Interview with Founder of the Taste of the NFL Wayne Kostroski

Looking forward to having the Founder of the Taste of the NFL Wayne Kostroski join us in the Pro Business Channel studios for a special episode of Georgia Business Radio!  #KickHunger Guest Tickets for the event on Sale Now at: www.TasteoftheNFL.com

Taste of the NFL is in Atlanta! This year's event will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Cobb Galleria. Guest Tickets for the event on Sale Now at: www.TasteoftheNFL.com

The Taste of the NFL’s annual strolling wine and food event features a chef from each NFL city serving their signature dish alongside a current or alumni NFL player. The result? 35+ food stations where guests can sample fine cuisine, meet and mingle with renowned chefs and NFL greats and participate in a silent auction with unique sports memorabilia and other exciting items.

The Hunger Issue

As you read this, millions of people in America are struggling with hunger. In fact, 1 out of 6 people in our country face this serious issue – many of them are children and seniors. For over 25 years, Taste of the NFL has been working to kick hunger. While we're proud to report that we've raised more than $25 million during that time, we're saddened to report that the need to do more is greater than ever. We hope you'll support our efforts by becoming a contributor or partner in our mission.

Taste of the NFL Mission:  To address the needs of the hungry and homeless by raising awareness and money through special events and programs.

Each year, net proceeds from the Taste of the NFL's programs and events are donated to designated Feeding America affiliated food banks in each of the 32 NFL team cities, as well as other select hunger relief organizations.

Special Musical Guest Multiple Grammy Nominated Martina McBride

Special Musical Guest Country Icon Martina McBride
Guest Tickets on Sale Now at: www.TasteoftheNFL.com

Since 1992, the Taste of the NFL (a 501c3 organization) has rallied the country  top chefs and the
NFL's greatest players to raise money in support of food banks throughout the United States. To date, Taste of the NFL’s programs and events have raised and donated in excess of $26 million to food banks and nonprofit organizations in the 32 NFL cities, resulting in 220 million meals for Americans in need (many of them children and seniors), who have turned to their local food banks for assistance. The season long efforts culminate each year with the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose®. Held on the eve of Super Bowl LIII on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 in Atlanta, this year’s star-studded fundraising event brings together exceptional cuisine, prominent chefs from around the country, celebrities, NFL players, coaches, legends and more, all to support the fight against hunger. Learn more about Taste of the NFL at TasteoftheNFL.com

The Kick Hunger Challenge is an online-only fundraising campaign spearheaded by Taste of the NFL. This friendly “competition” pits fans from all 32 NFL teams against each other to raise money for food banks in NFL communities nationwide. Throughout the 2018-19 football season, fans will have the opportunity to support one of the 32 NFL teams and directly impact the donation of thousands of meals to food banks in their team’s community. Learn more about the Kick Hunger Challenge at kickhungerchallenge.com

Kostroski is founder of Taste of the NFL, a mainstay event on the eve of the Super Bowl since 1992. The fundraising event, which pairs celebrity chefs and football greats representing each NFL team and serving plates at 35+ food stations, has raised more than $25 million dollars for hunger relief since its inception. “Giving is Good Business” is Kostroski’s motto and theme of his many presentations. “We are all fortunate to be so passionate about what we do every day,” Kostroski acknowledged during his MRA acceptance speech. “Together we all focus on changing lives and creating memories for everyone we encounter in our cafes, restaurants and foodservice operations. We are all truly blessed to work in the hospitality industry.” Kostroski is co-owner of Cuisine Concepts, a full-service consulting and management company offering specialized services to the hospitality industry. His entrée into the food and hospitality industry began in the late 1970s. A professional musician at the time, he was offered the opportunity to enter into the restaurant industry as the beverage and entertainment manager for the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres and the St. James hotel in Red Wing, Minn. Since 1980, he has played an instrumental role in creating and developing several of the Twin Cities premier dining establishments, including Pronto Ristorante, Figlio, Tejas, Goodfellow’s, and Bar Abilene.

Kostroski is also currently co-owner of Franklin Street Bakery (FSB), a national wholesale bakery founded in 1990. The breads of FSB can be found in restaurants and hotels in over 20 states. In addition to be honored by the MRA, Kostroski has received numerous local and national recognitions, including:

 2018 Charlie Awards Lifetime Achievement Award (Twin Cities food and beverage community honor)
 2010 James Beard Humanitarian of the Year
 National Distinguished Service Award by Foodchain, a network of food relief programs
 Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Socially Responsible category from Ernst & Young
 America’s Second Harvest Hunger’s Hope Award
 The Pope John XXIII Humanitarian of the Year Award from Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisc.
 The Vanguard Award from Hospitality Magazine
 Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Club Award for outstanding community service
 The Cornerstone Humanitarian of the Year award from the National Restaurant Association
 Restaurateur of the Year honors from MPLS St. Paul Magazine


Web Site / Social Media Links
https://www.tasteofthenfl.com
https://www.facebook.com/TasteoftheNFL
https://twitter.com/tasteofthenfl
https://www.instagram.com/tasteofthenfl
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Rich Casanova began his broadcasting career in California’s central valley at KSKS-FM. While in California he also ran a successful entertainment company whose staff and crew entertained over 100,000 people. After moving to Atlanta and selling his entertainment company, Casanova ventured into publishing as the Publisher and Franchise Owner of Coffee News, headquartered in Bangor, ME.

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