenge appear easy, but we learned how hard she works and how dedicated she is to her employees and customers, which has resulted in both returning the same to her.  She leads by example!

We are honored to award the St. Louis Restaurant Review Restaurateur Award - 2022 to Sasimonthon Ongartsutthikul.  She goes by Andie.  She is the owner of the Thai Kitchen chain, and all locations have award-winning online customer reviews.

Currently, Andie owns three Thai Kitchen locations, but four exists in the St. Louis region.  She owns and manages the locations in O'Fallon, St. Charles, and Wentzville, while her brother and sister-in-law own and operate the Florissant location.

- Florissant, MO (owned by Andie's brother and sister-in-law)

- O'Fallon, MO

- St. Charles, MO

- Wentzville, MO

Her recipes are secret family recipes, and her mother, Rose, who is 74 years old, works with Andie to contribute to the family's success.  In addition, Andies' restaurants have impressive support from her three daughters, Pam, Nickie, and Katie.

Andie migrated from Thailand to the U.S. in 1995.  She owned a restaurant in Bangkok and sold it to relocate with her husband and children.  Her challenges in life prepared her for the success that she is experiencing now.  Her character, wisdom, and hard work create the foundation of her success.

She opened her first U.S. restaurant in 1997 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and since has opened and sold fifteen restaurants to various family members and other restauranteurs.

Her success is well deserved after many challenges faced in her life.  However, the pandemic is not her most significant challenge because she survived and opened a new location during the pandemic, which has been successful.

The most exciting factor is that she does not take her success for granted.  She appreciates her customers, employees, and family for their support.  She made the statement to us that "I couldn't have done it without them."  She appreciates what vendors do to help her each day and is not afraid to express her appreciation.  As respect and humble appreciation become impossible to find in everyday life, it is refreshing and easy to appreciate once you find it.

After spending a significant amount of time with Andie, it is apparent that the most crucial component to her success is her desire to make her customers happy.  This is evident by the locations' online customer reviews and simply watching her work.  She commonly knows the customers by name and monitors everything in the restaurant to ensure they meet her standards.

She visits most locations regularly and knows everything going on.  She is supported and loved by a loyal and dedicated staff.  Most of the employees are from Thailand, making management easy while helping to create the Thai atmosphere that exists at each location.

However, the most outstanding support is her customers.  Her online reviews rank her restaurants at impressive, award-winning levels making any restaurant owner jealous of the love shared online.

Unfortunately, many restaurant owners ignore negative reviews and constructively take criticism.  However, Andie and her employees ensure that the customers are happy before leaving her establishments.  The employees are kind and well trained.  They understand her expectations and perform accordingly.

As written by Wikipedia, Thai cuisines are among the most loved cuisines globally.

It could have been a difficult decision with hundreds of quality top-rated restaurants in the St. Louis region.  However, considering the following factors and getting to know Andie, the decision became easy.

Factors we considered to make our decision:

- Online customer reviews

- History of owner

- Performance of owner

- Employee loyalty and satisfaction

- Financial stability of establishment

All Thai Kitchen locations offer online ordering, delivery, and dine-in.  All locations are clean and disinfected to protect the staff and customers.

The results of Andie's efforts are excellent Thai cuisines prepared and served to great customers who appreciate the hard work of a great restaurateur, entitling her to the Restaurateur of the Year Award - 2022.

Articles on St. Louis Restaurant Review featuring Andie or Thai Kitchen:

- November 8, 2021 - Featured Restaurant Owner
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/restaurateur-of-the-year-award-2022/

Chipotle Mexican Grill to Announce First Quarter 2022 Results on April 26, 2022

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (StLouisRestaurantReview) Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 4:30 PM Eastern time to discuss first quarter 2022 financial results and provide a business update for the 2022 second quarter to date.

A press release with the first quarter of 2022 financial results will be issued at approximately 4:10 PM Eastern time on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.

Participants can join the conference by dialing 1-888-317-6003 and will be prompted to enter the code 5128212. International callers can dial 1-412-317-6061 and will be prompted to enter the code 5128212.

The call will also be webcast live from the Company's website on the investor relations page at ir.chipotle.com and registration is available at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1894/44723. An archived webcast will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/chipotle-mexican-grill-first-quarter-2022-results/