I had just turned off the TV and was heading to my desk when Russ T. Blade tossed a little football into the air from behind my laptop. “Rusty” as regular readers know, is the miniature, imaginary produce manager who occasionally appears to talk shop.
Me: I see you’re ready for the upcoming football season.
Rusty: Yeah, thank goodness the drudgery we call preseason is over and we can now root on our favorite teams as they play for keeps.
Me: The advent of football season has always been a good theme to promote fresh produce. Consider all the items that tie in well to the big game festivities: avocados, relish veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cukes, zukes, gronions (er, green onions), celery, radishes and fresh dips to go with it all, for just a few examples.
Rusty: Did you see in the news that the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and receiver Travis Kelce are opening a premium steakhouse called 1587 Prime?
Me: Talk about striking while the iron is hot. With all their success, I’m sure it’ll be a popular spot for years to come. Similar foodservice enterprises have flourished over the years with top football names to help grease the way: Joe Theismann’s Restaurant, Hall of Fame Chopehouse (Brett Favre), Elway’s (John Elway), Vince Young Steakhouse, Shanahan’s (Mike Shanahan) — all recognizable football names that adorn elite steakhouses.
Rusty: Well, in KC, the 1587 steakhouse (an obvious reference to the players’ jersey numbers) already has a long waiting list. That’s what winning multiple Super Bowls can help propel.
Me: I also read that Patrick Mahomes loves his premium steak with, get this, ketchup on the side. Or as some still point out, catsup. Either way — yum.
Rusty: I always envision my steak with a great side of sauteed mushrooms, and in fact, these sell great when I cross-merchandise near the meat case on weekends; I sell up to 20 cases each day, as opposed to selling just a couple if I just display them in the produce case. But, what? Did you say Mahomes likes his steak with ketchup!?
Me: C’mon Rusty. Everyone likes their steak served up in their own special way: rare, medium, etc. Steak sauces are common, even if some steak purists out there insist that these mask the flavor of a premium steak. Even restaurateur celebrity chef Guy Fieri says Mahomes isn’t wrong.
Rusty: Oh, I get it. You’re a Chiefs fan, so anything that No. 15 likes, you do too?
Me: What? No way. I’m a Broncos fan, through and through. So, not only not a KC fan, but in fact, count the days when that dynasty runs its course. However, Mahomes and I do share the love of sweet tomato ketchup with just about anything, including a good steak. I always have. Up until this point, I was embarrassed to even ask for it when dining out. So, when I found out about Mahomes’ preferred condiment well, now we have a kinship. Now I am compelled to admire the guy even more.
Rusty: No, no, no! Don’t you remember these lyrics: “You don’t tug on Superman’s cape / you don’t spit into the wind / you don’t pull the mask off that old ranger / and you …” — well, you don’t ask for ketchup with your steak!
Me: I’m so glad to see the advent of football season, especially in the produce aisle; lots of sales opportunities, great customer sales “rushes” right before kickoff. The home front is electric. The gathering of loyal fans, grilling away out there …
Rusty: I’ll say it one more time, no ketchup on that steak!
Me: Au contraire, my friend. Try it sometime. It’s just the best flavor pairing. Stay strong, Mahomes.
Armand Lobato’s more than 50 years of experience in the produce business span a range of foodservice and retail positions. He has written a weekly retail column for nearly two decades.
