At this time last year, we at Refrigerated & Frozen Foods decided to put our annual Foodservice Distributor of the Year Award on hold. The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated unprecedented shutdowns in foodservice—restaurants, hotels, schools, caterers, stadiums, and other volume venues—leaving behind thousands of shuttered businesses. To put it lightly, there was very little to celebrate in foodservice last year.

US Foods has launched Tender by Design, a revolutionary process by which frozen beef can now be just as high quality and tender as fresh. The proprietary Tender by Design process gives operators access to high-quality steaks year-round at a competitive price and allows for easier inventory and portion control to respond to the ebb and flow of restaurant traffic. Tender by Design is being introduced under the company’s well-known Stock Yards brand. The launch includes 6-, 8- and 10-ounce half-faced center-cut choice top sirloin steaks and an 8-ounce baseball cut choice top sirloin steak.

US Foods has launched its latest Summer Scoop, focused on the theme of “Dining Out Is In Again”, with 18 on-trend, versatile, profit-driving products designed to reduce back-of-house preparation and skilled-labor demands.

Cascade Glacier is bringing the flavors of popular childhood candies to life in a delicious new dairy-free sorbet called Sour Splash. Green apple, watermelon and lemon meld for the perfect blend of sweet and tart, reminiscent of childhood treats like Jolly Ranchers and Starburst. The bright colors will stand out in any scoop shop case and capture the attention of kids and adults alike.

Cascade Glacier--a foodservice exclusive brand--is offering three new Big Bar flavors including Huckleberry Heaven, Chocolate, and Mango Dairy Free, to go with existing favorite, Vanilla.

US Foods announced the opening of the US Foods Scholars application period. US Foods Scholars provides financial support and development opportunities to culinary and hospitality students who demonstrate tremendous promise and achievement but require assistance to take the next step of their career. With the addition of Birmingham, Ala., Daytona Beach, Fla. and Portland, Ore., the program now reaches nine markets. This year, up to 18 students will receive $20,000 each to support their continued culinary or hospitality education, in addition to training opportunities with US Foods culinary professionals.

US Foods has launched its Spring 2021 Scoop, “Hungry for Better,” which features products that cater to consumers’ growing interest in dining options that support their planet, their communities and themselves.

Foodservice shutdowns due to the pandemic led to an 11.8% decrease in net sales and an 18.9% decrease in gross profit for 2020.

US Foods announced that effective March 1, Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores will be rebranded as US Foods CHEF’STORE. US Foods acquired Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores in April 2020 to accelerate growth in the cash and carry market. This change will combine the power of the US Foods brand with the assortment, pricing and customer service of Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores and pave the way for an enhanced customer experience.

US Foods announced that since March the company has donated more than $35 million in food and supplies to fight hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic, the equivalent of approximately 17 million meals.