Cheers to 30 Years

Central Market breaks world record as part of 30th anniversary celebrations

How's this for a birthday present: Central Market's North Lamar location landed an impressive new record on September 11 when it assembled the world's largest charcuterie board.

The whopping, artfully arranged 1,032 pounds of cheese, meat, fruit, and vegetables — which lucky shoppers got to sample at the event — marked the beginning of a two-week celebration of the gourmet grocer's 30th anniversary, in which all Texas locations will be participating.

Central Market world record No such thing as too much meat.Photo courtesy of Central Market

The theme of the anniversary event is “Let’s Renew Our WOWs” and invites customers to fall in love with Central Market all over again while discovering new, exclusive, and limited-time-only epicurean treats.

Now through September 24, keep an eye out for:

Japanese snow-aged A10 wagyu — a true delicacy following centuries of tradition
Wester Ross Genesis salmon — typically reserved for only those in the know
Italian Rifugio Formaggi Crucolo cheese — available for the first time in Texas
Exclusive Flamigni panettone — filled with pistachio or limoncello cream and flown direct from Italy
Chocolate caramel petit mirror cakes — handmade using imported Valrhona French chocolate
Chef collaborations available available in the Chef Prepared area — including dishes from Texas icons like Tiffany Derry, Alex Snodgrass, Ryan Pera, and Chris Shepherd
Incredible wines from Peju Winery, Jean-Charles Boisset, Ron Rubin, and so many more amazing finds from Central Market's expert wine buyers

Pick up chef Tiffany Derry's gumbo in the Chef Prepared area.Photo courtesy of Central Market

Find your nearest Central Market location here, and be sure to pop in and fill your cart with goodies during the anniversary event.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

Breaking the record kicked off the anniversary celebrations.

grocery stores anniversary event promoted

Big Burger Deal

New owner plans thoughtful growth for Texas burger chain Hopdoddy

Hopdoddy/Facebook

It sounds like growth is coming for Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

Austin-born chain Hopdoddy Burger Bar is now under new ownership. Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired the burger business and aims to apply its "robust non-traditional licensing program" as it grows, a press release says.

Hopdoddy was founded in 2010 and now has 47 locations across the U.S., including more than 30 in Texas and 10 across the Houston area. It combines a fast-casual atmosphere with a gourmet ethos, serving burgers piled high with specialty ingredients like goat cheese, roasted tomatoes instead of slices, habaneros, and a variety of sauces. Non-beef patties are another specialty, including chicken, ahi tuna, and vegetable patties.

Founders Table has more than 200 restaurants across 18 states in its portfolio. Those include Protein Bar & Kitchen, Chopt, Dos Toros, and Field Trip. According to a press release, each of its brands emphasizes regional development.

Restaurant Business reported that the company would "continue to target non-traditional venues, including healthcare, education and transportation centers." That could mean that diners can expect to see more Hopdoddy locations in non-traditional spaces. The release does confirm that the acquisition means growth is coming.

"Hopdoddy is a standout brand with all the ingredients we look for: a differentiated concept, passionate guest loyalty, and a commitment to quality that resonates across markets," says Founders Table CEO Nick Marsh in the release. "We strongly believe in the power of the Founder's Table platform to accelerate growth, and this partnership marks an exciting step forward as we help Hopdoddy scale thoughtfully while staying true to the guest experience at the heart of the brand.”

Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role, ending 10 years in the top position. In February of this year, Chandler told Restaurant Business that he hoped to 14-16 new locations per year sometime after 2029. At the time, the brand was owned by private equity firm L Catterton. Harrington Park Advisors advised Hopdoddy on the transition.

Kenny Jett, formerly VP of operations, will become Hopdoddy's president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special — from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," says Jett in the release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

burgers acquisition business