Nuetzi, executive chef, Olive Garden; Chip Miller, vice president, sales, Simmons; Jim Barron, director, sales, Simmons; Jim Lawrence, chief supply chain officer, Darden Restaurants; and Gene Lee, chief executive officer, Darden Restaurants.
Darden Restaurants announced that poultry processing company Simmons Foods, based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, was named one of six “William B. Darden Distinguished Supplier Award” honorees for 2015. The award, named for the company's late founder, recognizes suppliers who continuously exceed expectations by providing innovative products and services that contribute to the success of the company.
“Partners like Simmons Foods make it possible for us to support our more than 1,500 restaurants nationwide on a daily basis,” said Jim Lawrence, chief supply chain officer for Darden Restaurants. “We are thankful for their teamwork and collaboration, and pleased to recognize them in this way.”
Darden Restaurants honored the chicken processor's dedication to quality and consistency, as well as for Simmons Foods' partnership in helping develop the new chicken breast product being used by Olive Garden restaurants.
The awards were presented at a dinner in Orlando on March 4.
