The satisfaction that comes with devouring a fried chicken is the most taste rewarding experience. Enjoying the meal with a bunch of friends and making up for lost times is heavenly. Now, imagine yourself being the reason families reunite, people, find love and escape the hassles of life after a tiresome day! Being a business owner is a dream that will enable you to be your boss while attending to other people’s palate needs. Are you dreaming of opening your first fried chicken location? Here’s what you ought to know.

• Find an ideal location 

The first step to your success journey in becoming a major franchise is finding an optimal position. You ought to find the best place for your food outlet. You can decide to rent or buy an area with massive foot traffic, in a shopping mall or an industrial area. You can also choose to open a store in the town center or near the beach.

You ought to ensure that the zoning of the premises is ideal for food handling levels you intend to offer.

• Business plan and capital 

You ought to come up with a detailed business plan for you to acquire any finances. With the business plan, you can approach a team of investors and pitch out your idea. Your business plan ought to be convincing enough for your bank or credit union to offer their financial support. 

It would be best to carry out substantial research on the target market, operation viability, as well as the cost of running the place. Before signing any contract, it would help if you consulted with your business lawyer before saying yes to any clause.

• Finalize product range

You need to have a detailed plan of the products you plan on selling. Be sure to borrow a few tips from the various successful franchise, including Gami fried chicken locations. After that, you can add spice to your venture to make it stand out.

Be sure to add in various recipes as well as sauces. Don’t forget to add products that complement chicken all the time. You can try offering some side salads, rolls, vegetable dishes, fries, beer, or wine. It will enable you to identify the tools you’ll need in preparation for the menu list.

You also need to calculate the prices of the products and try to find out what other vendors are spending. It will enable you to have a rough estimate of the amount you’ll be spending on expenditure.

• Market to your potential clients 

You ought to market your joint so that clients can get to know about you. You can start by launching a special event and advertising your business. It would be best to set an online presence so that more people can get to know about you. You ought to ensure that your fried chicken is top-notch to be able to compete with other established franchises. Be in good terms with your suppliers; get the right license and food permit, employees, and customers. Your dream of owning the best-fried chicken store is achievable. Be sure to check out what others, such as Gami fried chicken locations are doing differently to become deemed relevant. Dare to start today and watch your business flourish into the best franchise ever.

Are you a steak lover? If you’re a real foodie, just mentioning the word probably makes your mouth water.

Unfortunately, most food fanatics crave this luxurious protein but only get to enjoy it when they eat in restaurants. And, it’s easy to see why less experienced home cooks may find preparing the perfect steak intimidating.

Sound familiar? Awesome. This article is for you! 

Cooking mouthwatering steak at home can be easy, once you’ve mastered a few basic cuts and how to cook them. We promise. 

Keep reading to learn about our favorite cuts and preparations for different types of steak. And, get ready to fire up the grill!  

Our Favorite Types of Steak 

Regardless of which incredible cut you choose, keep these tips in mind:

No matter how you’re cooking a steak, you should start the process on a hot surface. This will help create a beautiful charred exterior. 

Unless you’re a highly experienced home cook, use a meat thermometer to determine your steak’s internal temperature. 

If you aren’t familiar with food safety, you might not know how to properly store, prepare, and cook beef. Be sure to read up on this before you get started cooking at home. 

1. T-Bone

This cut is easily identified by the t-shaped bone running through its center.

The t-bone is often confused with the porterhouse cut because the two look very similar. But, they come from a different section of the loin. In either case, this is a steak that is best prepared on the grill.

This cut combines a portion from both the strip and tenderloin sections, so it’s like two steaks in one. The strip side will have more firm texture and deep flavor, while the loin side will be more buttery and subtle.

Keep in mind that meat closest to the bone will cook more slowly, so you’ll need to rest this steak or finish it in the oven after searing. 

2. Ribeye

If you’re looking for a steak that’s lean, tender, and loaded with flavor, a ribeye might be your best bet. 

Plus, this is one of the most versatile cuts on our list. While the ribeye makes an excellent option for the grill, it’s a top candidate for home cooks with flat top grills and meat smokers, too.

Are you an experienced home cook hoping to make an impression with plating and presentation? The tomahawk steak, an oversized bone-in ribeye, is one of the most impressive cuts out there.

3. New York Strip 

The New York cut isn’t your only option when it comes to strip steaks. But it’s undoubtedly the most popular.

This steak is one of the most flavorful, thanks to a thick fat cap on one edge. The extra fat also helps keep this cut moist and tender, but only if it’s properly rendered. 

Methods like pan searing and broiling are best for cooking the perfect New York strip. But, beware of grilling this steak unless you’re experienced. It’s easy to dry out!

4. Hanger

Also known as “arrachera” in Latin America, the hanger steak is prized for its flavor and texture. This cut is similar to flank and skirt steaks but comes from a more tender region. 

The secret to cooking a perfect hanger steak is simple. You’ll want to marinate it beforehand and cook it over a very hot grill for just two to three minutes per side. That way, you’ll get an outside sear without overcooking.

You’ll want to slice this steak across the grain with a very sharp knife before serving it. Foxel steak knives are perfect tools for the job.  

5. Tri-Tip

If you haven’t heard of this cut, don’t worry. You’re not alone.

The tri-tip is a thick triangular cut of bottom sirloin that requires slicing before serving. And, it has a large fat cap covering one side, so it’s almost a hybrid between a steak and a roast.

When properly cooked, this is one of the most mouthwatering steaks on our list. Tri-tip does well in the oven or on the grill, but only if you render its fat completely.

This will require a hard sear, fat side down for starters. Then, sear the other side and finish by baking or grilling at a low temperature and resting.

6. Tenderloin 

Tenderloin is the most expensive and highly sought after steak on our list. And, for a good reason.

This cut is known to be incredibly tender, whether cooked whole or broken down into filets. But, just like the tri-tip, you’ll need to cook it twice. Gently searing the tenderloin’s exterior before finishing it over indirect heat will ensure a delicious crusty outside with a moist pink center. 

Because the tenderloin is a very lean cut, it can dry out quickly when overcooked. No matter what method of preparation you choose, be sure to serve this steak medium-rare. 

7. Picanha 

The Picanha steak was made famous in Brasil but is now one of the trendiest cuts on the market. But, you might have to visit a high-quality butcher’s shop to find it.  

Also known as the sirloin cap, this steak is often overlooked outside its country of origin. Instead, butchers divide it into other cuts, including the rump, round, and loin.

To properly cook picanha steak, start by slicing it into two-inch thick steaks. Then, fold each slice in half, fat side out, and place on a spit or pole. You’ll want to cook this cut for at least twenty minutes while rotating constantly. 

Then, slice and serve churrascaria style. 

Ready, Set, Cook!

Now that you’ve got a bit of basic knowledge of these cuts and cooking methods, you should feel comfortable preparing a few different types of steak at home.

Don’t be surprised if it takes you a few tries to prepare a perfectly cooked steak. Practice makes perfect! And, when in doubt, stick to a highly reviewed recipe.

Cooking times and temperatures aren’t usually very flexible, so stick to a plan to avoid over or undercooking. And, unless you’ve been making steak for years, use a thermometer to check your steak’s internal temperature before slicing or serving.

Check out our other blog posts and articles for tips on cooking, health, lifestyle, and more.   

The climate of New Mexico is pitch perfect for growing the infamous chile pepper — usually. That’s all changing because of climate change (but don’t tell New Mexico residents that’s what we blame the problem on). June Rutherford is a New Mexico farmer who has been growing chile for the Great New Mexico Chile Taste-Off competition for about 80 years. That’s no small feat, but according to her it’s never been as difficult as it is right now.

“The weather hasn’t been a bit good for chile,” she said. “It’s been hot. Hot and dry.”

Washington state is one of the most diverse locations in the country when searching for people, places, outdoor scenery — and yes, even coffee. The first word you associate with Vancouver is probably “Canada” but there’s so much more regardless of which side of the border you land on. A cafe or coffee shop in Vancouver will usually provide a bigger space for lounging around than you’re accustomed to anywhere else, and there’s a reason for that.

Fans of the popular TV show Shark Tank know that it’s not always easy to convince the lineup of famous investors to embrace a novel idea — and in fact some participants go home empty-handed. But that wasn’t the case for owners of the now-renowned restaurant Fat Shack Underground, who managed to sweet talk investors into providing them with some sweet seed money for new locations and new possibilities.

One of those new possibilities is now situated in Pioneer Square. Head over to 88 Yesler Way for the perfect after-hours snack foods and desserts. Oh, but avoid Fat Shack if you’re not a fan of deep-fried foods. The owners sort of specialize in those. And they’re good at what they do.

Fat Shack Underground was first established as a single eatery on the East Coast. Soon, new locations would spring up in Colorado and Texas. The stint on Shark Tank landed them the funds to open their 15th location in Seattle. Billionaire Mark Cuban liked the restaurant idea — and the owners — and so he decided to grant them a whopping $250,000 for an equally whopping 15 percent stake in the franchise.

Oddly enough, Cuban is a 60-year-old health advocate. He’s accustomed to daily exercise, routine blood tests — and healthy eating habits. But that’s a lifestyle as far opposed to Fat Shack’s menu as it gets. It was especially surprising for Cuban to endorse the franchise because of his previous investments, which include products such as organic foods, plant-based supplements, and even vegan-made dog treats.

Fat Shack provides people with 2000-calorie snacks and sandwiches, i.e. heart attacks, strokes, and future diabetes for a premium price. Cuban said, “The business side of me says you’re hitting every line item. What I can’t get past is the whole health thing. Every other food product I have is geared towards healthy living.”

He was eventually compelled to change his mind when Fat Shack co-owner Tom Armenti told him he should consider diversifying his portfolio. Business words for a businessman. Armenti explained, “We don’t eat Fat Shack every single day, obviously. It’s a cheat meal for people to come in and get something really good.”

“Done,” Cuban responded. “Let’s go get fat.”

One has to wonder if health really matters as much when money speaks volumes. One also has to wonder if the fun snack establishment will take off in the highly Liberal bastion of Seattle, where people still, you know, walk whenever they can. Time will tell.

The pasty's seasonings are consistently simple. They are always seasoned with only salt and pepper and served with ketchup or gravy.

When people think of Michigan, food is not necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. But ours is a state where people are forced to really hunker down for winter — and since we can’t hibernate like bears, we need to keep eating. Naturally, we do a lot more of it in winter! That’s why we have such a large number of iconic dishes (iconic if you’re from the area, at least). Here are just a few to try if you decide on a Michigan vacation!

When you live so close to the border with Mexico, you grow accustomed to eating Mexican cuisine — and you grow even more accustomed to acknowledging the great divide between “subpar” and “great” Mexican food. Los Angeles visitors won’t want to miss out on these great restaurants, where they experience the best authentic Mexican food north of the border. This is our master list!

With so many varieties available, we may find ourselves wondering what the healthiest teas are. These teas often contain high levels of antioxidants, which can protect your cells from free radicals. This is why teas rich with antioxidants are incredibly popular.

To appreciate all the benefits tea has to offer, we need to look closely at antioxidants. We need to explore what they are, how they help, and what the best teas are.

Antioxidants at a Glance

We’ve all heard the term antioxidant, but do we really know what they are or why they’re important? Antioxidants are chemicals that can be man-made or naturally occurring. They work to combat cell damage, working to repair cell oxidation. 

Everyone experiences oxidation, as it’s a completely normal part of life. Sometimes imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants becomes a health concern.

If free radicals malfunction within our bodies, we may be more susceptible to infections brought on by pathogens.

This is where antioxidants come into play.

We need antioxidants to offset free radicals. When this partnership is compromised, free radicals can cause many health issues. This is what makes antioxidants so important.

When free radicals and antioxidants lack harmony within the body, oxidative stress occurs. 

Health Issues Linked to Oxidative Stress

Fatty tissue and DNA are directly affected by free radicals within our bodies. Since our bodies largely consist of DNA, protein, and lipids (fats), free radical damage can cause serious health issues.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and cancer have are all linked to free radical damage.

Pesticides, radiation, cigarette smoke, and pollution are just some of the external factors that can generate free radicals within our bodies, as well as eating excess amounts of sugar, fat, and alcohol.

Free radicals are missing an electron. As a result, they pilfer through our bodies, looking for cells to “steal” an electron from. These cells now function abnormally, since they are missing an electron. They now “steal” electrons from other cells, causing a domino effect.

This, in turn, causes even more free radicals, making the process a vicious cycle.

Our immune system becomes confused. As a result, it starts attacking all types of cells within our bodies, regardless of whether they are good or bad. The casualties are often healthy tissue and cells. 

Combating Free Radical Damage With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are found in plant and animal products. They’re an essential part of life, especially Vitamins C and E. This is why a healthy diet filled with colorful fruit and vegetables is so important. 

In short, antioxidants give free radicals the electron they’re missing. They’re also capable of disarming the free radical so that it is essentially harmless. They rev up our immune system and help to keep our bodies healthy.

Rife with essential antioxidants, tea plays a huge role in providing our body with nourishing antioxidants essential for healthy living. 

The Healthiest Teas Available

Polyphenols, a plant-derived antioxidant, is commonly found in tea. Polyphenols are micronutrients commonly found in dried spices, red wine, cocoa, as well as fruits and vegetables. These play a key role in maintaining our health and general wellbeing. 

There are many polyphenols in tea, providing many health benefits. For starters, green tea can help our body burn fat for fuel, amplifying a daily workout. A major benefit is muscle endurance, as well as cardiovascular health and playing a role in cancer prevention.

The antioxidants in green tea include catechins, flavonoids naturally occurring in tea leaves. Since green tea undergoes minimal processing, it has a plentiful amount of catechins. 

Catechins are the antioxidants that can fight off and work to prevent cell damage from occurring.

Black tea is rich with polyphenols such as thearubigins, catechins, and theaflavins. Recent studies have shown evidence of thearubigins reducing blood sugar and cholesterol. 

It’s suggested to drink three or more cups a day in order to reduce the risk of heart disease. White tea is another type of tea and thought to have cardiovascular benefits, just like its green and black tea counterparts. 

Cascara Tea: The Best of The Best

Cascara tea is another type of tea that provides an abundance of antioxidants. Many people believe that cascara coffee cherries (what we make this tea from) have more antioxidants than it’s competitors, making it one of the best sources for antioxidants.

Cascara tea may help support a healthy immune system and promote mental health, as well as support high levels of BDNF, an element that helps with memory, feelings of happiness, and the brain’s ability to age. 

As an added bonus, cascara tea provides a natural burst of energy with a sweeter and fruitier flavor than coffee. It has less caffeine than coffee but all the antioxidants that tea has to offer, making it the perfect drink.

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy 

Drinking tea is excellent for a pre-workout boost or to help get you through the day. Teas rich with antioxidants provide many benefits. Cascara tea is one of the best ways to incorporate these antioxidants into your daily diet.

Maintaining a healthy immune system is an essential part of life, and antioxidants play an integral role. Cascara tea is one of the healthiest teas available, with the perfect blend of essential antioxidants and flavor, guaranteed to please any tea drinker. 

We invite you to explore our wide selection of flavors and to read about the many health benefits linked to cascara teas. We use only the finest ingredients and work to create sustainable products that benefit you and the environment.