Hess SBU Creates Solutions for Metro NY Foodservices

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The New York State Restaurant Association's (NYSRA) relationship with the Hess Small Business program has had a positive impact on the profitability of a number of Metro New York foodservice operators. Since the establishment of the program in 2008, both foodservice operators and manufacturers have benefitted from the comprehensive energy savings programs offered by Hess. 

For the past 50 years, Westchester County's Eastchester Odyssey Diner has been a landmark for the highest quality fare. "Our family has been in the restaurant business for over 50 years," noted owner Dean Doukas. "Everything's made from scratch in our diner, and our cooking equipment is gas-fired." 

For Doukas and many Metro New York operators, in this economic environment a penny saved is a penny earned. "Our members have long been pleased with both the low prices and the excellent service they receive from Hess for natural gas," said NYSRA Executive VP Jaqueline Chin. "We're confident that Hess will help them save money and build their bottom line with its electricity service, too."  

"Now more than ever, restaurant operators and all small-business owners are looking for ways to save money and may not realize they have competitive energy choices," said John Sutherland, director of Hess Small Business Services. "We're very pleased that NYSRA has the confidence to continue to recommend us to its members, who are such an essential part of New York's business community." 

In addition to providing small businesses in New York City with natural gas and electricity, Hess is a natural gas supplier to small business customers in New Jersey. Hess plans to expand its small business energy services in 2011 to offer natural gas in all areas of New Jersey, as well as natural gas and electricity in upstate New York.  

The benefits of the Hess program have flowed into the manufacturing channel of the foodservice industry. Bronx-based Miss Grimble Dessert has built a reputation as a purveyor of baked goods to many of the finest restaurants and hotels in New York. "If I don't provide good service, my customers don't need me; they'll go someplace else for their cakes, explained the firm's president Errol Bier. “The same thing is true for my suppliers. I shop for the best price on natural gas, just like I shop for flour, eggs or pecans. But I also need prompt, courteous, knowledgeable service. I get all of that from Hess. Their prices are competitive, they're here when I need them."   

The New York State Restaurant Association, founded in 1935, is the leading business association for the restaurant and hospitality industry in New York State. Comprised of more than 56,000 restaurants, bars and clubs, New York restaurants represent more than 628,000 employees and sales of approximately $27 billion-making them the cornerstone of the state's economy, career opportunities and community involvement

Hess Corporation, with headquarters in New York, is a leading global independent energy company engaged in exploration for and production of crude oil and natural gas, as well as in refining and in marketing refined petroleum products, natural gas and electricity. Hess Energy Marketing is a leading provider of natural gas, fuel oil and electricity to commercial and industrial customers as well as utilities and other wholesale customers. Hess Small Business Services provides cost-effective pricing plans for natural gas and electricity and online tools to help small businesses take control of their energy spend.