CARY, N.C. -- Kangaroo Express plans to offer more of its customers a little taste of home, whether they are on the road or just on the go. The convenience store chain, which is operated by The Pantry Inc., will expand its Aunt M's Kitchen offering to several more of its locations.

Found exclusively at Kangaroo Express stores, Aunt M's Kitchen is a quick-service restaurant (QSR) concept that incorporates state-of-the-art cooking equipment and guest order kiosks for easy ordering. Aunt M's offers customers a taste of homestyle cooking with a variety of on-the-go, breakfast, lunch and dinner options, including seasoned fried chicken, fresh sandwiches and biscuits, hearty sides and warm desserts.

The QSR concept will open in two Kangaroo Express stores in the Charlotte, N.C., area within the next two weeks. The store located near Concord Mills Mall at 8501 Concord Mills Blvd. will celebrate its Aunt M's Kitchen opening on May 31, while the location at 9620 Rea Road will celebrate its Aunt M's Kitchen opening on June 8.

"Aunt M's Kitchen offers a taste of home with the high quality not typically expected at your neighborhood convenience store. We listened to our guests and developed Aunt M's Kitchen to fit their needs," said Ross Adkison, division vice president of restaurant operations at The Pantry. "Quality home cooking is just another way Kangaroo Express provides a fast and friendly store for our on-the-go guests."

Kangaroo Express plans to open more quick-service restaurants in stores and remodel more than 70 stores. Aunt M's will be going into some of the chain's remodels in the future, according to Dennis Hatchell, CEO of The Pantry, who sat down for an exclusive interview with Convenience Store News in March.

"We have a great concept with Aunt M's, and we saw a lot of growth potential," said Hatchell. "It has already gone into some of our remodels this year, and it will be going into some of our other remodels going forward."

Cary, N.C.-based Kangaroo Express operates more than 1,560 c-stores in the Southeast.

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Kangaroo Express Bringing Aunt M's Kitchen to More Stores

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805-229-1785 - Fast, reliable and trustworthy Santa Barbara plumber providing residential and commercial plumbing service and repair including drain, sewer, and storm cleaning, leak detection,...

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Plumber Santa Barbara | 805-229-1785 | Plumbing | Drain Cleaning | Rooter | 24/7 | CA | Install - Video

Rock Bottom Kitchens video
A video presentation highlighting the use of natural stone supplied by Rock Bottom Tile and Stone, LLC for various kitchen remodels and installations.

By: David Cohen

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Rock Bottom Kitchens video - Video

Austin, Texas (PRWEB) May 24, 2013

Harway Appliances, the leading dealer of high-end kitchen appliances in Austin, is revamping their showroom floor for spring. Local architects and designers doing business with Harway see a strong trend of high-end kitchens moving outdoors.

Were seeing demand for high-end appliances that complement outdoor lifestyles, said Jeff Jenkins, vice president. Our clients with custom kitchens are now building outdoor spaces with full kitchen amenities outdoor refrigeration and ice makers in addition to a traditional grill and smoker.

Harways management team notes builders and contractors are more focused on quality brands in 2013. Builders are catering to buyers demanding higher quality kitchen appliances. Contractors are also seeing increased kitchen remodeling and outdoor kitchen projects.

Custom home builders are putting in the highest quality products from the start, said Michael Walker, president. Were seeing top brands like Sub-Zero, Wolf and Thermador in high-end custom homes and remodels. Even condo projects are putting high-end finishes in common areas. You might see a Miele custom coffee system and Bosch steam oven in a common room, with Lynx grills and a Scotsman ice-maker by the pool. This year we also see individual homeowners asking for the Big Green Egg BBQ cooker to complement an existing gas grill.

Harway Appliances is expanding their showroom floor to keep pace. We maintain the best showroom for high-end kitchens in the Austin area, says Gabe Sutton, vice president. Clients dont need an appointment to visit our appliance showroom and model kitchens. We offer premium indoor and outdoor kitchen appliance brands at competitive prices.

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Harway Appliances, Austin’s High-End Kitchen Showroom, Adds Outdoor Specialty

Northern Jersey, NJ (PRWEB) May 23, 2013

A. Rizzo Carpentry is excited to announce the debut of their new website, http://www.carpentrynj.com/, explaining how the husband and wife team, Andrew and Mandy Rizzo, have positively transformed the traditional way remodeling is done. This dynamic couple is not only joined in marriage but also united in their passion for creating quality and unique spaces for New Jersey homeowners in Morris, Sussex, and Union Counties.

We have successfully combined our experience in remodeling, design, carpentry, project management, and construction with creativity, problem solving, and communication skills, explains co-owner of A. Rizzo Carpentry, Mandy Rizzo. My husband, Andrew, is a talented, skilled, meticulous carpenter whose expertise and hands-on dedication offers homeowners detailed quality craftsmanship. I bring my passion for beautiful spaces and management skills to the firm, working behind the scenes one-on-one with homeowners, walking them through every step of the process with on-going communication and assisting clients select materials and designs. In fact, I love working with wives and helping them choose materials. If their husbands dont enjoy this part of the process, we can enjoy a girls day out shopping!

The website will feature three sections providing detailed information on this companys specialties: kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and custom decks. They also offer fine trim, libraries, wine cellars, crown molding, cabinets, stone countertops, all types of flooring, tile work, granite, siding, drywall, painting, cultured and veneer stone, and much more.

A full-service remodeling company, A. Rizzo Carpentry is also able to provide design-build services that include a free home consultation, renderings, permit processing, pre-construction meetings, construction services, and a final walk-through. They employ their own plumber and electrician, eliminating the need of hiring multiple contractors.

To learn more about this extraordinary company, please visit their new website http://www.carpentrynj.com/.

About A. Rizzo Carpentry

A. Rizzo Carpentry was founded in 2005 by the talented husband and wife team, Andrew and Mandy Rizzo. They have quickly earned a stellar reputation based on trust, integrity, and dependability while creating distinctive and stunning spaces for New Jersey residents. Their experience and dedication gives homeowners a signature remodeling process that makes this company stand out from the rest. Whether homeowners need a kitchen or bathroom remodeled, cabinets, flooring, tile work, or a custom deck, when all the dust is settled, they will be glad they selected A. Rizzo Carpentry for their remodeling needs. A. Rizzo Carpentry proudly serves New Jersey including Morris, Sussex, and Union Counties.

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Hopatcong Remodeling Company Announces Launching of New Website

(PRWEB) May 19, 2013

HomeThangs.com the Online Home Improvement Store has made their goal to deliver the right product to the consumer. With that in mind, shopping and home design tips, as well as special product selections are being introduced.

With newer kitchens trending more and more toward professional grade cooking appliances especially large gas ranges its more important than ever to have proper ventilation. Ducted range hoods improve indoor air quality, keep kitchens cleaner, and even help lower heating and cooling costs. Not all range hoods are created equal. To help the consumers pick the right one, HomeThangs.com introduced a guide to highlight a few distinct features shared by the best rangehoods.

1. Ducted Ventilation The best range hoods are ducted range hoods that vent outside. A good kitchen ventilation system will pull heat, smoke, steam, and grease away from the cooktop and vent it outdoors, keeping it from ever escaping into the kitchen in the first place rather than filtering and recirculating hot, smelly, greasy air. Where installing new duct work is impossible or prohibitively expensive, as in an island installation, high quality ductless range hoods with multi-stage filters are the next best thing. Ductless range hoods can minimize odors, airborne toxins, and grease, but won't reduce moisture or heat the way a traditional ducted one will.

2. Baffle Filters Traditional aluminum mesh filters are notorious for becoming clogged with grease and being almost impossible to clean. Each manufacturer has their own way of trying to combat this, from centrifugal blowers to the increasingly popular baffle filter. Baffle filters are commonly found in industrial kitchens, but are becoming quite popular in home design. These thick bands of stainless steel cover the underside of the range hood and are much easier to clean (they pull out in one or two piece and can be washed in the dishwasher), and collect grease more efficiently, keeping it from building up in the ducts, which are even more difficult to clean.

3. High CFM For maximum efficiency, the power of a range hood should be matched to the surface area of the range its covering at a rate of about 50 CFM per square foot of cooktop, or about 300 CFM for a 36 range. Of course, for higher heat and smoky, smelly, steamy cooking, more power means better ventilation.Typically the range hood should be about the same size as the kitchen range, but a slightly wider range hood gives better coverage and a more professional culinary look.

4. Digital Controls Historically, range hoods have had analog controls a simple on/off or hi-low-off switch or a power level dial. But digital controls are becoming much more common, and allow greater control over the performance of the range hood. Digital controls allow for a greater range of power levels, as well as other unique features, like a smoke-detecting auto-on, timed auto-off, and filter clean reminder in addition to the more conventional timer and clock. Some digital controls are button based, while newer models incorporate a touch screen, but should be both easy to use and intuitive to understand.

5. Noise Levels Even the best range hoods on the market dont do any good if theyre never turned on, and the noisier the fan, the less likely it is to get turned on. Many range hood fans operate at just slightly higher than the normal level of human speech, meaning its impossible to hold a conversation at a normal level while its on. Many manufacturers have their pet solutions for this problem (some of which work better than others), like sealing off the motor, using multiple smaller motors, or simply improving the overall quality and thickness to help dampen sound.

6. Built In Lights Range hoods are an important source of task lighting in the kitchen, casting bright light directly on the cooking surface. But newer designs are also aesthetically pleasing, providing light thats attractive as well as functional. Especially in an island installation, decorative range hoods can function as island lights or even chandeliers, with a beautiful decorative appearance rather than the stereotypical big metal box. Range hoods should use standard bulbs that are easy to access and easily replaced, to ensure the light lasts for the life of the range hood.

For more information read a full version of "XtremeAir Range Hoods Professional Quality Ventilation For A Home Kitchen"

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HomeThangs.com Introduces A Guide To Choosing A Professional Quality Range Hood

Sacramento, California (PRWEB) May 18, 2013

"When a customer wants to remodel their kitchen, increasing the value of their home is not usually the primary reason," says CFO of Uniquity Builders, Inc., Sandy Reed. "The kitchen is the heart of the home. Customers want to do a kitchen remodel because it's where family and friends gather to celebrate everything from birthdays to holidays and all those special times in between."

While it's true that having a kitchen remodeled can be messy and inconvenient, these 5 tips will ensure a minimum amount of stress and inconvenience.

1. To avoid potential problems with insurance, trustworthiness, and quality, it's important to check out all contractors that are interviewed with the Contractors State License Board. Only choose licensed, insured, experienced contractors with plenty of references. This company's employees will be working on the kitchen remodel for several weeks. It's important that personalities are compatible and that they can be trusted with personal belongings.

2. Don't rush when deciding on the kitchen layout and design, appliances, and all the finishes. It's helpful to work with a kitchen designer or an experienced design/build contractor that can explain the pros and cons of one kitchen design versus another. Remodeling magazines can provide ideas, but these ideas need to be discussed with the contractor, who will determine their viability in the overall design. This is a critical part of the remodeling process. It's extremely costly and time consuming to go back afterwards and change a layout, counter top, sink, etc.

As President, Bill Reed, says, "Once the cabinets and counter top have been installed, you definitely don't want to decide you're not happy with the amount of counter space you have."

3. Create a kitchen that is easy to use when cooking. The typical work triangle works best in most cases. The cooking surface, sink, and refrigerator need to be close to save steps, time, and frustration. The new kitchen should be super functional - easy to use, and simple to clean up.

4. Don't skimp on counter space. Cooking can become frustrating when every flat surface in the kitchen needs to be used to prepare a meal, because there isn't enough counter space.

5. Make sure there is sufficient storage. "Many of our customers want to remove upper cabinets and open up their kitchen to the adjacent living areas, so they can enjoy being closer to their family and friends while cooking," says Sandy Reed. "Our customers want to enjoy their time cooking, and not miss out on a thing while they're doing it!"

This can create a problem with storage in the kitchen. Make sure there is enough wall space for the cabinet storage needed for dishes, glasses, etc., or that there is another alternative for storage, like a pantry or utility room with extra shelves.

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Uniquity Builders Offering Top 5 Tips for Kitchen Remodeling on a Budget

SANTA CRUZ -- Construction jobs in Santa Cruz County totaled 3,000 in April, up from 2,700 a year ago, according to the state, and with the rainy season over, some members of the Santa Cruz Construction Guild are busier than others.

"Construction is off to a great start for this season," said Michele Landegger of Boa Constructor Green Building and Design. "We have several design/build remodel and addition jobs in the works, and a few build-only projects."

She said homeowners are being conservative because they do not have easy access to cash as they did before the crash of 2008.

"But they are needing to shape their homes to their needs, within a tighter budget," she observed. "The general tone I hear from my material suppliers, structural engineers and numerous subcontractors is that there is work starting to break loose."

Talmadge Construction has seven jobs in various phases of design.

"People seem to be serious about getting elective remodeling done, kitchen, baths, additions, whole house remodels," said Adele Talmadge. "We had been seeing more 'have to' projects... We are working on repair jobs resulting from improper waterproofing done by other contractors within the last eight to 10 years. Some are six-figure repairs."

Some customers are willing to pay for detailed, accurate estimates.

And real estate agents are asking about building costs for multifamily or multiple single-family projects.

"We have

"Mark Concrete is very busy with a large backlog of work," said president Mark Lesnick, who asked the guild for help installing counter tops, fire pits and barbecues. "We do as many as 100 installations in a given year. They are one- and two-day affairs and require a crew of at least two and generally three for most jobs."

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Some contractors in Santa Cruz County see upswing

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South Tampa, Florida-- A company called Metrostudy says it spent three months driving across five Bay area counties checking out 2,100 subdivisions to find out the condition of the construction market.

Home builder Peter Bennett wouldn't call the growth a boom -- not yet -- but says he is finally seeing growth.

"Everywhere you look there's a new house going up. A couple of years ago, there was nothing."

Bennett sayshe even has a waiting list of clients these days.

"I did a bunch of bathroom and kitchen remodels, now I'm back to building new homes again."

He admits the manpower he needs to complete thework is proving a little tough to hammer down.

"To build a home you need the mechanical, electrical, plumbers, framers, trim carpenters, painters, stucco, siding.Everybody cries that they need work and you finally try to give them work and it takes weeks to get pricing out of them."

Bennett adds,"I think what it is they're so busy right now and they're still reluctant to hire more people because so many people got burned in the mid 2000's that they're still unsure this is really going to stay."

He says right now many of those subcontractors are trying to do the work themselves to stay lean and tight.

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Is the Bay area experiencing a housing boom?

Forty Fort, PA (PRWEB) May 17, 2013

Rome Enterprises, the parent company of ReBath Northeast, is excited to announce that they have hired an experienced kitchen designer to head a new kitchen remodeling company.

Pat Costantino joined Rome Enterprises in April to set the foundation for Rich Romes kitchen remodeling business. 1 Week Kitchens as the company will be known, will use a concept similar to Romes full bathroom remodel concept, with regards to choosing colors, styles, sizes and finishes with an estimator in the customers home.

Costantino has many years of experience in kitchen design. He began working with his father in the custom cabinet business when he was just a child. Through years of working with his father, first in the shop and later in the field designing and selling, Costantino knows the cabinet and kitchen design business better than most.

After he and his father parted ways due to a slowing economy, Costantino pursued another career path, as a salesman at H.H Gregg. Because he was so familiar with the kitchen business in general, he excelled at selling appliances too.

It is because of his vast experience in kitchen design and his excellent people skills that Rome thought of Costantino, when he began his kitchen design concept.

The 1 Week Kitchens concept grew from Romes two-day full bathroom remodel concept, which has been quite successful since it began a few years ago.

According to Rome, the program is successful because it makes the selection and installation process so easy for customers.

Our estimators have everything the customer needs to choose for their bathroom remodel with them when they enter the home, Rome explains. Between our presentation and our sample case, customers can easily choose the colors and patterns they want to see in their new bathroom.

For customers who may not be able to visualize their new bathroom, the bathroom replica in the Forty Fort Design Center is still a great tool to help make selections.

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ReBath Northeast’s Parent Company Hires Experienced Kitchen Designer