Kona DeepTM Launches New Category of Deep Ocean Water in the U.S. Mainland

Kona DeepTM Launches New Category of Deep Ocean Water in the U.S. Mainland

Electrolyte-Rich Bottled Water Delivers Great Taste, Purity & Performance

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (February 10, 2016)Kona DeepTM, the Hawaii-based bottled water company, will launch its namesake brand in the continental United States beginning in March. Already widely distributed in its hometown state of Hawaii, the introduction signals the creation of a new category: deep ocean drinking water. The naturally electrolyte-rich bottled water, which delivers an extraordinary taste and hydration experience, will initially be distributed throughout the natural, grocery and specialty retail channels in the Western United States. Later this year, Kona Deep will expand its distribution throughout the rest of the country.

Until now, consumers had to choose between spring water and highly processed, functional purified waters with artificially added electrolytes. With Kona Deep, bottled water drinkers no longer have to choose between purity and performance. The new brand offers both – the purity of a trusted, natural source with nothing artificial, nothing added and the hydration benefits of electrolytes. A new study that’s currently underway at the University of Arizona, which seeks to evaluate the impact of post-exercise hydration with deep ocean mineral water on exercise performance, rehydration and recovery, may further strengthen this connection.

Kona Deep comes from melted glacial water, which sunk to the ocean floor more than 1,000 years ago, creating a deep ocean current that still flows today. This infinitely renewable source absorbs naturally occurring electrolytes and minerals along its journey across the ocean floor and along volcanic fissures, which are crucial for hydration and body balance.

While deep ocean water is difficult to access, the coast of Kona, Hawaii, provides an ideal location to source and bottle the water because the ocean floor falls sharply to more than 3,000 feet below the surface. At this depth, near-freezing cold and prolonged darkness create a pure water that is protected from light and surface ocean water. Once brought to the surface, the water is desalinated and bottled at the source with a total dissolved solids (TDS) content of 250, the perfect balance of performance and taste. During the process, nothing is added.

Kona Deep Chief Executive Officer Patrick Turpin, co-founder of PopchipsTM – the innovative and wildly popular better for you snack – looks forward to sharing the unique benefits of deep ocean water.

“Kona Deep is a great option for those who want their water to work harder, naturally,” said Turpin. “We’re giving people who want more from their bottled water a reason to rethink their choice.”

While Hawaii was a natural first place to launch, Turpin is setting his sights on growing this brand across the continental U.S., where premium bottle water sales have skyrocketed more than 300% over the past five years.[1]

“Deep ocean water is a billion dollar category in Asia, but this is still very much a new category of bottled water in the U.S.,” Turpin added.

The new brand has also teamed up with world-class professional surfer and Hawaii-native Malia Manuel, as well as Arizona-based hurdler and Olympic hopeful Georganne Moline, as brand ambassadors. Both women represent a generation of consumers who want more from their bottled water and value natural products.

Kona Deep is now available in Hawaii in grocery stores, convenience stores, natural stores, and military exchanges in 500mL and 1L bottles. Consumers can purchase Kona Deep in store or online at www.amazon.com.

For more information, and a full list of retail locations, please visit www.konadeep.com and follow the brand on Twitter and @KonaDeep

About Kona DeepTM

Kona Deep is a deeply refreshing and restoring water with a unique balance of naturally occurring deep ocean electrolytes essential to life and health. Kona Deep comes from the ocean waters of Hawaii, over 3,000 feet below the surface where cold, pressure and darkness combine to create an exceptionally high quality water. We utilize a unique method to bring the water to the surface to offer you an extraordinary taste and hydration experience. In the process, we add nothing.

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[1] Beverage Digest 2015 Fact Book

Firefly Kitchen Launches New Lunch Service

Firefly Kitchen Launches New Lunch Service

Brooklyn-Inspired North Shore Neighborhood Bistro Builds on its Success

Wilmette, Ill. (February 11, 2016)Firefly Kitchen, the Brooklyn-inspired upscale neighborhood bistro, announced today that it will begin serving lunch, in addition to dinner and weekend brunch. Since opening last July, Firefly has made its mark on the North Shore dining and drinking scene. The new lunch menu will feature Contemporary American cuisine, Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm.

Diners can expect the same creative culinary approach to lunch from New York native and veteran chef, Dean Salerno, who brings a “Taste of Brooklyn” to Chicago’s North Shore. The menu includes imaginative items like the Stacked Chicken Caesar, which features a trio of lettuce and two distinct preparations of freshly cut chicken, lightly drizzled with Caesar dressing and black pepper, and garnished with anchovies and three-cheese stuffed croutons.

For guests who want to go beyond the green, the ‘Bread and Bun’ portion of the menu gives diners a diverse selection of sandwich options from both land and sea. The BBQ Short Rib Sliders are a classic comfort dish, stacked high with slow cooked boneless meat and topped with slaw, for a smoky and spicy treat. The Tuna Burger showcases ‘sushi grade’ fish, topped with wasabi mayo and wakame salad.

“Our new lunch menu gives guests simple and delicious lunch options,” says Salerno. “Rather than reinvent the wheel, we’re presenting quality dishes with a twist.”

The new menu also features Firefly favorites currently found on the dinner menu, like the Chopped Salad, Salerno Burger and Housecut French Fries with Duck Fat Parmesan & Herbs. Full bar service will be available during lunch, featuring an extensive cocktail and wine list, expertly curated by James Pierce, former head of The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago.

Firefly Kitchen’s food and bar menu is also available for takeout. 2016 also marks the fourth year of operation for Firefly Events and Catering, which offers broad scope services ranging from a “Ravinia Basket” (complete with wine and beer selections) to black tie galas.

Firefly Kitchen is located at 111 Green Bay Road, on the border of Wilmette and Evanston. The restaurant is just steps away from Metra’s Central Street Station. It delivers a welcoming 60-seat, whimsically lit and modern vintage setting, and a 35-seat outdoor patio that serves as the perfect spot for a relaxing brunch or lunch, or intimate dinner.

For more information about Firefly Kitchen and to make a reservation, visit FFKitchen.com and www.OpenTable.com. “Like” Firefly Kitchen on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FireflyKitchen and follow the Company on Twitter and Instagram @Firefly_Kitchen

About Firefly Kitchen

Firefly Kitchen is a neighborhood and destination bistro led by NYC-native and veteran chef Dean Salerno, who aims to bring a “Taste of Brooklyn” to Chicago’s North Shore. The bistro offers upscale, comfort food in a glowing and vibrant bistro setting, along with a carefully curated cocktail and wine program led by James Pierce, former head of The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago. Firefly Kitchen brings an unpretentious approach to bistro food for every guest in a modern vintage style.

Hours of Operation

Sun; Tue – Thurs. dinner: 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Wed. – Sat. lunch: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

Fri., Sat. dinner, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Sun. brunch: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Mon: closed

About Firefly Events and Catering

Firefly Events & Catering specializes in creating elegant, memorable, and illuminating experiences. Whether a wedding, corporate event, or any other special occasion, we are dedicated to providing impeccable service and carefully handcrafted cuisine in beautiful, timeless settings.

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