ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, La. investigates illnesses linked to raw milk
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June 24, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
Obama Center's menu tells family's food story
 
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 18: Former U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
(Scott Olson/Getty Images)
As the newly opened Obama Presidential Center welcomes visitors to Chicago's South Side, chef Cliff Rome has created a food program that reflects the former first family's tastes and heritage, including a signature cheeseburger shaped by Barack Obama's input. The center's restaurants also feature family recipes and globally inspired dishes that connect the Obamas' story to the history, culture and communities that helped shape Chicago.
Full Story: The New York Times (6/23)
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Elevate Dining: Beyond Just Taste
Uncover how top-tier branded ingredients transform operations. They're streamlining training, slashing waste, and ensuring guest satisfaction. Discover how to achieve quality, efficiency, and premium flair. Don't miss out, elevate your menu now.
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Foodservice News
 
Starbucks ramps up coffeehouse coach hiring
Starbucks is hiring thousands of full-time "coffeehouse coaches" this year to enhance store operations and strengthen in-store leadership. The company will begin by hiring 300 coaches this month, primarily from within the organization. Early tests of the position led to improved store performance, enabled existing managers to focus on broader planning tasks and increased growth opportunities for employees.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (6/23)
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Raising Cane's opens its first airport location at DFW
 
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 16: Hockey star Andrei Svechnikov is seen at Raising Cane's Raleigh on June 16, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images for Raising Cane's)
(Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
Raising Cane's launched its first-ever airport location at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, specifically at Gate B19 in Terminal B. The debut at DFW, the second-busiest airport in the US, marks a new channel for the brand's continued expansion and increased visibility among the nearly 88 million annual travelers who pass through the airport.
Full Story: FoodService Director (6/23)
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Making a commitment to value on the menu
Some restaurant brands are shifting from discounting to menu-based value to attract consumers. According to Datassential, 56% of operators say customers value high-quality food over the lowest price, with brands thriving by integrating value into their menus.
Full Story: QSR (6/18)
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
Enhance digestion with fruits that provide prebiotics
 
Whole and halved red apples on dark background
(Mrs/Getty Images)
Some fruits, including unripe bananas, apples, pears, avocados and blueberries, are good sources of prebiotics, which are essential for gut health, according to registered dietitians Samantha Cassetty, Natalie Rizzo and Vanessa Rissetto. Prebiotics, a type of fiber, and polyphenol antioxidants, which act as prebiotics in the gut, nourish beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing digestion, nutrient absorption and overall well-being. They emphasize obtaining prebiotics from whole foods rather than supplements for additional nutritional benefits.
Full Story: Today (6/23)
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11 options to diversify protein intake beyond eggs
Registered dietitian nutritionists Lauren Manaker and Morgan Walker explore foods that offer more protein than a large egg, catering to those who wish to diversify their protein intake for dietary preferences or health concerns. Options such as canned tuna, salmon, firm tofu, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and lentils each provide significant protein content and additional health benefits.
Full Story: HuffPost (6/23)
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Intermodal shipping key for resilient supply chains
Intermodal shipping, which uses both rail and truck, has become a cornerstone for building resilient supply chains in North America. Read why retailers and logistics providers are increasingly relying on this approach to optimize efficiency and flexibility as they navigate evolving market conditions.
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Food Safety Watch
 
La. investigates illnesses linked to raw milk
Louisiana health officials are investigating an illness outbreak linked to raw milk consumption, with 11 people falling ill and two requiring hospitalization after testing positive for campylobacteriosis and cryptosporidiosis. The raw milk came from three unidentified operations. State law allows raw milk sales only for animal consumption, and the health department does not regulate raw milk production.
Full Story: Food Safety News (6/23)
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Cherry-misu offers a seasonal twist on tiramisu
 
Fruit of the delicious cherry
(Karinsasaki/Getty Images)
Cherry-misu is emerging as a popular dessert this summer, combining cherries, coffee and chocolate in a refreshing twist on traditional tiramisu. This recipe uses mascarpone and heavy cream instead of eggs, and incorporates brandy and amaretto for a unique flavor profile.
Full Story: TASTE (6/23)
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Lu Lopez champions cocktail education, community
Lu Lopez has dedicated himself to elevating the Las Vegas bar scene by focusing on education, history, and classic cocktail fundamentals. Inspired by his mentorship with Sam Ross and recognizing a gap in the city's drinking culture, Lopez's mission at Nocturno is to provide guests and staff with access to cocktail knowledge and a deep appreciation for global classics. He aims to make Nocturno a hub where people can learn, connect and find community through the stories and craft of cocktails.
Full Story: StarChefs (6/23)
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