Grand opening celebrations to benefit three local charities

CALENDAR LISTING

WHAT:

Wildflower Bread Company will open its newest location at the Aspen Place at the Sawmill in Flagstaff on January 12. To kick off the grand opening, the store will hold three “Dough Raising” charity parties to benefit the Second Chance Center for Animals, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, and Flagstaff Family YMCA. For $10 at the door ($5 for children under 12) guests will enjoy delicious Wildflower cuisine, live entertainment and activities for children while supporting three reputable charities.

WHERE:

Wildflower Bread Company
Aspen Place at the Sawmill
530 East Piccadilly Drive
Flagstaff, AZ 86001

WHEN:

Friday, January 8, 2009
Dinner: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Second Chance Center for Animals

Saturday, January 9, 2009
Brunch: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff

Saturday, January 9, 2009
Dinner: 5 to 8 p.m.
Flagstaff Family YMCA

COST:

$10 donation at the door ($5 for children) to enjoy any signature Wildflower entrée, beverage and dessert menu items.

One hundred percent of donations benefit Second Chance Center for Animals, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, and Flagstaff YMCA.

WHO:

Wildflower Bread Company serves award-winning food you knead™ for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and features hand-crafted artisan breads and a specialty bakery. The Wildflower is also well-known for its unique sandwiches, salads, soups, pancakes and pastas. Breakfast is served weekdays until 10:30 a.m., weekends until 2 p.m. Pasta is served daily from 3 p.m. For more information, visit: www.wildflowerbread.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local children succeed by matching them with appropriate adult mentors. BBBSF has been in Flagstaff for over 41 years and is a well-established and well-respected organization. For more information about BBBSF, visit www.bbbsf.com or call 928-774-0649. “You don’t have to change your life to change the life of a child.”

Second Chance Center for Animals is a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 and funded by private donations. SCCA’s mission is to provide opportunities for a quality life for the homeless and unwanted companion animals that are placed in our care and to provide resources within our sphere of influence to encourage and enhance the human-animal bond. For more information, visit www.secondchancecenter.org.

Flagstaff Family YMCA – Valley of the Sun Association is a nonprofit organization that offers dozens of extracurricular programs for children and teens. Flagstaff Family YMCA believes education, workforce readiness, and enhancing life skills in young adults are important building blocks in our efforts for healthy community. The YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Please visit www.valleyymca.org or call 928 556-9622 for more information.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Arnold, dana@olsoncomm.com

Bloom,  NoRTH, The Greene House, Modern Steak, Olive & Ivy Restaurant + Marketplace and Blanco Tacos + Tequila to Showcase Prix-Fixe New Year’s Eve Menus

Scottsdale, Ariz. (December 2009) – Fire up 2010 with a feast to celebrate the new decade at one of Fox Restaurant Concepts’ Valley concepts: Bloom, NoRTH, The Greene House, Modern Steak, Olive & Ivy Restaurant + Marketplace and Blanco Tacos + Tequila.

On Thursday evening, December 31, all Valley locations for Bloom, NoRTH, The Greene House, Modern Steak, and Olive & Ivy will present a three-course, prix-fixe dinner menu. Each restaurant will offer an early evening special price of $35 per person; Modern Steak $50 from 4 to 5:45 p.m.  Seating from 5:45 to 11 p.m. is $55 per person; Modern Steak is $85 per person.

Blanco Tacos + Tequila at the Borgata will offer a special New Year’s Eve Dinner for Two for $35 from 5-11p.m. The ‘Dinner for Two’ includes one appetizer, two entrees, one dessert and two drinks.

Restaurant goers will indulge with a wide assortment of appetizers, main courses and decadent dessert options.  Menu samplings are listed below. For complete New Year’s Eve menus, visit www.foxrc.com.

About Fox Restaurant Concepts

Launched in 1998, Fox Restaurant Concepts is the parent company of 13 unique concepts located in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas:  Blanco Tacos + Tequila (Scottsdale, Tucson); Bloom (Denver, Scottsdale); Chloe’s Corner (Scottsdale); The Greene House (Scottsdale); Modern Steak (Scottsdale); Montana Avenue (Tucson); NoRTH (Denver, Glendale, Kansas, Scottsdale, Texas, Tucson); Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace (Scottsdale); Sauce (Chandler, Denver, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson); True Food Kitchen (Phoenix); Wildflower (Tucson); and Zinburger (Tucson). The concepts range from upscale casual and fast casual to mixed food service and retail operations. Fox Restaurant Concepts are all unique and fresh in cuisine, style, service and design and are dedicated to offering the highest quality food, with exceptional service in a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. www.foxrc.com

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Media Contact: Kari Mather, kari@olsoncomm.com

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (December 2009) – For a limited period of time, Fox Restaurant Concepts is offering a special $20 bonus gift card with the purchase of every $100 in gift cards. Taking the guesswork out of holiday shopping, gift cards to Fox Restaurant Concepts offer a wide variety of dining experiences, which span 12 concepts, 27 locations throughout the Southwest, hundreds of entrees and more than 1,000 wines.

Gift cards are valid for all Fox Restaurant Concepts establishments throughout Arizona, including local offerings such as Blanco Tacos + Tequila, Bloom, Chloe’s Corner, The Greene House, Modern Steak, NoRTH, Olive & Ivy, True Food Kitchen and Sauce.   These restaurants range in price from family-friendly casual meals and weeknight favorites to the best see-and-be-seen eateries and luxurious dining establishments.  From modern Mexican to American or Italian, steak and chops to nutritionally conscious cuisine, each restaurant is unique in flavor and style providing unsurpassed variety in one gift card.

Available in increments of $10, $25, $50, $75, and $100, gift cards can be shared with many family, friends and colleagues this holiday season.  The bonus offer is available now through December 31, 2009, and bonus gift cards should be redeemed by May 2010.

Gift cards may be purchased online at www.foxrc.com, by calling 480-905-6920, or at any Fox Restaurant Concepts eatery.

About Fox Restaurant Concepts

Launched in 1998, Fox Restaurant Concepts is the parent company of 13 unique concepts located in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, and Texas: Bar NoRTH (Scottsdale); Blanco Tacos + Tequila (Scottsdale, Tucson); Bloom (Denver, Scottsdale); Chloe’s Corner (Scottsdale); The Greene House (Scottsdale); Modern Steak (Scottsdale); Montana Avenue (Tucson); NoRTH (Denver, Glendale, Kansas, Scottsdale, Texas, Tucson); Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace (Scottsdale); Sauce (Chandler, Denver, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson); True Food Kitchen (Phoenix); Wildflower (Tucson); and Zinburger (Tucson). The concepts range from upscale casual and fast casual to mixed food service and retail operations. Fox Restaurant Concepts are all unique and fresh in cuisine, style, service and design and are dedicated to offering the highest quality food, with exceptional service in a stylish and comfortable atmosphere. www.foxrc.com

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Media Contact:    Kari Mather, kari@olsoncomm.com

Resort mingles seasonal specials and signature packages to provide matchless guest experience

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Dec. 7, 2009 – Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa is embracing the most wonderful time of year with specials for seasonal travelers. The resort, along with its on-site Jurlique Spa and Taggia restaurant, has introduced festive packages and deals for guests to enjoy during the holidays.

Here’s a look at some of FireSky’s prime packages, spa offerings and dining deals for this much- celebrated season.

SEASONAL SPECIALS

New Year’s Eve: Eat, Drink & Sleep Over

Ring in 2010 in a relaxing, carefree way a $179 one-night stay at FireSky Resort. Rate code: PNYE. www.fireskyresort.com This package includes:

• Dinner for two at Taggia with dessert and a champagne toast
• Deluxe accommodations

Holly Jolly Spaliday Menu

‘Tis the season for very merry discounts at Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort. Jurlique’s Holly Jolly Spaliday menu features 20 to 35 percent discounts on select spa treatments – all of which ensure r-n-r during the holiday hustle and bustle. The spa menu’s festive offerings include a gingerbread creme nourishing ritual, a pumpkin parfait antioxidant facial and a cranberry-and-fig manicure or pedicure. Valid through Jan.17, 2010. http://www.fireskyresort.com/pdfs/jurlique_holiday_menu_2009_single.pdf

Time Out for Teachers

Few people need peace and quiet more than teachers! For hors-classroom relaxation and holiday break fun within budget, Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale is offering a special $75/night rate on accommodations from Dec.18 through Dec. 30, 2009 (maximum three-night stay). Rate code: TOT. www.fireskyresort.com

Breakfast or Cocktails for just $1 More

Book the “Cocktails or Breakfast for Just $1 More” promotion and you will receive a continental breakfast or a cocktail in the restaurant for each registered guest up to two room occupants per day. Room rate is the Best Available Rate plus $1. Based on availability through Dec. 30, 2009. Rate code: DOLLAR. www.fireskyresort.com

ABOUT FIRESKY RESORT & SPA
A member of the award-winning San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, FireSky Resort & Spa is located in downtown Scottsdale, Ariz. This alluring oasis artfully blends the casual elegance of its hometown with the stark appeal of its desert setting. The property’s story is one of the elements, conveyed by strong indoor/outdoor connections, lush landscaping, expansive water features and beckoning hearths and fire pits. The hotel’s 204 guest rooms and suites, measuring 400 to 800 square feet, each boast a private balcony or patio overlooking the colorful grounds and lagoon-like swimming pools. Resort amenities include approximately 14,000 square feet of customizable multi-use space across 13 meeting rooms for social gatherings and business events. Additional highlights include Taggia, the on-site restaurant featuring authentic coastal Italian cuisine, and Jurlique Spa, a soothing retreat in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. www.fireskyresort.com

ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are the LEED certified Hotel Palomar and LEED certified Square 1682 restaurant by Chef Guillermo Tellez in Philadelphia, PA, which opened in September 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

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Media Contact: Amanda Fier, amanda@olsoncomm.com

Gathering provides festive opportunity to sample Jurlique’s indulgent services, products and more

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (November 24, 2009) – ‘Tis the season, and that’s reason enough to get out and celebrate with friends. On Thursday, December 10, Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort will provide the perfect venue for spa enthusiasts with its Second Annual Spaliday Event.

This “soirée of spa” will be hosted inside Jurlique from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is open to resort guests as well as the public. The evening’s pampering program will feature a mix of drinks, appetizers and mini spa services such as hand massages, make-up color matches, lip exfoliations and more. Other fun offerings will include raffle prizes, gift bags, discounted products and deals on future spa treatments.

“Last year’s Spaliday Event was so successful that we couldn’t resist making it an annual celebration,” said Jurlique Spa Manager Jeff Schott. “In addition to providing an occasion to savor the season and simply have fun, this gathering gives our team the opportunity to thank our loyal customers and to introduce ourselves and our spa to new residents and guests.”

The event will also help Jurlique spread awareness about its Holly Jolly Spaliday Menu, which launched in mid November and is good through January 17. This merry menu features 20 to 35 percent discounts on select treatments, as well as seasonal treatments such as a gingerbread crème nourishing ritual, a pumpkin parfait antioxidant facial and a cranberry-and-fig manicure or pedicure. Learn more about the Jolly Holiday Spaliday Menu by visiting the Web site: http://www.fireskyresort.com/pdfs/jurlique_holiday_menu_2009_single.pdf.

ABOUT FIRESKY RESORT & SPA
A member of the award-winning San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, FireSky Resort & Spa is located in downtown Scottsdale, Ariz. This alluring oasis artfully blends the casual elegance of its hometown with the stark appeal of its desert setting. The property’s story is one of the elements, conveyed by strong indoor/outdoor connections, lush landscaping, expansive water features and beckoning hearths and fire pits. The hotel’s 204 guest rooms and suites, measuring 400 to 800 square feet, each boast a private balcony or patio overlooking the colorful grounds and lagoon-like swimming pools. Resort amenities include approximately 14,000 square feet of customizable multi-use space across 13 meeting rooms for social gatherings and business events. Additional highlights include Taggia, the on-site restaurant featuring authentic coastal Italian cuisine, and Jurlique Spa, a soothing retreat in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. www.fireskyresort.com

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Media Contact: Amanda Fier, amanda@olsoncomm.com

Organization providing 800 free rides from December 3 to January 4

PHOENIX (December 2, 2009) – This holiday season the Beverage Alcohol Community Information Council (BACIC) is educating consumers on alternative options for arriving home safely from Arizona bars and restaurants through the BACIC Safe Ride Home Program.

Partnering with DD24-7 and ZINGO, the program is combating the number one reason drivers get behind the wheel after a night on the town: hesitancy to leave their vehicles at the bar or restaurant.  Both services provide a safe alternative for drivers and their cars.  Patrons simply call DD24-7 (602-881-1848) or ZINGO (877-663-8429) and within 30 minutes the company arrives to drive them home in their own vehicles.

As part of the Safe Ride Home Program, BACIC is providing 800 free rides to patrons at select bars and restaurants in downtown Scottsdale, Tempe Marketplace and Mill Avenue. From December 4 to January 3 DD24-7 and ZINGO will be on call to provide complimentary rides from a bar or restaurant to their home.  On Thursday, December 31 and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the holiday season, participating establishments will have a designated number of ride vouchers to give to patrons.  Consumers should look for the BACIC Safe Ride Home Program poster to determine program participation.  For more information, visit www.bacicarizona.org/ridehome.

About BACIC

BACIC is an Arizona non-pro­fit, 501c6 tax exempt organization, composed of local and national companies and trade groups from across the hospitality and tourism sectors. Collectively, as members of BACIC we aim to continue serving as a positive force on alcohol beverage issues with local communities and at the state level. We look forward to working closely with state lawmakers and other elected officials to foster a better understanding of those issues, and improve the working relationships with the hospitality and tourism industries that are so important to Arizona’s future economic vitality and cultural experience.

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Media Contact:
Nicole DePue
nicole@olsoncomm.com