Cintas helps chefs tackle Tase of the NFL
As Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots players prepared for perhaps the biggest game of their lives, Bay Area chefs prepared to showcase their culinary talents – and Cintas was ready to tackle their every need.
“We got to be a part of our customer’s journey,” said Faraz Javaid, the General Manager of Cintas’ San Francisco location.
Javaid’s city was not only host to the matchup on the gridiron, but the annual Taste of the NFL as well.
Saturday’s event brought together celebrated chefs from the region and the nation for a night benefiting GENYOUth, which supports 55 million kids nationwide, ensuring they are nourished and active.
“It’s definitely an honor to be part of it,” said Francis Ang, founder and chef at ABACÁ. “We're chefs. This is what we do, we feed people, and being able to be part of that is tremendous.”
ABACÁ was one of Cintas’ customers presenting at Taste of the NFL. The Michelin-recognized restaurant depends on Cintas’ microfiber towels to keep tables clean.
Cleanliness was at the forefront of Saturday’s event. As the Chef Sponsor, Cintas provided hand sanitizer stations, bar towels, first aid kits, anti-fatigue mats and nearly 100 chef coats – for chefs like Gil Payumo to sport as he handed out crispy sinigang chicken wings.
Payumo’s restaurant, Señor Sisig, fuses Filipino and Mexican flavors with Bay Area inspiration. Each of his four locations serves 300-400 burritos per day.
Running this large of an operation while preparing for major events like Taste of the NFL requires extra preparation. Payumo relies on Cintas to make sure he has the supplies he needs and welcomes his sales representative’s suggestions.
“I think Cintas opens our eyes to other opportunities,” said Payumo.
Jake Resser, Group Vice President of Cintas’ Northwest region, said events like Taste of the NFL highlight the relationships Cintas builds with its customers.
“We’re not just a vendor. We’re a partner,” said Resser.
Chef Miguel Escobedo of Al Pastor Papi appreciated Cintas’ partnership, as he got ready to serve mission-style al pastor burritos.
“It's the best support I could ask for,” said Escobedo.
While event attendees promptly praised his dish and cleared him out of food, he knows he never has to worry about running out of the supplies Cintas provides.
“It’s really great support to have Cintas in our corner,” said Escobedo.
Though only one team earned the Vince Lombardi Trophy Sunday, Saturday night’s Taste of the NFL proved that when preparation met partnership, everyone won, especially GENYOUth – and Cintas is proud to be part of that victory.
