Sculptural Firebowls sell 1000s of s'mores for Philadelphia's Frankford Hall
This article reprinted from the John T Unger Weblog. The original article can be found online:
http://blog.johntunger.com/2012/01/big-bowl-o-zen-sculptural-firebowls-generate-thousands-in-revenue-through-sales-of-smores-at-philade.html
© 2008, John T Unger
I don't usually post press releases to the blog, but this is such a good story I feel like it works.
Campfire cookouts come to the city as Philly beerhall puts the fun into functional art.
Surprise success of snack sales could point the way to a new restaurant trend— Handcrafted firebowls from John T. Unger Studio are sparking increased food and beverage sales for Frankford Hall, a Philadelphia, PA, biergarten with a modern twist. The popular draw of a Big Bowl O' Zen Sculptural Firebowl inspired the restaurant to order a second firebowl, subsidized by food sales.
"My firebowls are popular with hotels and restaurants for their beauty and ambience as well as their functional warmth, durability and maintenance-free upkeep" said John T. Unger, owner of John T. Unger Studio, Mancelona, Mich. "By adding toasted treats to the menu, the folks at Frankford Hall have discovered a way to generate direct income from my firebowls."
Frankford Hall, a property embodying the spirit of an open-air German biergarten set in an industrial structure was a fitting location for Unger's work. "Our space called for a fire pit and our designer, Richard A. Stokes loved the rustic and natural look of the Big Bowl 'O Zen," said Greg Root, general manager of Frankford Hall, one of the Starr Restaurants.
Once the Big Bowl 'O Zen was installed Root came upon an added benefit. He began selling the ingredients for a classic dessert, S'Mores at "a buck a pop." The idea not only took off, but Frankford Hall began selling thousands of the s'mores. "We were seeing such tremendous draw for the s'mores, we decided to add a second firebowl," said Root. Restaurant patrons enjoy the firebowls' warmth and social atmosphere while also creating a fun treat. The tradition and nostalgia of cooking over an open flame has almost universal appeal.
"When homeowners purchase my firebowls, they begin a legacy to be be passed down to future generations. I love being able to foster family traditions and togetherness," said Unger. "Public installations in hotels or restaurants are also satisfying for me because thousands of people a year are able to see and enjoy my work. The ability of the artwork to generate additional revenues for hospitality venues is an exciting and attractive benefit."
Twelve Tasy Recipes to Try on Your Firebowl
For the most part I've gone with simpler recipes in the list below and avoided fish and fowl for safety (you wouldn't want to undercook those). If you are a seafood fan, there are some promising recipes included in the list where I found most of these: 50 on a Stick: Recipes to grill your entire meal on skewers. If you find any recipes that you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about it!
- Tomato-Basil Skewers
- Plum Tomatoes with Artichoke Pesto
- Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos
- Spicy Steak Fries
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Salami-and-Fig Fans
- Mini Blue Cheese Burgers
- Bacon Wrapped Spicy Meatball Skewers
- Russian Onion and Pork Kebabs with Russian Ketchup (Shashlik)
- Grilled Kielbasa with Fennel and Pears
- Beets with Horseradish Cream
- Black Forest Skewers
About Frankford Hall: Frankford Hall embodies the spirit of an open-air German biergarten presented with a modern twist. Set in an industrial structure, the space creates a unique urban experience for those looking to enjoy a cold brew and brats of all kinds. With nine beers on tap, ten more in bottles and giant, warm pretzels, the true essence of Bavaria is represented at its best in this Fishtown fun spot. www.starr-restaurant.com
History of S'Mores: Per the Girl Scout Alumnae website, the S'more lacks a confirmed history. However, they relate that the first record of a s'more dates back to a 1927 recipe printed in a Girl Scout manual called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.
Do you have questions or comments?
« Best tweets of 2010 | Main | More S'mores at Frankford Hall »
