the push pop craze

Jeff Ware

March 23rd, 2014

The Push Pop Craze: Sweet & Savory

Session Agenda

• Why is this so popular?

• Tips & Techniques

• Types – Sweet

– Savory

– Beverages

• Display – Buffet

– Passed

– Plated

• Started with CBM at 14

• Electrical Engineering/ Computer Science Background

• Worked at CNN & theatres Learned other aspects of live events

• Fell in love with food thanks to this job

My Story

• Founded in 1980 as a hot dog stand

• Catering spun off into separate company in 1991

• Peak revenue of $17 Million

• 90 FT & 130 PT Employees

• 45% Full Service / 35% On Premise / 20% Delivery

CBM 101

• Largest event $1.3 million

• Focused on food quality above all else

• Poor facility design challenges efficiency

• Non Chicago address is a marketing struggle

CBM 101

Why Is This So Popular?

• No rules!

• Nostalgic Look

– Frozen push pops from childhood

• Portability

• Allows great control over colors vs. monochromatic

Tips & Techniques

• Cooling rack to prep in

• Layering tool

• Use empty tube as cutter

• Assemble tubes in advance

Types

• Sweet

• Mousse

• Muffins

• Macaroons

• Trifles

• Brownie Shots

• Savory

• Sushi

• 7 Layer Dip

• Napoleons

• Salad

• Condiments

• Beverages

• Jello Shots

• Margaritas

• Pina Colada

• Layered Drinks

Display

• Buffet

– Croquembouche

– Hanging Ornaments

– Trays

– Flower Pots/Vases

– Floral Foam

– Candy/Sprinkles

• Passed/Plated

• Hawker Boxes

• Trays

• Mini Paint Jars

• Lucite Block

• Wood Block

Evolution & Sizes

Evolution & Sizes

Assembly

Assembly

Cupcake Push Pops

Rainbow Cupcake Push Pop Strawberry Shortcake Push Pop

French Macaron Push Pop

Pudding Push Pops

Limoncello Push Pops

Tiramisu Push Pops

Frozen Push Pops

Kid’s Slushie Push Pop Watermelon Surprise Push Pop

Frozen Cocktail Push Pops

Margarita Push Pops

Raspberry Mojito Peach Apple Martini

Savory Push Pops

Ceviche Push Pops Beet Napoleon Push Pops Mexican Seven Layer Push Pops

Savory Push Pops

Soup Mix–In’s Push Pops

Shrimp Cocktail Push Pops

Sushi Push Pops

“Fruishi” Push Pops

Korean Salmon Push Pops Spicy Tuna Push Pops

Picnic Push Pops

Cobb Salad, French Fries, Cheeseburger, and Elote Corn Salad Push Pops

To download a copy of this presentation, go to: slideshare.net/CateringChicago

Jeff Ware

jware@CateringByMichaels.com | (847) 966-6555

Questions?