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SHOPPERS PLAN VALENTINE'S MEALS AUSTIN, Texas More couples may be planning to cook a romantic dinner at home this Valentine's Day, according to a recent survey commissioned by Whole Foods Market here. Sixty-four percent of survey respondents said they viewed dining at home as more intimate or special than dining out. And 73% said that Valentine's Day dinner at home, prepared by their significant other,

SHOPPERS PLAN VALENTINE'S MEALS

AUSTIN, Texas — More couples may be planning to cook a romantic dinner at home this Valentine's Day, according to a recent survey commissioned by Whole Foods Market here. Sixty-four percent of survey respondents said they viewed dining at home as more intimate or special than dining out. And 73% said that Valentine's Day dinner at home, prepared by their significant other, is “more personal, thoughtful or caring.” Half of survey respondents also said their concerns about the current state of the economy and the increased cost of dining out were good reasons to stay home during the upcoming holiday, and many retailers, including Whole Foods, are viewing the trend as an opportunity to promote premium items such as dry-aged steaks. “Whether you are cooking inside or outside, we have the perfect tips to help guarantee big flavor for less than going out,” Theo Weening, Whole Foods Market's “Meat Guy,” said in a release. “For example, two 12-ounce dry-aged steaks, with sides, can be served for much less than the cost of two meals at a steakhouse.” The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, included 2,100 adults age 18 or older.

PAZAHANICK JOINS STORE DESIGN FIRM

CARROLLTON, Texas — Merchandising by Design/Design Associates here, a store design and consulting firm founded by Wegmans Food Markets veteran Terry Roberts in 1994, has brought John Pazahanick aboard as a business partner. Pazahanick, a 25-year veteran of the supermarket industry, most recently was senior vice president of brand management and business development at Lunds/Byerly's, Minneapolis, where he was instrumental in developing that chain's commissary and its private-label program. Roberts told SN this week that Pazahanick's branding expertise and his experience with strategic planning make him a perfect addition to the company. The partnership will expand the services the company can offer supermarkets and other fresh food retailers, she said.