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The Ringling Names Metz as New Food Service Vendor Contact Name: virginia.harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 Sarasota, Florida- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is thrilled to announce Metz Culinary Management as their new on-site foodservice vendor. The Ringling’s premium dining restaurant will undergo a major facelift and revamping of the menu, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Metz will also convert the existing coffee shop to a state of the art Starbucks, which will serve traditional favorite coffee drinks, snacks and grab and go specials. The Banyan Café will reopen as a deli-style, casual eating area that will feature Boar’s Head meats and cheeses. Steven High, The Ringling’s Executive Director said, “We are looking forward to the great energy and creativity that Metz will bring to The Ringling. Their reputation as a top-notch professional company will be a great asset and we know that our visitors will be pleased with the high quality of both the food and service that Metz will provide.” Metz Culinary Management was established in 1994 by entrepreneur John C. Metz as a custom dining management service company with a “Guest First” philosophy. MCM is an east coast based company that has a strong presence in Florida and locally; New College of Florida, Feld Entertainment, Feeding Tampa Bay and more. In addition, Metz Culinary has a state of the art Culinary Center located on Northgate Boulevard in Sarasota. MCM currently ranks #15 on Food Management Magazine’s list of the Top 50 Management Companies in the United States. "We have an unwavering commitment to provide restaurant-inspired hospitality for each and every guest. We will take the time to learn the needs of The Ringling and their visitors, and provide unsurpassed service that we believe exceeds the needs – and expectations – of everyone who visits. ," said Jeff Metz, MCM’s CEO. An opening is planned for later in 2020. ### About The Ringling The Ringling is a pre-eminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. From its inception, The Ringling has joined the diverse visual traditions and theatrical spectacle of yesterday with the genre-defying global practitioners of today. A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, an historic mansion, an 18th-century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars, and lifelong learners of every age within the region, across the country and around the world. Media Contacts: The Ringling Virginia Harshman Manager, Marketing and Public Relations 941-359-5700 x2803 Virginia.harshman@ringling.org