HAYWARD, Calif.– Two Italian favorites are teaming up as Top Chef fan-favorite Fabio Viviani joins Columbus Foods for its “Meat Up” food truck tour, inviting Americans to explore the simple Italian goodness of premium salumi and deli meats. They’re hitting the road this April and May, spending a week each in Scottsdale, Salt Lake, Boston, New York Metro and New Orleans, as part of the company’s long-standing tradition of local market retail promotions.
With thriving restaurants in Los Angeles and Chicago, Fabio is a shining star in the culinary world following a successful stint on season five of Bravo's hit television show Top Chef and the New York Times bestselling cookbook ‘Fabio’s American Kitchen’. "I grew up making salumi with my grandmother in her kitchen in Florence, Italy,” he recalls. “I love the fact that Columbus was founded by Italian immigrants and shares my dedication to the traditional process and simple Italian goodness found in the salumeria, or Italian delicatessen. It's an honor and a privilege to work with a brand that is equally inspired by the Old World craft that has informed my life and career.”
Beginning April 9, Columbus and Fabio will woo the crowds at four top-tier events including the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Boston’s MayFair, Mother’s Day Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden and the NOLA Food & Wine Experience, showcasing Columbus’ broad variety of salumi and deli meat offerings. While in town, Columbus will also share samples from its branded food truck at local grocery retailers – the full schedule and details can be found at www.ColumbusMeatUp.com.
"Fabio bridges traditional Italian heritage with today's contemporary lifestyle. His approach to recipe creation – dishes that are simple to prepare and full of flavor – is a perfect complement to Columbus. We’re looking forward to him engaging consumers and providing ideas for meals they can create at home," said Michael Cruz, director of marketing at Columbus Foods.
Win a chance to cook with Fabio
From April 9 – May 30, consumers can stop by the “Meat Up” tour or visit www.ColumbusMeatUp.com to enter to win a trip to Los Angeles, two nights lodging and a cooking session with Fabio at his Moorpark, Calif. restaurant, Café Firenze.
About Columbus Foods
Founded by Italian immigrants in 1917, Columbus Foods is a venerable San Francisco Bay Area institution bringing its passion for food and commitment to authentic Italian culinary traditions to life. The tour is part of the company’s integrated retail partnership strategy, which includes in- and near-store sampling events, local advertising and promotions, and geo-targeted social advertising. The company is sharing its extensive hand-crafted collection of Italian-style dry cured salame and a rich assortment of premium deli meats, inspired by Old World family recipes, during its upcoming Meat Up food truck tour. Its Columbus brand products are available at specialty food stores and supermarkets nationwide. For more information, visit www.columbussalame.com. Columbus Manufacturing, Inc. is a portfolio company of Arbor Investments.
About Chef Fabio
Perhaps best known for his appearance on season 5 of Bravo’s hit reality series Top Chef in 2008, earning the “Fan Favorite” title, Chef Fabio Viviani returned to Bravo in 2010 to compete in their Top Chef All Stars edition and a spinoff culinary reality show, Life After Top Chef. His on screen appearances have propelled him to become one of the fastest growing household names in the country. A gregarious host and entertaining guest, Viviani has appeared in a number of television cooking segments and is a recurring guest on television shows such as Good Morning America, The Talk, The Chew, Ellen, Good Day LA, Access Hollywood, and he hosts a regular spot on QVC channel with various kitchen appliances and products. He is also the host of the award-winning web series Chow Ciao! on Yahoo!, the #1 lifestyle and food show on the internet, and is the author of New York Times bestselling cookbook “Fabio’s Italian Kitchen,” with the follow-up “Fabio’s American Kitchen” in bookstores nationwide this October.
About Arbor Investments
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago, IL, Arbor Investments is a specialized private equity firm that focuses exclusively on acquiring premier companies in the food and beverage industry. The firm has acquired or invested in over 30 food and beverage companies in North America and currently has $700 million of assets under management across three funds.
Source: Columbus Foods