Food costs are rising and it’s no secret anymore. We’re trying hard every day to control what we can so our customers can depend on our pricing. There have been a few notes in the media about this but in a recent Wall Street Journal article, many more reasons have surfaced. The reasons to name a few are increased demand in countries such as India and China for meats and droughts in Russia which have caused certain grain prices to spike.

As always this wholesale food distributor is on the ball when it comes to these issues and as a result, we got a call from out good friends over at New England Cable News. I had a chance to speak with business reporter Peter Howe about what AGAR is seeing in the industry and that report was featured on the station recently. Take a quick look at the report;

http://www.necn.com/11/04/10/Cost-of-food-and-grocery-items-going-up/landing_business.html?blockID=346107&feedID=4209

Over the years pizza has evolved and continues to develop into a food with endless possibilities. It is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in thousands of ways. During the month of October, we celebrated National Pizza Month. With a little creativity, you can easily enhance your monthly menu or specials list with festive pizza choices to please all types of diners; while remaining true to the vision of your establishment.

Although pizzas range dramatically in flavor and appearance; the basic construction of a pizza typically remains the same: crust, sauce, toppings. Crust is the one constant element. A good crust serves as a foundation to sauces and toppings whether it is thick or thin, brushed with olive oil or comprised of flavored dough. Sauces also tailor a pizza to meet your restaurant’s needs through traditional red tomato sauces, no sauce or more sophisticated sauces infused with chipotle, basil or oregano. Toppings are where the fun begins and the personality of a pizza is displayed. Fresh meats, vegetables and other favorite items can aide you in creating a pizza that echoes the tastes in your overall menu. By choosing smart cheeses you can top off a pizza and enhance the overall tastes and appearance of your creation via a wide range of sweet, savory and smoky elements.

Think outside the box this month and consider a few pizza choices below to add to your menu:

• The Pizza Margherita: This simple pizza is always a crowd pleaser at most restaurants. Pizza Margherita is comprised of mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, salt and basil leaves. It was given its name at the end of the 19th century in honor of Queen Margherita, during her visit to Naples.
• Cheeseburger Pizza: This pizza can satisfy families with kids and those with hearty appetites. A thick crust can act as a bun and is well complimented by rich sauces, seasoned ground beef and flavorful cheeses.
• Breakfast Pizza: Those looking to start their day in a different way will enjoy this dish which can also be served as an appetizer or to compliment an all-day breakfast menu. A bread or English muffin-style crust can be smothered in a salsa inspired-sauce and topped with eggs, bacon, sausage and hearty or bacon flavored cheeses.
• Grilled Chicken Cesar Salad Pizza:  For those watching their waistlines, a salad pizza is a popular choice. A light, crispy crust can be topped with a Cesar dressing infused white sauce and delicately covered in grilled chicken, fresh greens and sprinkled with aged parmesan cheese.

However you decide to change up your Pizza menu, let AGAR help you with fresh toppings and wholesome ingredients.