ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, senior living residents seek variety, control in dining
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September 18, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
Four US pizzerias rank among world's best in 2026
 
Chef Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana making pizzas during dinner time in San Francisco, California, on Thursday,  December 20, 2012.  Closing his original pizzeria in the East Village in New York, he's opened one here and makes just enough dough for 100 pies a day, offering just four types of pizza, and makes it in his wood burning stove. (Photo By Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Chef Anthony Mangieri of Una Pizza Napoletana (San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Getty Images)
Four US pizzerias are among the top 10 on 50 Top Pizza's 2026 list of the world's best pizzerias. Una Pizza Napoletana in New York secured the No. 2 spot, celebrated for its naturally leavened dough and the dedication of owner Anthony Mangieri. Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles and Tony's Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco both tied for fifth place, while Razza in Jersey City rounded out the top 10.
Full Story: Pizza Today (9/2026)
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The Hidden Cost of Warehouse Blind Spots
From intake to fulfillment, retail inventory errors quietly drain your budget. When operational leaders lack real-time visibility, hidden touchpoint mistakes trigger costly delays. Close the gap and stop paying for what your team can't see. Download the Whitepaper
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Foodservice News
 
Senior living residents seek variety, control in dining
 
Happy African American senior man talking to his friends while eating at dining table at nursing home.
(Drazen Zigic/Getty Images)
Senior living residents are increasingly prioritizing dining programs that offer greater variety, choice and control. According to Richard Schenkel, founder of Restaura, a senior living foodservice provider, today's seniors are far more discerning than previous generations, often weighing a community's dining options heavily when choosing where to live. Residents now expect flexible meal times, diverse menus and the ability to choose where and how they dine, reflecting a shift in attitudes toward a more personalized dining experience.
Full Story: FoodService Director (9/17)
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Delta One unveils list featuring sustainable wineries
Delta Air Lines will introduce 13 wines from 11 wineries on Delta One in October, with some passengers invited to participate in the selection process for the first time. The list includes notable wineries such as Silver Oak and St. Supery, and Delta considers sustainability and community involvement in its choices.
Full Story: Food & Wine (9/16)
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
The humble potato: Nutritional benefits and myths
 
Simple  baked potatoes whole in their skins and salt in clay plate on wooden table, close up, top view
(Intek1/Getty Images)
Potatoes are often misunderstood due to misconceptions about their carbohydrate content and glycemic index, but registered dietitian nutritionists Toby Smithson and Carolyn O'Neil and RD Barbara Ruhs emphasize their nutritional benefits. They highlight that potatoes provide vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber, especially when consumed with its skin on. Cooking methods, such as boiling and chilling, can reduce their glycemic impact, making them suitable even for people with diabetes. They recommend incorporating potatoes into a balanced diet, focusing on preparation methods to maximize health benefits.
Full Story: HuffPost (9/16)
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Mass. district offers free meals for all students
Easthampton Public Schools in Massachusetts is providing free breakfast and lunch to all students during the 2026-27 school year through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The initiative, made possible by the Community Eligibility Provision, aims to eliminate financial barriers to nutritious food.
Full Story: WWLP-TV (Springfield, Mass.) (9/15)
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Food Safety Watch
 
FDA updates Food Code with new safety measures
The FDA has released the 2026 Food Code, incorporating updates to enhance public health and regulatory clarity. Key changes include allowing double gloving in certain situations, requiring written employee illness policies and providing an alternative cooling process for foods at retail. The code also addresses sanitizer temperatures, allergen cross-contact, food donations and mobile food establishments. The Food Code aims to reduce foodborne illness and create uniform safety standards and has been widely adopted by local and state agencies.
Full Story: Quality Assurance & Food Safety (9/18)
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Burger King's nugget-shaped micro-bag sells out quickly
 
Burger King's nugget-shaped micro-bag sells out quickly
(Burger King)
Burger King introduced Le Nugguette, a micro-bag shaped like a chicken nugget, as part of the launch campaign for its revamped chicken nuggets. The release was strategically timed to align with New York Fashion Week, to blend quickservice branding with high-fashion trends and attract a new audience. The campaign also leveraged the current popularity of micro-bags in fashion to generate excitement.
Full Story: MediaPost Communications (free registration) (9/17)
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New generation fuels appetizing store revival across the US
Jewish "appetizing stores," which originated from kosher laws separating meat and dairy, are experiencing a resurgence across the US and are often run by a younger generation. These stores, once plentiful in New York City, offer smoked and cured fish, cream cheese and other dairy products, complementing traditional delis that focus on meat. New establishments inspired by classic appetizing shops have opened across the US, including Biederman's Specialty Foods in Philadelphia and Mish Delicatessen in Los Angeles. These new proprietors are reclaiming and modernizing the appetizing tradition, contributing to a nationwide resurgence in popularity, especially during high holidays like Yom Kippur.
Full Story: The Associated Press (9/16)
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ICYMI: The most popular stories from our last issue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leadership and Management
 
Manage your emotions to improve your decision-making
 
Red wooden figure standing on top of a structure made of wooden blocks, leading a group of uncolored wooden figures, symbolizing leadership, success, and achievement
(Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images)
Effective leadership begins with internal self-management, writes author Sara Bell, who notes that before you can guide others or create stability, you must first steady yourself and recognize when emotions are influencing your decisions. Developing an inner dialogue modeled after admired traits, such as compassion, directness and optimism, can help you reframe challenges as solvable problems rather than threats.
Full Story: CEOWorld Magazine (9/17)
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