This Thanksgiving is definitely not going to be as traditional as usual. For those thinking that their Greenberg Smoked Turkey was on its way, rethink that one. Unfortunately, Friday night an explosion resulted in a major fire at the Tyler facility squelching any plans for Greenberg to provide planned deliveries of 78,000+ smoked turkeys through the entire holiday season. Think of it as if there was no candy for Halloween, eggs for Easter nor Collin Street Bakery fruitcake for Christmas.
The company posted the following message on its gobblegobble.com website:
“We have temporarily suspended customer orders due to a fire at our facility and we appreciate your patience as we continue evaluating the situation.
“We are extremely grateful that all of our employees are safe and healthy. Additional updates will be shared here and on our website.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all the well wishes and prayers we have received.”
The Greenberg crew is regrouping in refunding customers their purchases and making plans to be up and running in 2021.
The Dallas Morning News just reported that Greenberg’s Sam Greenberg said, “The only other way to get a Greenberg turkey this year is to race to Central Market, where some shipments had already been set out for sale for this holiday season.” Hustle!
Then he added summing up the thoughts of many, “We will rebuild. We will be smoking turkeys in 2021. And to hell with 2020.”
Another change in holiday feasting is the VNA’s Annual Power of Pie (PoP) fundraiser. The VNA team adjusted to the past months by reporting that due to the COVID-19’s “impacting our local restaurant scene and the food service industry as a whole, we couldn’t, in good faith, ask our extensive roster of bakers, food service employees and establishments who have supported this event for donations.”
But not to fear. The power continues powerfully thanks to Central Market, Trio Community Meals, Market Street, Ventura Foods and PoP’s original baker, Empire Baking Company.
Due to the reduction of suppliers, the quantities are a little tighter. Why the pecan pies have already sold out! But there are still pumpkin pies ($25), pumpkin bread loaves ($15) and Zero Calorie Pies ($25) with 100% of proceeds going to support VNA’s Meals on Wheels and Hospice Care programs.
According to VNA President/CEO Katherine Krause, “For many of our clients, the holidays are difficult. I’m grateful to our sponsors and their teams who donate their time and talent to this beloved event, as well as our generous supporters for ensuring that the holidays are a special and memorable time for our clients.”
Deadline for ordering your favorite pumpkin is Monday, November 16.
Pie and loaf pickups will take place on Tuesday, November 25, and Wednesday, November 26, depending on the selected location (i.e., VNA Collin Branch in Collin County, VNA Ann’s Haven in Denton and the Haggerty Kitchen in Dallas). BTW, contactless delivery is available at the Haggerty Kitchen.
* Graphic provided by VNA