August 24, Atlanta – Travelers looking for a healthy alternative and great tasting meal while traveling through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport need to look no further. They now have three Proof of the Pudding: Fresh Gourmet kiosks to satisfy their taste buds. Located on Concourse A at gates 18 and 28, and Concourse B at gate 10, travelers can now enjoy convenient, heart-healthy alternatives to the food options that currently exist in the airport.
 
“The Proof of the Pudding: Fresh Gourmet kiosks opened to help provide a highly desired element for travelers—great tasting food that is healthy for them and convenient to purchase on the go,” said Anthony Joseph, president, Concessions International, LLC. ”Proof of the Pudding is unique in that it offers numerous options for those interested in heart-healthy menu items in general and for those who are vegetarians.”
 
The Proof of the Pudding foods are all lower by 10-15 percent in fat, sodium and cholesterol from the 2000 calorie a day diet sponsored by the USDA. They are focused on adding “super foods” to the diet including, salmon, spinach, nuts and more fruits and vegetables.  Some menu items even draw from the Mediterranean diet. The basic goal behind the menu development is to eliminate unnecessary calories  while maintaining a gourmet taste. “A prime example is the Dijon apple sauce on the Ham Sandwich with apples. By using this sauce, we were able to take away the cheese that is normally associated with ham sandwiches without taking away the pleasing texture that comes from eating cheese,” said Jeff Call, product development manager, Concessions International, LLC. “With the turkey sandwich, we use red onion and balsamic vinegar marmalade to soothe the palate.” 

According to John Cugasi, director of concessions, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, there are more than 90 million travelers passing through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport each year. “We are excited about the healthy and flavorful options that the new Proof of the Pudding: Fresh Gourmet kiosks offer our guests who regularly travel in and out of Atlanta as well as those passing through,” said Cugasi.
 
The food items were collaboratively developed between CI and one of Atlanta’s premier caterers, Proof of the Pudding.  Chef Vagn Nielsen of Proof added expertise in the areas of healthy dining, vegetarian dining, fat substitutions, take-away food production, and a deep working knowledge of what is enticing and practical in airport environments.

“The team worked diligently to combine flavors to please the most discriminating taste buds and to utilize major food company products such as Hormel Natural Choice meats, fruits and vegetables and to include lower sodium alternatives to extend the flavors,” said Vagn Nielsen, corporate executive chef, Proof of the Pudding. 
 
The menu features a variety of prime proteins including salmon, tuna, spicy chicken, roasted chicken that is prepared in-house, and pumpkin seeds. For vegetarians, ”Fresh Gourmet” features assorted Kashi cereal bowls with a choice of Silk Soy milk or Organic milk; a granola and organic yogurt bowl (which will be available by the end of the summer); Rachel’s Wickedly delicious yogurts (hormone free, all natural and pro-biotic); in-house made Greek salad, fruit cups; Fiber One bars and all natural Christie’s Cookies.
 
The top selling items from the Fresh Gourmet kiosks has been as follows (1) the Turkey Sandwich, which is sliced roasted turkey, balsamic onion marmalade with yellow peppers on multi-rye bread, (2) the Chicken Wrap, which is sliced chicken with, tomato with guacamole and Monterey pepper jack cheese on lavash and (3) the Turkey Wrap, which is roasted turkey, fresh basil, sweet Vidalia and crisp frisee.  The other top sellers include the Chipotle Chicken Ranch Salad with pumpkin seeds and Rachel’s Wickedly Delicious Yogurt.         
 
ABOUT CONCESSIONS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Atlanta-based Concessions International, LLC, founded in 1978, is a dynamic food and beverage concessionaire with operations in eight airports. CI currently represents 32 different brands within over 60 units.  CI also operates Paschal’s Restaurant in the historic Castleberry district of downtown Atlanta.
 
ABOUT PROOF OF THE PUDDING
Specializing in sensational culinary creations in off premise catering, food service management and unique specialty brand concepts, Proof of the Pudding is an innovative, upscale food service provider committed to exceeding its clients' expectations each and every day. Providing an artful touch to its events, partnerships and brands, the team at Proof of the Pudding has prided itself on being the not-so-secret ingredient to unforgettable culinary experiences for nearly 30 years. For more information visit www.proofatlanta.com.