Training Guide

GRIT STIXSpring Scoop 2015March 1, 2015

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Introducing… GRIT STIX!

NEW MOLLY’s KITCHEN GRIT STIX– Regional cuisine at its best- A delicious combination of 2 classic Southern delicacies: Grits and Pimento Cheese!

This unique take is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside full of sweet corn and a pimento cheese flavor with a spicy kick..

Crave-able, sharable and dippable, this a great alternative to fries or an excellent addition to any menu as a side option!

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MOLLY’S KITCHEN GRIT STIX!!

THE STORY… With bold flavors and soulful ingredients, Southern cooking delivers crave-able

combinations and this particular product pays great homage to the South. Nothing says 'below

the Mason-Dixon Line' like grits, pimento cheese, and deep fried snacks.

• Grits, which are ground corn food of Native American origin, deliver a nice flavor and a

creamy texture that act as a perfect base- the mashed potatoes of the 90s.

• Pimento cheese, the velvety spread now affectionately known as the caviar of the South, was

actually born in NY in the 1870s when cooks decided to add diced pimentos to cream cheese

for sandwiches. In the 1920s the South became the center for pimento growing and by WWI

Southern cooks switched from cream cheese to hard cheese like cheddar with mayo- the

traditional southern spread was born.

We've combined these two ingredients in a light breading and deep fry for southern flavors that

ring true!

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Product InspirationAppetizer category growth – TASTE THE SOUTH IN ALL OF IT’S DEEP FRIED GOODNESS!

GRIT STIX Product Overview

Price per piece: $0.27*Pieces per serving: 5Price per serving: $1.36Sides/Sauce/Garnish: $0.75*Total Plate Cost: $2.11Menu Price: $6.99Contribution per plate: $4.88Food Cost: 34.53%Profit per case: $341.60 * Approximate

P-Code: 618101A-Code: 9996901Pack: 4/3 lb BagsPiece Size: 0.55 oz.Pieces per case: Approx. 349

Features & Benefits1) Homemade Pimento Cheese and Grit flavor profile:o In-house mixture of grits , cheese,

pimentos, mayonnaise and seasoning blendo Great combination of recognizable on trend

southern flavors

2) Unique Shapeo Slightly thinner than a mozzarella stick for a

new handheld experienceo New way to add Grits to the menu

3) Cost effective appetizer that can cover all day parts

o Great snack/Tapas option – handheld and shareable

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• While traditional appetizers are showing decline, new products continue to show growth(up 7.3% vs. 2009).• Almost 50% of Appetizers are appearing on casual dining menus.• High penetration in full service restaurants & limited service restaurants.• We are seeing a wider variety of cheeses being utilized.

• Among 2014 food trends, grits and pimento cheese are expected to survive and thrive. www.connectyourmeetings.com/feature/2014-fb-trends

• Grits have gained ground same quarter vs. 2013 as a stand alone menu item. Technomic 10/2014

• Grits enjoy pairings with bolder flavors over last year. Technomic 10/2014

• Pimento Cheese Grows Among Appetizers And Add-On Items, Still Relatively Rare On Menus. Technomic 10/2014

• Grits menu penetration has nearly doubled over the past 9 years. A revival of southern influenced cuisine is driving the growth for this Southern comfort food staple. (Datassential)

• Applications of grits outside of breakfast and brunch are growing more common - 84% growth over last 4 years of grits appearing on dinner menus. (Datassential)

Appetizer Category Overview*:

*Source: Technomic,2014.

GRIT STIX Marketing Trends

Product Inspiration Support:

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GRIT STIXMenu/Application Ideas & Showing

1) Tapas Option

2) Side with fried shrimp (new shrimp and grits version)3) Serve in a paper cone with dipping sauce4)Serve on top of 2 sausage patties and 2 fried eggs

SHOW IT

Fry a few sticks. Let cool and have the customer note the golden breading. Then break open the stick before tasting. Note the crispy coating and creamy cheesy flavor and pimento flecks

10 SECOND SELL

Regional cuisine at its best- A delicious combination of 2 classic Southern delicacies: Grits and Pimento Cheese! This unique take is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside full of sweet corn and a pimento cheese flavor with a spicy kick.Craveable, sharable and dippable, this a great alternative to fries or an excellent addition to any menu as a side option.

Day Part (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack

1) Any recipe with Grits - used as a substitute

2) Any dish with Fries - use as a substitute3) Any dish with Mashed Potatoes - use as a substitute4) Serve as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces5) Serve with any soup or salad

Applications - How would one use this product? Try to be more

specific than appetizer, main entrée, etc…

Menu Ideas - What kind of recipe would you use this

product in?

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GRIT STIXRecipe Ideas

Spicy Maple Bacon SauceSweet maple syrup is tinged with hot chili sauce and speckled with bacon crumbles; the perfect balance of sweet and spicy to dip Grit Stix.Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS12 Grit Stix, prepared according to package directions½ cup Maple syrup1 Tbsp. Cooked and crumbled bacon1 tsp. Sambal chili sauce DIRECTIONSIn a saucepan, over low heat, combine syrup, bacon and chili sauce. Bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes.Serve syrup warm with Grit Stix.

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GRIT STIXRecipe Ideas

Baked Bayou DipSour cream, mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar, Creole seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies come together and baked until bubbly; served with Grit Stix to dip.Serves: 8 INGREDIENTS28 Grit Stix, prepared according to package directions8 oz. Cream cheese½ cup Mayonnaise½ cup Sour cream2 ½ cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided1 Tbsp. Creole seasoning⅔ cup Tomatoes with green chilies DIRECTIONSPreheat an oven to 350° Fahrenheit.In a stand mixer, with a paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, 1 ½ cups cheese, seasoning and tomatoes; mix until well combined.Divide mixture between two oven-proof containers, top each with ½ cup shredded cheese and baked 12-15 minutes.Serve each with Grit Stix.

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GRIT STIXRecipe Ideas

Mardi Gras Nachos Grit Stix are smothered in a thick sauce with shrimp, tomatoes, bell peppers and Cajun spices then topped with cheddar cheese; a fun new way to enjoy shrimp and grits!Serves: 4 INGREDIENTS20 Grit Stix, prepared according to package directions2 Tbsp. Salted butter2 Tbsp. AP flour1 cup Beef stock1 cup Fire-roasted tomatoes with juice½ cup Diced bell peppers¼ cup P & D Diced shrimp1 tsp. Hot sauce1 Tbsp. Creole seasoning1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese DIRECTIONSIn a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook until golden-brown.Stir in beef stock, tomatoes, bell peppers, shrimp, hot sauce and creole seasoning. Bring to a simmer.Cook 5-8 minutes.Plate Grit Stix and top with sauce. Finish with cheese and serve immediately.

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GRIT STIXNew Product Launch Marketing Support

• Scoop Sample Kit• Hot Sheet• Online Custom Table Tents• Secure Broker Area• Image Gallery• Logos• Training Deck templates• Price List