Press

Preston Stohs, Vice President of Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands
  • Greg Rabbitt

Preston Stohs Promoted to Vice President of Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands
Preston Stohs Promoted to Vice President of Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands 732 480 Greg Rabbitt

Elevate Gourmet Brands is pleased to announce the promotion of Preston Stohs to Vice President of Operations, recognizing his nearly 14 years of leadership and contributions to the company.

“Throughout his tenure, Preston has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, operational expertise, and a commitment to our people, our customers, and the success of our business,” said Brian Laliberte, CEO of Elevate Gourmet Brands. “His ability to lead through challenges, build strong teams, and maintain a focus on operational excellence has made him an important part of our organization.”

Preston has been instrumental in building and refining Elevate’s training, development, and operational systems designed for the demanding environments of airports and military bases. In his new role as Vice President of Operations, Stohs will have expanded responsibility for the company’s operational teams and will play an even greater role in driving consistency, accountability, execution, and continued growth across the organization.

“His promotion is well deserved and reflects the confidence we have in Preston and his ability to take on this expanded leadership role,” Brian added. “I am confident he will continue to make a meaningful impact as we move the company forward.”

Graphic for Mighty Chia, featured purveyor at Pronto, with photos of the founders and products
  • Greg Rabbitt

Pronto Welcomes Local, Chef-Crafted Mighty Chia as New Featured Purveyor at SFO
Pronto Welcomes Local, Chef-Crafted Mighty Chia as New Featured Purveyor at SFO 1920 1080 Greg Rabbitt

Pronto Neighborhood Marketplace, the community-driven airport retail concept from Elevate Gourmet Brands, is pleased to welcome Mighty Chia as its newest local Featured Purveyor at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Mighty Chia was created by longtime San Francisco chefs Laurine Wickett and Jen Spiegel, who wanted to challenge the idea that eating healthy has to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. With decades of combined culinary and entrepreneurial experience, the co-founders set out to build a snack that was both genuinely nutritious and irresistibly delicious.

The result is a fluffy, creamy, ready-to-eat chia pudding made with plant protein, free of dairy, nuts and gluten, high in fiber, and packaged entirely without plastic. Travelers seeking a delicious and convenient take on healthy snacking can now find all four Mighty Chia flavors at Pronto: Berrylicious, Honey Matcha, Mango Marvel, and Vanilla Dream. 

“At Pronto, we’re always looking for innovative local brands that bring something special to our marketplaces,” said Preston Stohs, Director of Retail Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “Mighty Chia is a great example of the kind of emerging San Francisco business we’re excited to support. Laurine and Jen have brought their experience as chefs into a product that’s fresh, convenient, and incredibly flavorful, and we’re thrilled to introduce it to travelers at SFO.”

Wickett and Spiegel bring years of hands-on culinary and small-business experience to Mighty Chia, having each built their own food ventures in San Francisco before joining forces on this one. Wickett was also a contestant on Top Chef’s sixth season. That professional grounding shows up in the product itself: rather than treat chia pudding as just another health food, the two set out to make something they’d actually crave themselves, refining the recipe until it met their own standards as chefs.

”Traveling doesn’t always make it easy to find a snack that’s both nourishing and delicious. We’re excited to bring Mighty Chia to Pronto and Green Beans Coffee, giving travelers a chef-crafted option they can feel good about enjoying on the go.”

The addition of Mighty Chia further strengthens Pronto’s commitment to supporting independent food businesses and giving emerging local brands a platform to reach new audiences. Already available through independent neighborhood markets throughout the city, Mighty Chia’s arrival at Pronto offers travelers another opportunity to discover a homegrown brand before they even leave San Francisco. 

With three neighborhood marketplaces in SFO Terminals 1, 3E and 3F, Pronto connects the millions of travelers who pass through the airport each year with the flavors and makers of the communities around them.

For more information about Pronto and its Featured Purveyors, visit pronto-marketplace.com or follow Pronto on Instagram at @pronto.marketplace. To learn more about Mighty Chia, visit mightychia.com.

top view of chicken wings with ranch, celery and beer at Mac + Cheese Kitchen
  • Greg Rabbitt

Mac + Cheese Kitchen Gives Comfort Food New Wings at San José Mineta International Airport
Mac + Cheese Kitchen Gives Comfort Food New Wings at San José Mineta International Airport 1200 900 Greg Rabbitt

Mac + Cheese Kitchen, the comfort food concept from Elevate Gourmet Brands, is expanding its menu with the addition of crispy, flavorful chicken wings, now available at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) in Terminal B.

Available in six-piece orders with guests’ choice of Buffalo or BBQ sauce, the new wings offer another crave-worthy option for travelers looking to enjoy a satisfying meal before takeoff. They also pair perfectly with Mac + Cheese Kitchen’s signature handcrafted mac + cheese bowls or a cold beverage from the restaurant’s full-service bar.

top view of chicken wings with ranch, celery and beer at Mac + Cheese Kitchen“We’re always looking for ways to build on the comfort food experience our guests know and love,” said Preston Stohs, Director of Retail Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “Our menu is rooted in familiar favorites made with quality ingredients, and these wings are a natural extension of that philosophy. Whether guests are sitting down for a meal or grabbing a shareable snack to go, we’re excited to offer another delicious way to enjoy Mac + Cheese Kitchen.”

Since opening at SJC, Mac + Cheese Kitchen has become a favorite among travelers seeking elevated comfort food made with quality ingredients. The addition of wings expands the menu while staying true to the brand’s mission of serving familiar favorites with bold flavor and fresh, on-demand preparation.

Whether paired with a bowl of Buffalo chicken mac + cheese, paired with a favorite drink from the full-service bar, or enjoyed on their own, the new Buffalo and BBQ wings add another satisfying way to experience Mac + Cheese Kitchen’s take on American comfort food..

For more information about Mac + Cheese Kitchen, visit macandcheesekitchen.com or follow @macandcheesekitchen on social media.

graphic for La Concheria, featured purveyor at Pronto, with photos of the founder and their products
  • Greg Rabbitt

La Concheria Brings Pan Dulce Magic to Pronto at San Antonio International Airport
La Concheria Brings Pan Dulce Magic to Pronto at San Antonio International Airport 1920 1080 Greg Rabbitt

Pronto, the community-driven marketplace from Elevate Gourmet Brands, is excited to welcome San Antonio-based bakery La Concheria as its newest Featured Purveyor, bringing its beloved gourmet conchas to travelers at Pronto’s newest location in Terminal B1 at San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

Known for its soft, handcrafted conchas and creative approach to traditional pan dulce, La Concheria has quickly become a local favorite throughout San Antonio. The woman-owned bakery was founded in 2020 by Cristina Chio as a home-kitchen project during the pandemic, and was built on her mission to bring comfort, joy, and connection to the community through baking.

Travelers at Pronto can now enjoy La Concheria’s classic Vanilla Concha, as well as the bakery’s colorful “Vintage Box,” featuring three mini conchas in pink, yellow, and chocolate varieties.

What began as weekend online orders from a home kitchen has grown into a thriving San Antonio bakery known for blending tradition with innovation. Every concha is handcrafted with quality ingredients and rooted in recipes designed to celebrate family, culture, and the nostalgic comfort of fresh pan dulce.

a hand holding a vanilla concha from La Concheria, above rows of vanilla and chocolate conchas

“Every concha we bake carries the heart of our story,” said Founder and CEO Cristina Chio. “The long nights, the small victories, the love poured into every flavor, and the joy of knowing our creations bring people together. We’re honored to share this journey with you.”

The addition of La Concheria reflects Pronto’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses and introducing travelers to the flavors and makers that define each city. Through its Featured Purveyor program, Pronto helps create opportunities for small businesses to expand their reach while offering travelers a more authentic and memorable airport experience.

“At Pronto, we love partnering with local businesses that tell an authentic story about the communities they come from,” said Kim Seyler, Regional Manager at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “La Concheria’s passion for preserving the tradition of pan dulce while bringing creativity and warmth to every product makes them a perfect fit for our Featured Purveyor program.”

Pronto’s new SAT Terminal B1 marketplace features a curated lineup of local food, beverage, and grab-and-go offerings designed to showcase the unique flavors and culture of San Antonio. Other local purveyors include Hearthstone Bakery Café, Scratch Kitchen, JustMade Juice, and Sprinkles & Spoons.

For more information about Pronto and its Featured Purveyors, visit our website or follow @pronto.marketplace on social media. To learn more about La Concheria, visit laconcheria.com.

Graphic for Sprinkles & Spoons, featured purveyor at Pronto, with photos of product and the owner
  • Greg Rabbitt

Sprinkles & Spoons Joins Pronto as New Featured Purveyor at San Antonio International Airport
Sprinkles & Spoons Joins Pronto as New Featured Purveyor at San Antonio International Airport 1920 1080 Greg Rabbitt

Pronto Neighborhood Market, Elevate Gourmet Brands’ community-focused airport retail concept, is pleased to introduce San Antonio-based bakery Sprinkles & Spoons as its newest Featured Purveyor, bringing a lineup of indulgent gluten-free baked goods to travelers at its newest location in Terminal B1 at San Antonio International Airport (SAT).

Founded by baker and recipe developer Amber Goulden, Sprinkles & Spoons has built a loyal following in San Antonio for its gourmet gluten-free pastries that combine nostalgic comfort with elevated flavor and texture. Every item is produced in a dedicated 100% gluten-free, Celiac-safe kitchen, ensuring travelers never have to compromise between quality, flavor, and dietary needs.

Travelers can now enjoy several of Sprinkles & Spoons’ most popular items at Pronto, including Vanilla and Chocolate Iced Donuts, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Cinnamon Muffins, and rotating Seasonal Muffins.

“At Pronto, we’re passionate about highlighting local businesses that bring something truly special to the traveler experience,” said Kim Seyler, Regional Manager at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “We’re excited to introduce SAT travelers to a local brand like Sprinkles & Spoons that’s built around quality, care, and community.”

Stack of chocolate chip cookies on the counter in Pronto

Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies from Sprinkles & Spoons are now available at Pronto in SAT Airport Terminal B1

Diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2009, Amber was determined to recreate the baked goods she loved growing up after finding limited gluten-free options that met her standards. Over the last decade, she has spent years refining recipes and techniques to develop pastries and desserts that appeal to gluten-free and non-gluten-free customers alike.

“We’re incredibly excited to partner with Pronto to bring gluten-free baked goods to the San Antonio International Airport,” said Sprinkles & Spoons founder Amber Goulden. “As someone who is gluten-free myself, I’ve experienced so many travel days where there simply wasn’t a safe option to eat at the airport. That’s why this partnership means so much to us. We’ve already received so many messages from travelers who are excited and relieved to finally have gluten-free options they can trust while traveling.”

The addition of Sprinkles & Spoons reflects Pronto’s continued commitment to supporting local businesses and bringing authentic regional flavors into the airport environment. Through its Featured Purveyor program, Pronto helps spotlight emerging brands and connect travelers with the communities and makers that define each city.

Pronto’s new Terminal B1 marketplace at SAT features a curated lineup of local food, beverage, and grab-and-go offerings designed to deliver a true taste of San Antonio to travelers on the move. Other San Antonio-based purveyors include Hearthstone Bakery Café, Scratch Kitchen, JustMade Juice, and La Concheria.

For more information about Pronto and its Featured Purveyors, visit our website or follow @pronto.marketplace on social media. To learn more about Sprinkles & Spoons, visit sprinklesandspoons.com.

logos for whisk and bowl bakery and low country quisine juxtaposed against grab and go items
  • Greg Rabbitt

Whisk & Bowl Introduces Low Country Quisine’s Handcrafted Grab-and-Go Items at DFW Airport Locations
Whisk & Bowl Introduces Low Country Quisine’s Handcrafted Grab-and-Go Items at DFW Airport Locations 1000 431 Greg Rabbitt

Elevate Gourmet Brands is pleased to announce that Low Country Quisine, the award-winning Dallas catering company, is now supplying over a dozen of its soulful, handcrafted Southern-inspired grab-and-go items to Whisk & Bowl bakeries at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

Known across the Dallas–Fort Worth area for elevated catering and its popular culinary studio, Low Country Quisine brings the same hospitality, flavor, and attention to detail that has earned them a loyal following. The partnership expands Whisk & Bowl’s grab-and-go selection with fresh, convenient items that combine comfort and quality for travelers and airport staff alike.

“At Whisk & Bowl, we love giving travelers something special. Food that’s comforting, yet crafted with the level of refinement our guests expect from us,” said Kim Seyler, Regional Manager at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “Low Country Quisine is the perfect partner to help us deliver that experience at DFW.”

Founded in 2007 by “Chef Jolie” Oree-Bailey, Low Country Quisine was born from a true passion for delectable food and a joy of entertaining. As a very young child, Chef Jolie would spend summers with her grandparents in Charleston, South Carolina. During those visits, her grandparents took pride in preparing each of the 3 daily meals for their family, while Jolie spent hours in the kitchen watching, learning, and helping. This is how she developed the techniques involved in preparing the “Quisine” associated with the “Low Country.”

Low Country Quisine, Whisk & Bowl Chef Jolie Oree-Bailey

Low Country Quisine founder “Chef Jolie” Oree-Bailey

The company is rooted in Southern and soul food traditions, infused with thoughtful preparation, and elevated presentation, designed to bring people together through food. What began as a full-service catering company has grown into one of Dallas’s most trusted names for weddings, corporate events, and gourmet takeaway.

“We are truly thankful for this partnership with Whisk & Bowl,” added Chef Jolie, “and for the opportunity to showcase our handcrafted cuisine at DFW, currently ranked among the top three busiest airports globally and a true global hub where so many journeys begin. We believe this is just the start of a lasting and fruitful collaboration.”

The addition of Low Country Quisine reflects Elevate Gourmet Brands’ commitment to elevating local vendors and small businesses, highlighting authentic community flavors in the airport environment.

For more information about Whisk & Bowl, visit whiskandbowl.com and follow on Instagram at @whiskandbowlbakery. To learn more about Low Country Quisine, visit lowcountryquisine.com.

Green Beans Coffee Matcha Latte
  • Greg Rabbitt

Green Beans Coffee Launches New Matcha Latté at U.S. Cafés and Partner Locations
Green Beans Coffee Launches New Matcha Latté at U.S. Cafés and Partner Locations 1024 497 Greg Rabbitt

Green Beans Coffee is excited to introduce its new Matcha Latté, available now at all U.S. Green Beans Coffee cafés as well as at partner locations including Pronto marketplaces in San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Whisk & Bowl bakeries at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

This new addition brings a smooth, vibrant alternative to coffee-based drinks, perfect for travelers seeking clean, sustained energy without the crash. Sourced from Japanese farms in Uji and Kagoshima, the matcha blends the richness of Uji-grown leaves with the refreshing brightness of Kagoshima, creating a creamy, subtly sweet drink that’s both comforting and invigorating.

“At Green Beans Coffee, we’re always exploring ways to expand our menu with drinks that are both delicious and mindful,” said Preston Stohs, Director of Retail Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “Our new Matcha Latté delivers that same handcrafted café experience guests know us for, with a focus on clean ingredients and functional energy.”

Made from 100% pure matcha green tea powder with no added ingredients, this artisanal ceremonial-grade blend is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and designed specifically for baristas, ensuring a smooth texture and vibrant color in every cup.

The launch marks another step in Green Beans Coffee’s ongoing mission to offer quality, globally inspired beverages to travelers and coffee lovers everywhere, while continuing to evolve with today’s wellness-focused tastes. Turmeric lattés and smoothies were introduced at Green Beans Coffee locations worldwide earlier this year.

For more information about Green Beans Coffee and its full menu, visit greenbeanscoffee.com and follow on Instagram at @greenbeanscoffeecompany.

DFW Airport therapy dogs and their handlers standing outside Whisk & Bowl bakery with baristas in Terminal A
  • Greg Rabbitt

Therapy Dog Thursdays: Whisk & Bowl Bakery at DFW Celebrates Therapy Dogs and Their Ambassadors
Therapy Dog Thursdays: Whisk & Bowl Bakery at DFW Celebrates Therapy Dogs and Their Ambassadors 2224 1233 Greg Rabbitt

Whisk & Bowl, the high-end bakery from Elevate Gourmet Brands, is pleased to announce the launch of Therapy Dog Thursdays, a new weekly initiative at its DFW International Airport’s Terminal A and Terminal C cafés, to celebrate the hardworking therapy dogs and ambassadors of DFW’s “K9 Crew” who bring comfort and joy to travelers throughout the airport.

On Thursday March 20th, co-owner Elliott Threatt was personally on-site to welcome the DFW K9 Crew, offering their four-legged heroes fresh dog treats baked in-house and treating their ambassadors to a free 16oz fresh brewed Green Beans Coffee.

The initiative will continue every Thursday, inviting anyone with a certified DFW therapy dog in an identifiable jacket to stop by and enjoy a complimentary cup of fresh-brewed drip coffee. The bakery’s new all-natural dog treats, crafted on site with simple ingredients, may soon be available for purchase as well.

“Our Therapy Dog Thursdays are our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the incredible teams who make the airport experience brighter for travelers,” said Elliott Threatt, co-owner of Whisk & Bowl. “We hope this becomes a small weekly tradition that makes a big impact.”

Therapy dogs and their ambassadors typically work across the airport between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM; Elliott’s visit took place just outside the Whisk & Bowl café in DFW Terminal A near gate 13.

Located in DFW Terminals A and C, Whisk & Bowl is known for its handcrafted pastries, fresh coffee, and warm hospitality. This new initiative is in addition to its weekly visits to the USO in DFW Terminal B, where they donate free pastries for “Whisk and Bowl Wednesdays.” Dedicated to community engagement, the café continually seeks ways to give back to travelers and airport employees alike.

For more information, visit www.whiskandbowl.net and follow on social media at @whiskandbowlbakery.

Turmeric latte alongside ginger and turmeric powder on white wood table top
  • Greg Rabbitt

Green Beans Coffee Launches New Turmeric Latte at U.S. Locations
Green Beans Coffee Launches New Turmeric Latte at U.S. Locations 1000 563 Greg Rabbitt

Green Beans Coffee, the third wave coffee concept from Elevate Gourmet Brands, is excited to announce the official launch of its new Turmeric Latte, available now at select U.S. locations!

The Turmeric Latte, a caffeine-free recipe from Golden Root, blends organic turmeric with antioxidant-rich, vegan ingredients for a soothing and health-forward beverage that offers natural anti-inflammatory benefits alongside a velvety, slightly spiced flavor profile. Ideal for any time of day, the Turmeric Latte provides a comforting way to energize your morning, refresh during a busy afternoon, or unwind in the evening.

The initial trial at Green Beans Coffee’s San Francisco International Airport (SFO) locations received overwhelmingly positive feedback, paving the way for its expansion to other Green Beans Coffee cafes in the U.S., including Nashville International Airport (BNA), Ft. Carson, CO, and Ft. Moore, GA.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the Turmeric Latte across more of our cafes,” said Preston Stohs, Director of Operations at Elevate Gourmet Brands. “Our customers are looking for flavorful, health-conscious options that match their on-the-go lifestyles, and the Turmeric Latte perfectly fits that demand. The soft launch at SFO exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to offer this wellness-forward drink to more guests nationwide.”

The Turmeric Latte is also available at other stores where Green Beans Coffee is served, including Whisk & Bowl bakery locations in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Terminals A and C, and the full-service Green Beans Coffee bar at Pronto in SFO Terminal 1C. Green Beans Coffee plans to bring the Turmeric Latte to its international locations later this spring.

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with the Elevate Gourmet Brands team to have Golden Root featured at Green Beans Coffee locations,” says Andrea Slinde, CEO of Golden Root. “The Green Beans team has been a joy to partner with and I’m so impressed with how much thought and intention they have put into this launch. Together, we’re proud to share the benefits of turmeric lattes with Green Beans Coffee customers nationwide and at their military bases across the world.”

Green Beans Coffee, part of Elevate Gourmet Brands, is a third wave coffee company dedicated to serving exceptional coffee experiences in airports, military bases, and local communities worldwide. With a focus on innovation and quality, Green Beans Coffee provides a welcoming space for coffee enthusiasts and travelers alike. For more information and to find your nearest location, please visit greenbeanscoffee.com.

Graphic for El Sur Empanadas, featured purveyor at Pronto
  • Greg Rabbitt

El Sur Empanadas Joins Pronto’s Selection of Featured Purveyors at SFO
El Sur Empanadas Joins Pronto’s Selection of Featured Purveyors at SFO 1920 1080 Greg Rabbitt

Pronto is delighted to announce the addition of El Sur Empanadas to its neighborhood marketplaces featuring local Bay Area purveyors at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). El Sur brings the authentic flavors of Argentina to the heart of San Francisco, with each empanada handmade daily using locally sourced ingredients and family recipes.

El Sur is the passion project of Marianne Despres, a first-generation American with roots in Argentina and France, who left her corporate life to study as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu and work in top kitchens such as Potel et Chabot and The French Laundry. After running a successful catering business in the Bay Area specializing in fine French cuisine, Marianne realized she most enjoyed cooking and sharing the food she grew up with, specifically the empanadas from her childhood.

“With El Sur, I wanted to create a company that was a true reflection of my personal history and experience,” she says. “I grew up making and eating empanadas with my family, including my mom, grandmothers and aunts. Every filling in an El Sur empanada is rooted in that history, inspired by a person, a place, or an experience that holds meaning. It’s incredibly meaningful to bring that story, crafted into every empanada, to travelers from around the world.”

 

SFO Regional Manager Angelita Velasco and El Sur founder Marianne DespresEl Sur started as a beloved Bay Area food truck and has since grown into a recognized purveyor of artisanal, Argentinian-style empanadas across the region. El Sur put great care into developing a menu to please a variety of palates. Their empanadas are celebrated for their rich fillings made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients from Northern California, then gently folded in delicate handmade pastry and baked until they are warm, flaky and golden. Three flavors of empanada are now available at Pronto SFO locations, including the vegetarian Verde empanada, the Champiñones empanada made with a mushroom medley, delicate spices and provolone, and the Breakfast Verdura empanada made with eggs, braised greens, potato and goat cheese.

Pronto’s collaboration with El Sur brings yet another celebrated local brand to SFO, offering travelers an opportunity to experience authentic Argentinian flavors on the go. “At Pronto, we’re committed to featuring local brands that bring authentic, world-class flavors to our guests,” said Preston Stohs, Director of Operations at Pronto. “El Sur’s dedication to quality and craft aligns perfectly with our vision to elevate the travel experience with the best of the Bay Area.”

Pronto has four locations at SFO: Terminals 1C, 3E, and 3F, along with the Pronto GoGo! mobile marketplace in Terminal 2 baggage claim.

For more information about El Sur Empanadas, visit elsursf.com. To learn more about Pronto and its featured purveyors, visit prontoprovisions.com or follow us on Instagram at @pronto_provisions.

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