May 28, 2009 // Franchising.com // Atlanta -- Marble Slab Creamery is reconnecting with its chef-driven roots this summer with the help of Season Five's Top Chef contestants, Fabio Viviani, Carla Hall and Jeff McInnis. Each chef is creating a gourmet ice cream sundae to kick-off the summer. The Celebrity Sundaes program is a part of Marble Slab Creamery's rebranding initiative. The brand is repositioning its global brand image to better reflect its gourmet ice cream artistry experience and has enlisted Chefs Viviani, Hall and McInnis to lend their culinary expertise and signature styles to the program. Marble Slab Creamery is managed by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc.
Each chef has created a one-of-a-kind sundae with their own personal style and flavor combinations. The Celebrity Sundaes will be available nationwide at Marble Slab Creamery locations, and customers are encouraged to try all three sundaes and decide which is their "top" choice.
The Celebrity Sundaes have something for everyone and range from rich dark chocolate flavors to a lighter alternative:
"This celebration allows Marble Slab Creamery to reconnect with our chef-driven roots," stated Jenn Johnston, senior vice president of brand marketing for NexCen Franchise Management, Inc. "Our customers prefer an emphasis on the gourmet experience, and Chefs Fabio, Carla and Jeff communicate premium quality while exemplifying the approachability that is inherent to the brand."
All three chefs have showcased their signature styles and made names for themselves in the culinary world by committing to premium ingredients and techniques. Originally from Florence, Italy, Chef Fabio Viviani began his culinary career at the early age of twelve. As partner and Executive Chef of Café Firenze in Moorpark, California, Chef Viviani brings his Tuscan dishes and Florentine flair to Southern California. He was also a finalist on Top Chef: New York and voted fan favorite. Chef Carla Hall is the chef and owner of Alchemy Caterers in the Washington, D.C. area and was a finalist on Bravo's, Top Chef: New York. Her passion and love for gourmet ingredients is tasted and felt in the food she prepares. Chef Jeff McInnis was brought back to compete in the season finale in New Orleans and placed fourth in the competition. Jeff is an esteemed chef and is currently with the Ritz Carlton in Miami.
Marble Slab Creamery®, a leading purveyor of super-premium hand-mixed ice cream and the innovator of the frozen slab technique, was founded in 1983. Every batch of Marble Slab Creamery ice cream is made on location using ingredients from around the world and fresh dairy from local farms. Marble Slab Creamery's famous mix-ins include fresh fruits, fine nuts, candies and cookies that can be blended into all ice cream flavors. Today, Marble Slab Creamery has an international presence with locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Scotland, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
NexCen Brands, Inc. is a strategic brand management company with a focus on franchising. It owns a portfolio of franchise brands that includes two retail franchises: TAF®, previously known as The Athlete's Foot and Shoebox New York®, as well as five quick service restaurant (QSR) franchises: Great American Cookies®, MaggieMoo's®, Marble Slab Creamery®, Pretzelmaker® and Pretzel Time®. The brands are managed by NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands.
Mars, Incorporated Has No Affiliation And Has No Participation In The Production Or Distribution Of This Product. M&M'S® Is A Registered Trademark Of Mars, Incorporated 2009.
Marble Slab Creamery, a purveyor of chef created super-premium hand-mixed ice cream and the innovator of the frozen slab technique, was founded in 1983.