Partners with MenuTrinfo for nutritional analysis, menu labeling support.
A Miami-Fla.-based brand is doing something to support community health and menu transparency, with the help of MenuTrinfo, a nutritional analysis and training firm. Giardino Gourmet Salads will rely on MenuTrinfo’s real-time consulting, nutritional analysis, and allergen- and gluten-free menu development to enhance their fresh and healthy menu options.
Giardino Gourmet Salads was founded in 2004 by husband and wife team Kenny and Ody Lugo, formerly a fireman and school teacher, respectively. At the time, Kenny and Ody dreamed to develop a restaurant concept with a meaningful menu and experience that was an alternative to fast food.
“We value our customers and the community and believe in giving our guests nutritional empowerment. In this way, they can choose the best product for them among our offerings of great tasting salads, soups, sandwiches and wraps,” said co-founder Kenny Lugo. “Through this partnership with MenuTrinfo, we are making a commitment to nutritional transparency and to our community and customers. We have known Betsy for several years and are excited to work with her and MenuTrinfo.”
MenuTrinfo, a certified Women’s Business Enterprise company, was founded five years ago by Betsy Craig and her husband, Rocky Craig. In addition to nutritional analysis and allergen- and gluten-free menu development, the MenuTrinfo team is working with Giardino Gourmet Salads on nutritional certification, disclaimers and general nutritional content for guest communication.
“This agreement really takes the Giardino menu to the next level and shows the level of dedication the founders and executive team has for their customers,” said Betsy Craig. “They understand that nutritional transparency is an important part of protecting the lives and health of their customers. I believe that health and wellness go hand-in-hand and that great tasting food plays a major role in both. I am thrilled to be working with their team.”
MenuTrinfo’s complete suite of services include menu analysis and AllerChef and AllerTrain certification and training in the areas of gluten-free menus, specialty menu development, nutritional counseling, and policy development.
MenuTrinfo is dedicated to helping foodservice operators protect the lives and health of their customers by meeting or exceeding new nutritional labeling regulations as required by law and by partnering with restaurants to provide safe products and procedures that meet a wide range of dietary restrictions. MenuTrinfo’s complete suite of services include menu analysis and AllerChef and AllerTrain certification and training in the areas of gluten-free menus, specialty menu development, nutritional counseling, and policy development. Its nutritional analysis is the only full-service solution for nutritional labeling that is insured and based on an FDA-approved process. MenuTrinfo clients cover the spectrum of food service, from large universities to restaurants and catering operations. For more information, go to www.menutrinfo.com or call (888) 767-MENU (6368).
Giardino Gourmet Salads is the premiere fast casual salad concept in South Florida. Founded in 2004, the gardener chefs at Giardino serve the widest variety of individually handcrafted, great-tasting salads and menu offerings using premium ingredients like a variety of freshly baked croutons and homemade deli salads. Over the last two years, Giardino was named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers, which includes the top restaurant chains, people, trends and technologies shaping the fast casual segment. Giardino currently has 10 South Florida restaurants open in the neighborhoods of Blue Lagoon, Brickell, Coral Gables, West Doral, Downtown Miami, Kendall, Miramar, and South Miami, Miami Lakes and Palmetto Bay.New locations are scheduled to open in Weston, Fla., this spring, and Downtown Doral, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Nashville, Tenn.,within the next 9-12 months. Visit www.giardinosalads.com for more information.
