Latest news with #Watermelon
Eater
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
The Power of Friendship Beckons Industry Heavyweights to Open a New West Town Bar
It's been three years since the ownership of Friends of Friends, a new bar debuting today — Thursday, May 29 — in West Town, pulled together with the idea of opening a tavern on the corner of Chicago and Grand. Opening day for co-owner Abe Vucekovich — also an alum of the influential cocktail bar Violet Hour — hit differently. It was the celebrated bartender's first as an owner. The bar slowly filled up last week during an opening preview, with friends and neighbors trickling into the space at 2001 W. Grand Avenue. Vucekovich delighted in seeing about 100 smiling faces who filled the room, with some emptying into the 100-seat patio with heated floors for the winter and a fireplace. There are no TVs. The 11-seat bar was salvaged from the Brooklyn location of the Knitting Factory; the club closed in 2022. Friends of Friends co-owner Kevin Heisner, who now lives in New York, spotted the opportunity while walking by the shuttered club. Heisner and ownership proceeded to purchase the wooden bar, bringing it back to Chicago, where it now anchors the former Schlitz tavern with the brewery's familiar orb outside. That made the idea to hang the old red neon Schlitz sign that once adorned Danny's Tavern make too much sense. Terry Alexander was a co-owner of the Bucktown bar, which closed in 2020 and is a Friends of Friends partner. The bar intends to regularly host a Danny's tribute, which could lead to a revival of the tavern's popular soul night. Alexander, separately a partner at One Off Hospitality, remains connected with Danny's alums, including Courtland Green, who works at Dove's Luncheonette, one of One Off's restaurants. That taps into the bar's central theme and the genesis of its name. Vucekovich will also dip into his network of hospitality workers, hoping to host bar pop-ups, bringing in his friends who run taverns across the country. That's big news for cocktail nerds who will get chances to try drinks from some of America's top bars. But Friends of Friends is meant to welcome all drinkers. Vucekovich describes the vacant look on intimidated customers trying to understand a drink list full of esoteric ingredients: 'You can see it in the look in the eyes,' he says, describing the plea for assistance. ''Can you help me?'' Wanting to avoid those awkward exchanges, Friends of Friends's menu uses tried-and-true descriptors as drink names like 'Floral and Bubbly' (Sakura infused Roots N/A Divino Bianco, sparkling Watermelon and Hibiscus, citrus tonic) and 'Bold and Luscious' (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Amontillado Sherry, washed with a Scorched Banana, Demerara Coconut Oil). Vucekovich says the simple terms make the drink list easier to navigate. They don't want the space to feel pretentious. Even though the drinks are sophisticated, most of the 'tweezer stuff' will be done away from the customer's eye, says Vucekovich. There's also natural wines on draft, Schilitz and whiskey specials for $5, and more. Heisner's focus is on design, and he's a longtime partner with Matt Eisler in Heisler Hospitality, one of the city's most successful bar groups with hits like Estereo and Sportsman's Club. Heisler's offices are located above Friends of Friends. Alexander, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, has even brought some of his hometown flavor to the new bar. A version of Runza, the sandwich puff from the chain of the same name, will be served. Called the Frunza, it's stuffed with beef, cabbage, and onions. It's the kind of snack that teens would turn to after drinking a beer or two, wanting to cover up the smell of alcohol from their parents, Alexander says. The vibe is for more responsible snacking at Friends of Friends, where the drinks will clock in at $13, and snacks hover in the $5 range. It's kind of ensuring a happy hour feel at all times of the day. Management is also open to tweaking the layout and offerings, eager to hear how customers respond to the bar. The space's history is a bit of a mixed bag. Vucekovich says a passerby claims his mother ran an Italian grocery store in the basement. Vucekovich is also the force behind the drinks at the acclaimed Meadowlark in Logan Square, and while his focus is on Friends of Friends, he'll continue to create new drinks at Meadowlark. Vucekovich mentions a quirky detail: The Knitting Factory's bar from New York came affixed with a Sharkula sticker, representing the Chicago-area rapper. 'I've known him for years,' Vucekovich says. 'He slept on my couch back in the day.' Perhaps a friend of a friend placed the sticker on the bar. Friends of Friends , 2001 W. Grand Avenue, open 4 p.m. to midnight on Monday through Thursday; 2 p.m. to midnight on Friday through Sunday Sign up for our newsletter.
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Sonic ‘Tops' Its Summer Menu With 3 Sweet New Drink Offers
Sonic Drive-In's latest summer menu update is like the cherry on top of a sundae. On Tuesday, just about a week after the chain debuted its all-new Cheesy Garlic Pepperoni Bites and confirmed it would be bringing back two of its most "frequently requested" seasonal items (its Watermelon and Lemonberry Slushies), Sonic unveiled another menu innovation: Sweet Topped Lemonades. The drink menu newcomer is said to be available in three flavors, all of which feature a base of "all-natural lemonade" that's topped off with a "layer of velvety cold foam." Related: Sonic's Highly-Anticipated New Slush Is Officially Here-and It Comes With a Big Surprise According to a spokesperson for the brand, Sonic's Sweet Topped Lemonades will be offered in three flavors, at least to start, including Classic, Strawberry and Blueberry Lavender Lemonade. The Classic Sweet Topped Lemonade is described as a "tart all-natural lemonade" that's been dressed up with a "velvety sweet cold foam." Its Strawberry Lemonade variety takes that same lemonade base and adds "real fruit Strawberries" for an even summery version of the new bev. While the Blueberry Lavender version mixes the tart lemonade with a "Blueberry Lavender flavor" for those feeling a little more experimental. Sonic's new twist on its lemonade doesn't just expand its menu but helps students grow; as the company said, "each lemonade purchased helps fund local classrooms through SONIC's Limeades for Learning initiative," which helps support public education programs, schools, classrooms and teachers here in the U.S. Not only that, but the beloved drive-in is also teaming up with First Book, which provides books and other learning resources to children in need, to distribute some "100,000 books to students in need." To really drive home the initiative, Sonic has also partnered with three bestselling authors to help "bring the sips + summer reads combo to life," including Say You'll Remember Me author Abby Jimenez, Sounds Like Love writer Ashley Poston and The Paradise Problem author Christina Lauren. "This partnership isn't just about the ultimate summer sip; it's about fueling a lifelong love ofreading," Stuart Brown, executive director of the Inspire Brands Foundation, said in a statement. "SONIC donates a portion of every drink purchase back to support local schools, each Sweet Topped Lemonade helps get local students the resources they need through the SONIC Foundation's Limeades for Learning® initiative. Together with these celebrated authors, we're making it easier for students across the country to turn the page toward a brighter future." The new Sweet Topped Lemonades are currently available to order in the app, with the official nationwide rollout slated for Monday, June 2. Next:Popular Chain Launches "Sour Power" Drink Menu for a Limited Time Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aspire Biopharma provides development update on BUZZ BOMB supplement
Aspire Biopharma (ASBP) announced the brand name BUZZ BOMB and anticipated market launch for its novel sublingual pre-workout supplement. BUZZ BOMB features 50mg of caffeine and is designed to support sustained energy and mental focus, helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts maximize their performance potential. Aspire has commenced initial production of BUZZ BOMB, its single serving pre-workout caffeine supplement utilizing Aspire's patent-pending and proprietary sublingual delivery pre-workout formula is conveniently packaged in a single serving packet for easy on-the-go use. Consumers will have a choice of six BUZZ BOMB flavors, including Tropical Fruit, Mixed Berry, Watermelon, Lemon Lime, Peach Mango, and Mocha Coffee. The Company expects to begin expanded pre-launch consumer testing of this supplement product during the second quarter of 2025. In August, the Company will have a booth and be an event sponsor at two of the largest fitness conferences in the nation where over 50,000 people interested in health, fitness, optimization, nutrition, and overall wellbeing will be able to taste, sample, and experience the BUZZ BOMB pre-workout supplement. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See today's best-performing stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on ASBP: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Aspire announces first patient dosed in Phase 1 trial of aspirin formulation Aspire Biopharma files to sell 8.33M shares of common stock for holders Aspire announces IRB approval for in-human trial of aspirin formulation Aspire commences initial production of pre-workout performance supplement Aspire announces Phase 1 trial initiation of high-dose aspirin formulation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc., Provides Development Update on BUZZ BOMB(TM), its New Sublingual Pre-Workout Supplement, Expected to Launch in Third Quarter of 2025
Sublingual nano technology delivers caffeine rapidly to the blood stream, bringing its unique disruptive benefits to the Pre-workout marketInitial production has commenced with six flavor optionsExpanded pre-launch consumer testing planned for Q2 2025Aspire to launch BUZZ BOMB™ at two major upcoming fitness conventionsMarketing plan focused on cost-effective multi-channel digital strategy targeting primary influencers, direct response sales and traditional retail sales channelsGlobal pre-workout supplements market size is expected to reach $27.97 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030 HUMACO, PUERTO RICO and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP) ("Aspire" or the "Company"), a developer of a multi-faceted patent-pending drug delivery technology, today announced the brand name BUZZ BOMB™ and anticipated market launch for its novel sublingual pre-workout supplement. BUZZ BOMB™ features 50mg of caffeine and is designed to support sustained energy and mental focus, helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts maximize their performance potential. Aspire has commenced initial production of BUZZ BOMB™, its single serving pre-workout caffeine supplement utilizing Aspire's patent-pending and proprietary sublingual delivery pre-workout formula is conveniently packaged in a single serving packet for easy on-the-go use. Consumers will have a choice of six BUZZ BOMB™ flavors, including Tropical Fruit, Mixed Berry, Watermelon, Lemon Lime, Peach Mango, and Mocha Coffee. Fitness Convention Booth and Sponsor Events for BUZZ BOMB™ Launch The Company expects to begin expanded pre-launch consumer testing of this supplement product during the second quarter of 2025. In August, the Company will have a booth and be an event sponsor at two of the largest fitness conferences in the nation where over 50,000 people interested in health, fitness, optimization, nutrition, and overall wellbeing will be able to taste, sample, and experience the BUZZ BOMB™ pre-workout supplement. FITCON Expohttps:// August 1-2, 2025Mountain America Expo Center, Salt Lake City, Utah The Fit Expo™ 2-3The Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA Management Commentary "The introduction of Aspire's caffeine-based "Buzz Bomb™" Sublingual Pre-Workout energy supplement has the ideal unique characteristics to disrupt the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar Sports Nutrition and Fitness market," said Kraig Higginson, Chief Executive Officer of Aspire. "We are excited about the early feedback from fitness trainers and athletes-who love how clean and simple our product is--and we look forward to the implementation of our phased marketing plan as we prepare for our market launch in the early third quarter. Initial production, performed by Desert Stream, a leading private label manufacturer in the health and wellness industry, has proceeded as planned and we expect to have ample product available for consumer testing and launch. While we are initially focused on the fitness pre-workout market, we believe the product also has tremendous broad market appeal in the Cognitive Focus and Energy Boost markets for professionals seeking a safe, healthy way to meet energy demands at work. We believe it may also appeal to a growing Health and Nutrition market as a weight loss enhancement, and as a coffee alternative, providing the taste, energy, and cognitive boost of coffee, while on the go, without the adverse effects of disrupting the gut micro biome and the liver, that is associated with long term coffee consumption." Higginson added, "As part of our commercial and revenue strategy, BUZZ BOMB™, is expected to provide Aspire with the opportunity for rapid, cost-effective market entry, and early revenue and cash flow while we complete our FDA clinical trials and application process for our high-dose aspirin product." BUZZ BOMB™: Disruptive Characteristics The Pre-Workout supplement market segment is flooded with many options for energy boosting and hydration products. Many, if not most, of these products today are based on a powdered "mix + water" combination that take 20-30 minutes to digest and begin to provide performance benefits. This disadvantage complicates use, response management, caffeine control, and effectiveness. In contrast, Buzz Bomb™ provides nearly instant energy, in easy-to-use small sublingual packets, which can be taken right before and during work out as needed. Market research shows that immediacy, ease of use and time management (take as needed, when needed) ranks highest in consumer preferences. Buzz Bomb™ offers potentially disruptive benefits and product characteristics that is expected to drive market penetration with significant differentiation, leading to rapid customer conversion, acquisition, and brand identity in this market. Aspire's sublingual nano technology is designed to deliver caffeine directly to the blood stream, bringing its unique disruptive benefits to the Pre-Workout market. These unique benefits provide significant product differentiation from powder mix beverage products that currently dominate the market segment. BUZZ BOMB™ Disruptive Features: Speed - works nearly immediately vs. 20-30 minutesConvenience - easy to use small packets vs. mix beveragesEnergy management - use as needed, when needed to manage energySingle Safe Ingredients - well known benefits and use of caffeineLow manufacturing & packaging costs - competitive pricing with high margin potentialEasy powerful product demonstration - enabling low-cost sample kits Pre-workout Supplements Market & Growth Drivers According to Research and Market Reports recent report, "The global pre-workout supplements market size is expected to reach $27.97 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030." Growth Drivers Rising fitness culture and gym membershipsConsumer focus on performance and recoveryExpanding demographics (women, Gen Z, casual exercisers)Growth of RTD ("Ready To Drink"- no mixing) formats & natural formulationsDigital fitness and influencer-led marketing About the Aspire Targeted Oral Delivery Platform Aspire's technology delivers a soluble, fast acting granular or powder formulation which has been developed by using our patent-pending methodology, and "trade secret" process. The technology's new mechanism of action allows for rapid sublingual absorption and entry into the bloodstream of supplements and other substances. The benefits of "rapid absorption" are to provide rapid impact in more precise quantities. About Aspire Biopharma, Inc. Headquartered in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Aspire Biopharma has developed a disruptive technology through a Novel Soluble Formulation which can deliver supplements and drugs rapidly and precisely. For more information, please visit Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements made in this communication are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "projects," "expects," "anticipates," "forecasts," "plans," "intends," "believes," "seeks," "may," "will," "would," "should," "future," "propose," "potential," "target," "goal," "objective," "outlook" and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of Aspire's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the control of the parties, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. Contact TraDigital IRKevin McGrath+1-646-418-7002kevin@ SOURCE: Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc., Provides Development Update on BUZZ BOMB(TM), its New Sublingual Pre-Workout Supplement, Expected to Launch in Third Quarter of 2025
Sublingual nano technology delivers caffeine rapidly to the blood stream, bringing its unique disruptive benefits to the Pre-workout market Initial production has commenced with six flavor options Expanded pre-launch consumer testing planned for Q2 2025 Aspire to launch BUZZ BOMB™ at two major upcoming fitness conventions Marketing plan focused on cost-effective multi-channel digital strategy targeting primary influencers, direct response sales and traditional retail sales channels Global pre-workout supplements market size is expected to reach $27.97 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030 HUMACO, PUERTO RICO and NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / May 28, 2025 / Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP) ('Aspire' or the 'Company'), a developer of a multi-faceted patent-pending drug delivery technology, today announced the brand name BUZZ BOMB™ and anticipated market launch for its novel sublingual pre-workout supplement. BUZZ BOMB™ features 50mg of caffeine and is designed to support sustained energy and mental focus, helping athletes and fitness enthusiasts maximize their performance potential. Aspire has commenced initial production of BUZZ BOMB™, its single serving pre-workout caffeine supplement utilizing Aspire's patent-pending and proprietary sublingual delivery pre-workout formula is conveniently packaged in a single serving packet for easy on-the-go use. Consumers will have a choice of six BUZZ BOMB™ flavors, including Tropical Fruit, Mixed Berry, Watermelon, Lemon Lime, Peach Mango, and Mocha Coffee. Fitness Convention Booth and Sponsor Events for BUZZ BOMB™ Launch The Company expects to begin expanded pre-launch consumer testing of this supplement product during the second quarter of 2025. In August, the Company will have a booth and be an event sponsor at two of the largest fitness conferences in the nation where over 50,000 people interested in health, fitness, optimization, nutrition, and overall wellbeing will be able to taste, sample, and experience the BUZZ BOMB™ pre-workout supplement. FITCON Expo August 1-2, 2025 Mountain America Expo Center, Salt Lake City, Utah The Fit Expo™ August 2-3 The Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA Management Commentary 'The introduction of Aspire's caffeine-based 'Buzz Bomb™' Sublingual Pre-Workout energy supplement has the ideal unique characteristics to disrupt the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar Sports Nutrition and Fitness market,' said Kraig Higginson, Chief Executive Officer of Aspire. 'We are excited about the early feedback from fitness trainers and athletes-who love how clean and simple our product is–and we look forward to the implementation of our phased marketing plan as we prepare for our market launch in the early third quarter. Initial production, performed by Desert Stream, a leading private label manufacturer in the health and wellness industry, has proceeded as planned and we expect to have ample product available for consumer testing and launch. While we are initially focused on the fitness pre-workout market, we believe the product also has tremendous broad market appeal in the Cognitive Focus and Energy Boost markets for professionals seeking a safe, healthy way to meet energy demands at work. We believe it may also appeal to a growing Health and Nutrition market as a weight loss enhancement, and as a coffee alternative, providing the taste, energy, and cognitive boost of coffee, while on the go, without the adverse effects of disrupting the gut micro biome and the liver, that is associated with long term coffee consumption.' Higginson added, 'As part of our commercial and revenue strategy, BUZZ BOMB™, is expected to provide Aspire with the opportunity for rapid, cost-effective market entry, and early revenue and cash flow while we complete our FDA clinical trials and application process for our high-dose aspirin product.' BUZZ BOMB™: Disruptive Characteristics The Pre-Workout supplement market segment is flooded with many options for energy boosting and hydration products. Many, if not most, of these products today are based on a powdered 'mix + water' combination that take 20-30 minutes to digest and begin to provide performance benefits. This disadvantage complicates use, response management, caffeine control, and effectiveness. In contrast, Buzz Bomb™ provides nearly instant energy, in easy-to-use small sublingual packets, which can be taken right before and during work out as needed. Market research shows that immediacy, ease of use and time management (take as needed, when needed) ranks highest in consumer preferences. Buzz Bomb™ offers potentially disruptive benefits and product characteristics that is expected to drive market penetration with significant differentiation, leading to rapid customer conversion, acquisition, and brand identity in this market. Aspire's sublingual nano technology is designed to deliver caffeine directly to the blood stream, bringing its unique disruptive benefits to the Pre-Workout market. These unique benefits provide significant product differentiation from powder mix beverage products that currently dominate the market segment. BUZZ BOMB™ Disruptive Features: Speed – works nearly immediately vs. 20-30 minutes Convenience – easy to use small packets vs. mix beverages Energy management – use as needed, when needed to manage energy Single Safe Ingredients – well known benefits and use of caffeine Low manufacturing & packaging costs – competitive pricing with high margin potential Easy powerful product demonstration – enabling low-cost sample kits Pre-workout Supplements Market & Growth Drivers According to Research and Market Reports recent report, 'The global pre-workout supplements market size is expected to reach $27.97 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.9% from 2025 to 2030.' Growth Drivers Rising fitness culture and gym memberships Consumer focus on performance and recovery Expanding demographics (women, Gen Z, casual exercisers) Growth of RTD ('Ready To Drink'- no mixing) formats & natural formulations Digital fitness and influencer-led marketing About the Aspire Targeted Oral Delivery Platform Aspire's technology delivers a soluble, fast acting granular or powder formulation which has been developed by using our patent-pending methodology, and 'trade secret' process. The technology's new mechanism of action allows for rapid sublingual absorption and entry into the bloodstream of supplements and other substances. The benefits of 'rapid absorption' are to provide rapid impact in more precise quantities. About Aspire Biopharma, Inc. Headquartered in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Aspire Biopharma has developed a disruptive technology through a Novel Soluble Formulation which can deliver supplements and drugs rapidly and precisely. For more information, please visit Safe Harbor Statement Certain statements made in this communication are 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of words such as 'estimate,' 'projects,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'forecasts,' 'plans,' 'intends,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'may,' 'will,' 'would,' 'should,' 'future,' 'propose,' 'potential,' 'target,' 'goal,' 'objective,' 'outlook' and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for future operations. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of Aspire's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the control of the parties, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law. Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. Contact TraDigital IR Kevin McGrath +1-646-418-7002 kevin@ SOURCE: Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
