Chef Trotter did not come from a "food focused" family. His interest in food was developed while he was in college and his roommate, Joel Fish (who was an avid cook) would prepare various courses for his friends to taste. Trotter became interested in what Joel was doing, and soon found himself immersed in the world of cookbooks and preparing meals as a way of entertainment for his friends and roommates! Mid way through his college tenure (University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI) he decided to take a year off and read every book he could. This included cookbooks. As a way to make a living while on this break from school, Trotter took a job as a waiter. Upon return to college, where he earned his Bachelor's of Science degree in Political Science, he began once again cooking and actually doing small catering parties.

The Colville Tribal Enterprise Corporation (CTEC) is headquartered in Coulee Dam Washington and was founded in 1984. It has grown to become the largest, most diverse Native American business in northeastern Washington. The company currently manages 16 enterprises that include gaming, recreation and tourism, retail, construction and wood products. CTEC continues to be an economic leader in the region. The corporation employs over 800 people and generates over $120 million in revenues each year. Our goal is to provide revenue for the Tribes, and employment and training opportunities for tribal members.

Bagels and coffee are key ingredients for this company. Einstein Noah Restaurant Group is the largest bagel shop operator in the US, with more than 690 company-owned and franchised locations in more than 35 states. Its flagship chain, Einstein Bros. Bagels, offers more than a dozen varieties of fresh-made bagels and spreads, along with coffee, pastries, and a menu of sandwiches and salads at its more than 530 outlets. In addition to Einstein Bros., New World operates the Noah's New York Bagels and Manhattan Bagel chains. About 430 of the bagel shops are company-owned, while the rest are operated by franchisees or licensees. Investment firm Greenlight Capital controls about 65% of Einstein Noah.

Park Plaza Hotels Limited is a closed-ended investment company. Park Plaza Hotels Company through its subsidiaries owns, develops, constructs, operates, franchises and manages hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It operates its hotels under two different brands, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts or art’otel. Its portfolio includes 38 hotels with 7,102 rooms. Marlbray Limited, Apex Holdings (UK) Limited and Euro Sea Hotels N.V. are the subsidiaries of the Company. In August 2010, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Euro Sea Hotels N.V., acquired Hotel Leeds Holding B.V., Hotel Nottingham Holding B.V. and Nottingham Park Plaza Hotel Operator Limited from Leno Hotel Holding B.V.

This business hardly takes a carefree attitude towards roundball. Cavaliers Operating Company owns and operates the Cleveland Cavaliers professional basketball team and its home court, Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs joined the National Basketball Association in 1970 as part of an expansion that included the Portland Trail Blazers and Buffalo Braves (now the Los Angeles Clippers). While Cleveland has not yet earned an NBA championship, the franchise did reach the final round of the playoffs in 2007 (losing to the San Antonio Spurs). Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert has controlled the team since 2005; the family of original owner Gordon Gund continues to have a minority stake in the Cavs.

Pennsylvania Lottery proceeds (more than $18 billion raised since inception) are dedicated to programs geared toward seniors (property-tax relief, rent rebates, reduced-cost transportation, co-pay prescriptions). Proceeds also fund more than 50 Area Agencies on Aging across Pennsylvania. State law mandates that at least 40% of lottery proceeds must be awarded in prizes, and about 30% must be used for benefit programs. Games range from the traditional Powerball to daily-wagering game Big 4.

Monical Pizza operates and franchises more than 60 pizza parlors in the Midwest under the name Monical's Pizza. The chain's menu features Monical's signature thin crust pizza, which is available with a variety of toppings. Monical's Pizza also serves pasta dishes, sandwiches, and starters. Most of the pizzerias are located in central Illinois; the chain has a handful of locations in Indiana and Wisconsin. An investment group led by chairman Harry Bond has controlled the business since 1982. Monical Pizza namesake Ralph Monical started the pizza chain in 1959.

"Aimez-vous des sports?" If you do, Sportscene Group might be the matchmaker of your dreams. The company operates and franchises about 50 La Cage aux Sports "resto-bars" operating in Quebec. The sports-themed restaurants are a popular destination for sports fans to watch games; they offer a menu featuring a variety of pub grub, such as nachos, ribs, pizza, chicken wings, and burgers. About 15 locations are corporate-run, while the rest are either owned by franchisees or operate as franchise joint ventures.

The Melting Pot Restaurants wants its customers to bubble, bubble all their toil and trouble away over a pot of cheesy fondue. The company operates and franchises a chain of more than 140 restaurants in about three dozen states that specialize in themed, multi-course fondue meals for couples. Its dipping sauces range from cheeses, pestos, and teriyakis to flambeed chocolates. Each restaurant also offers an extensive list of wines, cognacs, and cordials. The first Melting Pot opened in Florida in 1975. CEO Mark and president Bob Johnston (brothers) opened the first franchised location in 1979 and bought the chain in 1985.

HTH Corporation owns and manages two hotels in Hawaii: the 837-room Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki and the 359-room Pagoda Hotel in Honolulu. The Pacific Beach hotel is home to the 280,000-gallon Oceanarium -- three-stories high, the aquarium houses more than 70 species of fish and is viewable from the hotel's three restaurants. The company also owns office buildings, apartments, and residential buildings that are run by its HTH Property Management subsidiary. Advertising for the corporation is managed by subsidiary HTH Advertising, Inc.

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