Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Corporate Executive Chef Wins Prestigious Award

Chef Steven Sturm awarded for Produce Excellence in Foodservice

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Apr 06, 2016, 08:40 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Chef Steven Sturm, corporate executive chef for Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, received the 2016 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award for Casual and Family Dining Restaurants. Sponsored by PRO*ACT LLC and now in its ninth year, the program honors chefs and their companies for their innovative and influential use of fresh produce in the culinary arts.

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"At Firebirds, we strive to offer our guests the freshest, boldest and most flavorful selections," said Chef Sturm. "It is an honor to be recognized for our work. Using fresh fruits and vegetables will continue to be an essential part of our menu development process."

The winners will be honored at the United Fresh 2016 Convention and Trade show June 20-22 in Chicago.

"These chefs showcase the best our industry has to offer by incorporating the freshest produce into their cuisine," said United Fresh CEO Tom Stenzel. "Chef Sturm uses fruits and vegetables in inventive ways, both on the regular Firebirds menu and with seasonally inspired feature offerings."

These winners were selected from over 120 nominations submitted by produce companies and foodservice operations across North America. A panel of produce and foodservice industry leaders reviewed each nominee's incorporation of fresh produce into menu development, use of food safety protocols for proper storage and handling of produce, leadership in produce-related community service and special events and recognition by their company and industry peers.

About Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is a collection of 38 polished-casual restaurants known for its bold flavors, warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere. Specializing in classic American cuisine grilled over an authentic wood-fired grill, Firebirds heightens the guests' experience with unexpected delights such as chilled salad plates, meticulous table manicuring and refreshed frozen martini glasses. Unique features, including stacked stone entryways, exclusive artwork and the award-winning FIREBAR® provide a full-spectrum dining experience. The FIREBAR® boasts a wide selection of artisan cocktails such as its signature Double Black Diamond Martini® and a robust wine list, including its own private label wines, served at proper cellar temperatures. Firebirds' scratch kitchen features a variety of offerings infused with bold flavors, including items such as its Wood Grilled Salmon and Chile Rubbed Delmonico grilled over local hickory, oak or pecan wood. With its mission to "Serve, Enrich and Exceed," Firebirds prides itself on providing real value to its guests. Consistent community involvement and partnerships with organizations such as Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, with over a half million dollars donated to ALSF through the sales of fresh-squeezed lemonade, are also a large part of how Firebirds weaves itself into the fabric of the local communities it serves. Firebirds was listed as part of the FSR 50 – "Top 10 Fast-Growing Chains" and also received a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, as well as other national awards. For more information or to find a location, visit firebirdsrestaurants.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @FirebirdsGrill and Instagram at @FirebirdsGrill.

Media Contact:
Trey Newstedt
770-650-2608

SOURCE Firebirds Wood Fired Grill