Mike Ege

Expect high drama at the week’s Board of Supervisors meeting as the members tackle two significant labor disputes along with other fallout of the current economic upheaval.

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Expect high drama at the week’s Board of Supervisors meeting as the members tackle two significant labor disputes along with other fallout of the current economic upheaval.

Plus, expect new legislation to free commissioners from signing preemptive resignation letters—despite Mayor London Breed’s announcement that she will end the practice. The full kit and caboodle for the wonks can be found in<a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag092722_agenda.pdf"> this week’s agenda</a>.

Plus, expect new legislation to free commissioners from signing preemptive resignation letters—despite Mayor London Breed’s announcement that she will end the practice. The full kit and caboodle for the wonks can be found in<a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/bag092722_agenda.pdf"> this week’s agenda</a>.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-labor-pains">Labor Pains</h2>

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The supervisors will hold two special order hearings on exigent labor issues at San Francisco International Airport and Kaiser Permanente.&nbsp;

The supervisors will hold two special order hearings on exigent labor issues at San Francisco International Airport and Kaiser Permanente.&nbsp;

The hearing for food and beverage workers at airport concessions was called last week by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, along with Board President Shamann Walton. In the meantime, tensions boiled over into an all-out indefinite strike, with pickets at every terminal, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sfo-food-workers-kick-off-strike-for-higher-wages-healthcare/">on Monday morning</a>.&nbsp;

The hearing for food and beverage workers at airport concessions was called last week by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, along with Board President Shamann Walton. In the meantime, tensions boiled over into an all-out indefinite strike, with pickets at every terminal, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sfo-food-workers-kick-off-strike-for-higher-wages-healthcare/">on Monday morning</a>.&nbsp;

Unite Here Local 2, the union for the food and beverage workers at SFO, voted to authorize a strike last month. Many workers haven’t had a raise in three years, according to the union, with average pay barely above the city’s minimum wage.&nbsp;

Unite Here Local 2, the union for the food and beverage workers at SFO, voted to authorize a strike last month. Many workers haven’t had a raise in three years, according to the union, with average pay barely above the city’s minimum wage.&nbsp;

Expect the very pro-labor supervisors to place pressure on SFO’s concessionaires—who were earlier granted significant rent relief during the economic slowdown from the pandemic— to end the strike quickly and meet union demands. Local politicos including Supervisors Connie Chan and Gordon Mar, and District 6 supervisorial candidate and local Democratic Party Chair <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mayor-breed-peskin-ballot-measures-sf-police-surveillance/">Honey Mahogany</a>, were arrested at a demonstration in support of workers on September 16.&nbsp;

Expect the very pro-labor supervisors to place pressure on SFO’s concessionaires—who were earlier granted significant rent relief during the economic slowdown from the pandemic— to end the strike quickly and meet union demands. Local politicos including Supervisors Connie Chan and Gordon Mar, and District 6 supervisorial candidate and local Democratic Party Chair <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/city-hall/mayor-breed-peskin-ballot-measures-sf-police-surveillance/">Honey Mahogany</a>, were arrested at a demonstration in support of workers on September 16.&nbsp;

Local 2 last held a two strike in 2014 over a management proposal to freeze health care payments.&nbsp;

Local 2 last held a two strike in 2014 over a management proposal to freeze health care payments.&nbsp;

Last week, Mandelman noted that any strike will also affect the city’s general fund, which receives a yearly services payment from concessionaires, based on revenue.&nbsp;

Last week, Mandelman noted that any strike will also affect the city’s general fund, which receives a yearly services payment from concessionaires, based on revenue.&nbsp;

The second hearing, requested by Supervisor Hillary Ronen, will cover the strike by behavioral health therapists at Kaiser Permanente, which has been going on for six weeks. Kaiser provides health coverage to city workers, and the hearing will also delve into any effects on them.&nbsp;

The second hearing, requested by Supervisor Hillary Ronen, will cover the strike by behavioral health therapists at Kaiser Permanente, which has been going on for six weeks. Kaiser provides health coverage to city workers, and the hearing will also delve into any effects on them.&nbsp;

The therapists’ strike is over Kaiser’s alleged failure to provide timely care as provided under state law.The California Department of Managed Health Care is investigating the health care provider.&nbsp;

The therapists’ strike is over Kaiser’s alleged failure to provide timely care as provided under state law.The California Department of Managed Health Care is investigating the health care provider.&nbsp;

Another special hearing, intended to give an update on reforms at the San Francisco Police Department in cooperation with the Department of Justice, is also on tomorrow’s agenda.&nbsp;

Another special hearing, intended to give an update on reforms at the San Francisco Police Department in cooperation with the Department of Justice, is also on tomorrow’s agenda.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-resignation-pains">Resignation Pains</h2>

<h2 id="h-resignation-pains">Resignation Pains</h2>

District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 2, 2022. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BOSPreview927_INLINED1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78158"/><figcaption>District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 2, 2022. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BOSPreview927_INLINED1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78158"/><figcaption>District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston speaks at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 2, 2022. | Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

It’s likely that Supervisor Dean Preston will use Roll Call to address the recent controversy over the Breed administration practice of making commission appointees sign draft resignation letters,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-may-have-to-stop-making-appointees-sign-secret-undated-resignation-letters/"> as recently reported in The Standard.</a>

It’s likely that Supervisor Dean Preston will use Roll Call to address the recent controversy over the Breed administration practice of making commission appointees sign draft resignation letters,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-may-have-to-stop-making-appointees-sign-secret-undated-resignation-letters/"> as recently reported in The Standard.</a>

In the process of covering the dispute between Breed and her appointee to the Police Commission, Max Carter-Oberstone, The Standard filed a public records request which uncovered emails where a Breed staffer had instructed him to sign and return such a letter. The discovery led Preston to announce over the weekend that he would introduce legislation to end the practice.

In the process of covering the dispute between Breed and her appointee to the Police Commission, Max Carter-Oberstone, The Standard filed a public records request which uncovered emails where a Breed staffer had instructed him to sign and return such a letter. The discovery led Preston to announce over the weekend that he would introduce legislation to end the practice.

Mayor Breed announced on Sunday that<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/"> she would end the use of draft resignation letters</a>. Meanwhile, Preston told The Standard that he would still seek new legislation and a hearing on the matter.&nbsp;

Mayor Breed announced on Sunday that<a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/mayor-breed-to-end-practice-of-making-appointees-sign-undated-resignation-letters-in-face-of-legislative-action/"> she would end the use of draft resignation letters</a>. Meanwhile, Preston told The Standard that he would still seek new legislation and a hearing on the matter.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tax-pain-relief">Tax Pain Relief</h2>

<h2 id="h-tax-pain-relief">Tax Pain Relief</h2>

Fabian Ramirez, paid volunteer, uses information on cards and sheets as he works the phone bank to encourage people to vote for Prop C in a lounge at Salesforce Tower donated to the campaign on Friday, November 2, 2018 in San Francisco, Calif. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BOSPreview927_INLINED2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78161"/><figcaption>Fabian Ramirez, paid volunteer, uses information on cards and sheets as he works the phone bank to encourage people to vote for Prop C in a lounge at Salesforce Tower donated to the campaign on Friday, November 2, 2018 in San Francisco, Calif. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BOSPreview927_INLINED2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-78161"/><figcaption>Fabian Ramirez, paid volunteer, uses information on cards and sheets as he works the phone bank to encourage people to vote for Prop C in a lounge at Salesforce Tower donated to the campaign on Friday, November 2, 2018 in San Francisco, Calif. | Lea Suzuki/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Also on Tuesday’s agenda is yet another sign of post-Covid fiscal times. The board is set to adopt a resolution approving a settlement with local clothing giant Gap, Inc. for over $9 million in business tax relief.&nbsp;

Also on Tuesday’s agenda is yet another sign of post-Covid fiscal times. The board is set to adopt a resolution approving a settlement with local clothing giant Gap, Inc. for over $9 million in business tax relief.&nbsp;

The monies represent a combination of different taxes, including on gross receipts, commercial rents, and “homelessness gross receipts” taxes under Proposition C, passed in 2018. The settlement was forwarded to the full board with recommendation in committee last week.

The monies represent a combination of different taxes, including on gross receipts, commercial rents, and “homelessness gross receipts” taxes under Proposition C, passed in 2018. The settlement was forwarded to the full board with recommendation in committee last week.

Implementation of the Prop. C head tax has proved controversial; it survived court action against it in 2020. The Standard also reported that last year,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/revenue-from-homelessness-tax-plummeted/"> revenue from the tax fell 45%</a>, far greater than the revenue drop for general business taxes, due to workers staying home.&nbsp;

Implementation of the Prop. C head tax has proved controversial; it survived court action against it in 2020. The Standard also reported that last year,<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/revenue-from-homelessness-tax-plummeted/"> revenue from the tax fell 45%</a>, far greater than the revenue drop for general business taxes, due to workers staying home.&nbsp;

Supervisors preview: Pain management

Julie Zigoris

Stepping onto the factory floor at Torani—the local-yet-global brand of flavored syrups—is like walking into a giant cotton-candy machine. All around you is the sweet aroma of spun sugar, the sound of equipment whirring, the sight of aluminum tanks glistening. A complex digital system from Germany keeps the ingredients flowing through the pipes, allowing the factory to produce 60,000 cases of syrup a day.&nbsp;

Stepping onto the factory floor at Torani—the local-yet-global brand of flavored syrups—is like walking into a giant cotton-candy machine. All around you is the sweet aroma of spun sugar, the sound of equipment whirring, the sight of aluminum tanks glistening. A complex digital system from Germany keeps the ingredients flowing through the pipes, allowing the factory to produce 60,000 cases of syrup a day.&nbsp;

“It’s the Sistine Chapel of industrial piping,” said Greg Phillips, director of manufacturing at Torani.&nbsp;

“It’s the Sistine Chapel of industrial piping,” said Greg Phillips, director of manufacturing at Torani.&nbsp;

It’s a far cry from the humble roots of the business, a remnant of which is an antique bottling machine that stands in the front lobby of the now more than 300,000-square-foot factory in San Leandro.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It’s a far cry from the humble roots of the business, a remnant of which is an antique bottling machine that stands in the front lobby of the now more than 300,000-square-foot factory in San Leandro.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre began Torani in 1925 in North Beach with just five flavors: tamarindo, orgeat, lemon, grenadine and anisette, based on family recipes from their native Lucca, Italy.&nbsp;

Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre began Torani in 1925 in North Beach with just five flavors: tamarindo, orgeat, lemon, grenadine and anisette, based on family recipes from their native Lucca, Italy.&nbsp;

The castle on the bottle’s red, yellow and blue label references a famous tower in Lucca, and Torani is a portmanteau between Torre and Melani, a grocery wholesaler that used to sell the syrup.&nbsp;

The castle on the bottle’s red, yellow and blue label references a famous tower in Lucca, and Torani is a portmanteau between Torre and Melani, a grocery wholesaler that used to sell the syrup.&nbsp;

The company now crafts more than 150 flavors in house, with premium ingredients sourced from around the U.S., including sugar—30,000 pounds of it a day—from nearby C&amp;H Sugar Company in Crockett.&nbsp;

The company now crafts more than 150 flavors in house, with premium ingredients sourced from around the U.S., including sugar—30,000 pounds of it a day—from nearby C&amp;H Sugar Company in Crockett.&nbsp;

Torani director of manufacturing Greg Phillips examines bottles of Torani Toasted Marshmallow syrup as they exit a labelling station on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED01_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani director of manufacturing Greg Phillips examines bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup as they exit a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED01_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani director of manufacturing Greg Phillips examines bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup as they exit a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The private business has grown a stunning <a href="https://peprofessional.com/blog/2022/02/01/one-sweet-transaction-satori-invests-torani/">20% year over year</a> for the past 32 years, according to Melanie Dulbecco, Torani’s chief executive officer, by capitalizing on the flavored latte revolution and meeting consumer demand. Today the company’s main competitors are Monin (for syrup) and Ghirardelli (for sauce) in a market that continues to expand.&nbsp;

The private business has grown a stunning <a href="https://peprofessional.com/blog/2022/02/01/one-sweet-transaction-satori-invests-torani/">20% year over year</a> for the past 32 years, according to Melanie Dulbecco, Torani’s chief executive officer, by capitalizing on the flavored latte revolution and meeting consumer demand. Today the company’s main competitors are Monin (for syrup) and Ghirardelli (for sauce) in a market that continues to expand.&nbsp;

Torani is women-run and family-owned, and it retained 96% of its employees when it moved across a bridge from South San Francisco to San Leandro in 2020.

Torani is women-run and family-owned, and it retained 96% of its employees when it moved across a bridge from South San Francisco to San Leandro in 2020.

Nearly a century after its founding, Torani’s continued growth makes the San Francisco cityscape mural in its front offices—in which the Salesforce Tower is replaced by a Torani bottle—seem like more than a mirage.&nbsp;

Nearly a century after its founding, Torani’s continued growth makes the San Francisco cityscape mural in its front offices—in which the Salesforce Tower is replaced by a Torani bottle—seem like more than a mirage.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-north-beach-birth">North Beach Birth</h2>

<h2 id="h-north-beach-birth">North Beach Birth</h2>

Torani’s expansive new factory in San Leandro includes a secret speakeasy—you press a wall of bookshelves to enter it—which is a nod to an extinguished chapter of the brand’s history.&nbsp;

Torani’s expansive new factory in San Leandro includes a secret speakeasy—you press a wall of bookshelves to enter it—which is a nod to an extinguished chapter of the brand’s history.&nbsp;

When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Torani added liqueurs and cordials to its portfolio of syrups. In 1940, you could score a bottle of Italian- or French-style Torani vermouth for just 89 cents.&nbsp;

When Prohibition was repealed in 1933, Torani added liqueurs and cordials to its portfolio of syrups. In 1940, you could score a bottle of Italian- or French-style Torani vermouth for just 89 cents.&nbsp;

The speakeasy oozes history, with framed black-and-white photographs of the founders and longtime loyal Torani customers, like the Victoria Pastry Company and Caffe Trieste.&nbsp;

The speakeasy oozes history, with framed black-and-white photographs of the founders and longtime loyal Torani customers, like the Victoria Pastry Company and Caffe Trieste.&nbsp;

Stacy Cooper Dent, Torani general manager for international business, opens a bookcase to reveal a hidden “speakeasy” at the company’s headquarters on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED02_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153119"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stacy Cooper Dent, Torani general manager for international business, opens a bookcase to reveal a hidden “speakeasy” at the company’s headquarters. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED02_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153119"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stacy Cooper Dent, Torani general manager for international business, opens a bookcase to reveal a hidden “speakeasy” at the company’s headquarters. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Along the wall stands a worn black safe from the Italian American Distributing Company. Only Dulbecco, the CEO, and Lisa Lucheta, the granddaughter of Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre and Torani’s chairperson of the board, know the combination. Inside the safe: recipes.&nbsp;

Along the wall stands a worn black safe from the Italian American Distributing Company. Only Dulbecco, the CEO, and Lisa Lucheta, the granddaughter of Ezilda and Rinaldo Torre and Torani’s chairperson of the board, know the combination. Inside the safe: recipes.&nbsp;

“It’s the original handwritten formulas for our syrups on 3-by-5 index cards,” Lucheta said, “many of them in my grandmother’s handwriting.”&nbsp;

“It’s the original handwritten formulas for our syrups on 3-by-5 index cards,” Lucheta said, “many of them in my grandmother’s handwriting.”&nbsp;

The Italian American Distributing Company—the name on the safe—was a wholesale grocer, and Rinaldo Torre became its manager in 1931, according to San Francisco city directories. Torre died suddenly of a heart attack in his 40s, leaving his wife alone with two young children.&nbsp;

The Italian American Distributing Company—the name on the safe—was a wholesale grocer, and Rinaldo Torre became its manager in 1931, according to San Francisco city directories. Torre died suddenly of a heart attack in his 40s, leaving his wife alone with two young children.&nbsp;

“It was an incredibly difficult situation,” Dulbecco said. “But they circled around and asked, how can we get through this together?”&nbsp;

“It was an incredibly difficult situation,” Dulbecco said. “But they circled around and asked, how can we get through this together?”&nbsp;

Ezilda Torre ended up becoming one of the first women to distill spirits in the country, and she continued the operation as a woman-run business, a rarity at the time. It’s yet another Torani tradition that’s been passed through generations.&nbsp;

Ezilda Torre ended up becoming one of the first women to distill spirits in the country, and she continued the operation as a woman-run business, a rarity at the time. It’s yet another Torani tradition that’s been passed through generations.&nbsp;

The female leadership that began with Ezilda carries through to Dulbecco and Lucheta.&nbsp;

The female leadership that began with Ezilda carries through to Dulbecco and Lucheta.&nbsp;

Rinaldo Torre, right, and Ezilda Torre, left, in 1925. | Courtesy Torani

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED03_ToraniFeature04192023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153122"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rinaldo Torre, right, and Ezilda Torre, left, pose for a photo in 1925. | Courtesy Torani</figcaption></figure>

These days, three of the company’s five original flavors are still in production. It no longer makes anisette (licorice) nor tamarindo (a tangy fruit)—much to the dismay of one elderly customer, who calls the company every month to request the latter’s return.&nbsp;

These days, three of the company’s five original flavors are still in production. It no longer makes anisette (licorice) nor tamarindo (a tangy fruit)—much to the dismay of one elderly customer, who calls the company every month to request the latter’s return.&nbsp;

“It could definitely come back someday,” said Stacy Cooper Dent, general manager. “I’m not ruling it out.”

“It could definitely come back someday,” said Stacy Cooper Dent, general manager. “I’m not ruling it out.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-flavored-latte-revolution">The Flavored Latte Revolution</h2>

<h2 id="h-the-flavored-latte-revolution">The Flavored Latte Revolution</h2>

It wouldn’t be a surprise to someday see tamarindo back on the shelves again. Torani is continuously introducing new flavors, adding anywhere from four to six every year.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to someday see tamarindo back on the shelves again. Torani is continuously introducing new flavors, adding anywhere from four to six every year.

“We try to retire a flavor every time we introduce a new one,” Dent said. “But in reality that doesn’t happen.”&nbsp;

“We try to retire a flavor every time we introduce a new one,” Dent said. “But in reality that doesn’t happen.”&nbsp;

Some of the retired flavors include honey vanilla, balsamic fig, late harvest grape, and chicken and waffles. There is always a period of mourning (and stockpiling) by the most ardent fans of a disappearing flavor.&nbsp;

Some of the retired flavors include honey vanilla, balsamic fig, late harvest grape, and chicken and waffles. There is always a period of mourning (and stockpiling) by the most ardent fans of a disappearing flavor.&nbsp;

Torani keeps on staff a “trendologist,” who scouts the food industry for the latest obsessions and names a flavor of the year—2023’s is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/its-in-your-coffee-ice-cream-and-cocktails-meet-the-it-flavor-of-2023/">black sesame</a>.&nbsp;

Torani keeps on staff a “trendologist,” who scouts the food industry for the latest obsessions and names a flavor of the year—2023’s is <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/its-in-your-coffee-ice-cream-and-cocktails-meet-the-it-flavor-of-2023/">black sesame</a>.&nbsp;

The flavor mania began, in large part, thanks to a lucky break. But it almost didn’t happen at all.&nbsp;

The flavor mania began, in large part, thanks to a lucky break. But it almost didn’t happen at all.&nbsp;

In 1982, retired coffee industry veteran “Brandy” Brandenburg was sitting in Caffe Trieste in North Beach—ironically, just a few doors down from what had been the original location of the Italian American Distributing Company that used to make Torani’s syrups—when he had an idea. Why not add Torani flavored syrup to coffee instead of soda?

In 1982, retired coffee industry veteran “Brandy” Brandenburg was sitting in Caffe Trieste in North Beach—ironically, just a few doors down from what had been the original location of the Italian American Distributing Company that used to make Torani’s syrups—when he had an idea. Why not add Torani flavored syrup to coffee instead of soda?

Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco stands for a portrait at her company’s headquarters on Thursday, April 20, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1663" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153125"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco stands for a portrait at her company’s headquarters in San Leandro. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153125"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco stands for a portrait at her company’s headquarters in San Leandro. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“He came in and made a handshake deal with my dad,” Lucheta said, “to try out this new sensation.”&nbsp;

“He came in and made a handshake deal with my dad,” Lucheta said, “to try out this new sensation.”&nbsp;

It seems second nature now, but Brandenburg had a hard time convincing people.&nbsp;

It seems second nature now, but Brandenburg had a hard time convincing people.&nbsp;

He took his idea—and his cases of vanilla Torani—back with him to Portland, Oregon, where he began giving out free samples at the espresso cart in front of Nordstrom to turn people on to flavored lattes.&nbsp;

He took his idea—and his cases of vanilla Torani—back with him to Portland, Oregon, where he began giving out free samples at the espresso cart in front of Nordstrom to turn people on to flavored lattes.&nbsp;

Eventually it worked. In 1990, Torani sold 1,500 cases of grenadine, its most popular flavor, used mostly in sodas and cocktails. In 1991, the company sold 17,000 cases—of vanilla alone. The flavored latte revolution was on, and vanilla remains by far and away Torani’s bestseller (it now makes 12 different varieties).&nbsp;

Eventually it worked. In 1990, Torani sold 1,500 cases of grenadine, its most popular flavor, used mostly in sodas and cocktails. In 1991, the company sold 17,000 cases—of vanilla alone. The flavored latte revolution was on, and vanilla remains by far and away Torani’s bestseller (it now makes 12 different varieties).&nbsp;

Brandenburg taught Starbucks how to make flavored lattes, and the coffee chain bought its syrups directly from Torani for a year and a half before it developed its own private label.&nbsp;

Brandenburg taught Starbucks how to make flavored lattes, and the coffee chain bought its syrups directly from Torani for a year and a half before it developed its own private label.&nbsp;

But it is not coffee, nor vanilla, nor cafes, that is ushering Torani into the next chapter of its growth. That would be the home kitchen.&nbsp;

But it is not coffee, nor vanilla, nor cafes, that is ushering Torani into the next chapter of its growth. That would be the home kitchen.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beyond-beans">Beyond Beans&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-beyond-beans">Beyond Beans&nbsp;</h2>

Torani’s move into its new San Leandro digs could not have been more ill-timed: It happened in February 2020.&nbsp;

Torani’s move into its new San Leandro digs could not have been more ill-timed: It happened in February 2020.&nbsp;

“It was the biggest investment our company had ever made,” Dent said. “And it happened at the worst time.”&nbsp;

“It was the biggest investment our company had ever made,” Dent said. “And it happened at the worst time.”&nbsp;

People soon began sheltering in place. Coffee shops were closing across the country. The plane full of German engineers who were supposed to train employees on the new digitized machinery was grounded.

People soon began sheltering in place. Coffee shops were closing across the country. The plane full of German engineers who were supposed to train employees on the new digitized machinery was grounded.

“We had a lot of loans to pay back,” Dulbecco said. “And business had dropped 20%.” The one-month drop was a shock for a business that had become used to consistent growth.&nbsp;

“We had a lot of loans to pay back,” Dulbecco said. “And business had dropped 20%.” The one-month drop was a shock for a business that had become used to consistent growth.&nbsp;

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<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SFS_REPARATIONS_BREED-COMMENT.00_12_53_02.Still003.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SFS_ToraniFeature04192023_INLINE-VIDEO-1.mp4" playsinline></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scenes from Torani’s factory floor and headquarters in San Leandro. | Morgan Ellis /The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The company used the inspiration of Ezilda Torre, who was widowed in the mid-1930s with two young children, to problem-solve and forge ahead.&nbsp;

The company used the inspiration of Ezilda Torre, who was widowed in the mid-1930s with two young children, to problem-solve and forge ahead.&nbsp;

“You circle around and come together,” Dulbecco said. “You don’t focus just on financing.”&nbsp;

“You circle around and come together,” Dulbecco said. “You don’t focus just on financing.”&nbsp;

Trainings were rescheduled on Zoom. Emphasis pivoted to online sales and home consumers.&nbsp;

Trainings were rescheduled on Zoom. Emphasis pivoted to online sales and home consumers.&nbsp;

By April 2020, the sales had leveled off and then started to climb again. People became home baristas, crafting their own inventive lattes with help from Torani.&nbsp;

By April 2020, the sales had leveled off and then started to climb again. People became home baristas, crafting their own inventive lattes with help from Torani.&nbsp;

But the homemade creations didn&#8217;t stop with coffee. These days, Torani recipes get passed around social media with gusto. People drizzle and swirl its sweetness into Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy-free milks, sodas, lemonades and iced teas.&nbsp;

But the homemade creations didn't stop with coffee. These days, Torani recipes get passed around social media with gusto. People drizzle and swirl its sweetness into Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy-free milks, sodas, lemonades and iced teas.&nbsp;

But the homemade creations didn&#8217;t stop with coffee. These days, Torani recipes get passed around social media with gusto. People drizzle and swirl its sweetness into Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, dairy-free milks, sodas, lemonades and iced teas.&nbsp;

Now the syrups are having a particular moment with flavored water, thanks to TikTok, where <a href="https://people.com/food/olivia-rodrigo-made-dirty-soda-trendy-on-tiktok-and-we-tried-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pop singer Olivia Rodrigo</a> made <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dirty-soda-tiktok-recipe_l_631215b3e4b090271793f99f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#dirtysoda super trendy</a>, and people share their WOTD (water of the day) with the hashtag #WaterTok. White peach, sugar-free pineapple and sugar-free coconut have emerged as favorites, according to Taylor Lee, who handles Torani’s social media.&nbsp;

Now the syrups are having a particular moment with flavored water, thanks to TikTok, where <a href="https://people.com/food/olivia-rodrigo-made-dirty-soda-trendy-on-tiktok-and-we-tried-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pop singer Olivia Rodrigo</a> made <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dirty-soda-tiktok-recipe_l_631215b3e4b090271793f99f" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#dirtysoda super trendy</a>, and people share their WOTD (water of the day) with the hashtag #WaterTok. White peach, sugar-free pineapple and sugar-free coconut have emerged as favorites, according to Taylor Lee, who handles Torani’s social media.&nbsp;

Bottles of Torani Toasted Marshmallow syrup head towards a labeling station at Torani’s headquarters on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2035" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED06_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x2035.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153131"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup head toward a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED06_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x2035.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153131"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bottles of Torani toasted marshmallow syrup head toward a labeling station. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

The recent most popular flavors more generally are ones that are multilayered and embrace a sweet-salty divide, according to Dent, which is why the company has pushed flavors like mangonada and salted egg yolk (its 2022 flavor of the year that immediately sold out, despite the many barfing emojis on Facebook).

The recent most popular flavors more generally are ones that are multilayered and embrace a sweet-salty divide, according to Dent, which is why the company has pushed flavors like mangonada and salted egg yolk (its 2022 flavor of the year that immediately sold out, despite the many barfing emojis on Facebook).

But Torani isn’t just focusing on the people who buy its products—it&#8217;s also focusing on the people who make them.&nbsp;

But Torani isn’t just focusing on the people who buy its products—it's also focusing on the people who make them.&nbsp;

But Torani isn’t just focusing on the people who buy its products—it&#8217;s also focusing on the people who make them.&nbsp;

Lucheta knew business was going well once she saw that opportunities were being created within the company, instead of people needing to leave in order to advance in their careers.&nbsp;

Lucheta knew business was going well once she saw that opportunities were being created within the company, instead of people needing to leave in order to advance in their careers.&nbsp;

Simon Guillermo began at the San Leandro factory in March 2020 in packaging and quickly moved up to batching and making syrups.&nbsp;

Simon Guillermo began at the San Leandro factory in March 2020 in packaging and quickly moved up to batching and making syrups.&nbsp;

“You don’t get that many chances in your life to be part of something like this,” Guillermo said, gesturing to the sparkling machines around him.&nbsp;

“You don’t get that many chances in your life to be part of something like this,” Guillermo said, gesturing to the sparkling machines around him.&nbsp;

Lucheta hands out everyone’s paycheck personally to the over 250 full-time employees, carrying on a tradition her father, Harry Lucheta, began.&nbsp;

Lucheta hands out everyone’s paycheck personally to the over 250 full-time employees, carrying on a tradition her father, Harry Lucheta, began.&nbsp;

“It’s a wonderful experience, because it allows me to say hello to everybody once every two weeks if I don’t see them otherwise,” Lucheta said. “It makes the connection for them with the old family.”&nbsp;

“It’s a wonderful experience, because it allows me to say hello to everybody once every two weeks if I don’t see them otherwise,” Lucheta said. “It makes the connection for them with the old family.”&nbsp;

Bottles line shelves at Torani’s headquarters on Monday, April 17, 2023, in San Leandro, Calif. | Noah Berger for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1719" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED07_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1719.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bottles line shelves at Torani’s headquarters. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED07_ToraniFeature04192023-2500x1719.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-153134"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bottles line shelves at Torani’s headquarters. | Noah Berger for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Lucheta does not have children to pass the company to, but Dulbecco imagines it remaining a family business in spirit. “The fourth generation is our team,” she said, noting that the company has an employee stock ownership program for 10% of the company, which has 275 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lucheta does not have children to pass the company to, but Dulbecco imagines it remaining a family business in spirit. “The fourth generation is our team,” she said, noting that the company has an employee stock ownership program for 10% of the company, which has 275 employees.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Torani only has plans to keep growing—the company is in the process of converting a neighboring building into an additional 100,000 square feet of factory space. It&#8217;s also dedicated to staying in the Bay Area, despite the expense.&nbsp;

Torani only has plans to keep growing—the company is in the process of converting a neighboring building into an additional 100,000 square feet of factory space. It's also dedicated to staying in the Bay Area, despite the expense.&nbsp;

Torani only has plans to keep growing—the company is in the process of converting a neighboring building into an additional 100,000 square feet of factory space. It&#8217;s also dedicated to staying in the Bay Area, despite the expense.&nbsp;

“It takes a commitment to stay here,&#8221; Dent said. &#8220;You have to work smarter to have the numbers make sense.”&nbsp;

“It takes a commitment to stay here," Dent said. "You have to work smarter to have the numbers make sense.”&nbsp;

“It takes a commitment to stay here,&#8221; Dent said. &#8220;You have to work smarter to have the numbers make sense.”&nbsp;

“This will always be our home,” Dulbecco said. “We’ve planted our flag here.”&nbsp;

“This will always be our home,” Dulbecco said. “We’ve planted our flag here.”&nbsp;

A behind-the-scenes look inside the Torani factory, where flavor is born

Kevin V. Nguyen

Breakups are never easy—some you see coming a mile away <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/meta-dumps-11k-employees-reducing-company-size-by-13/">because the signs have been there all along</a>. Others might come as a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/doordash-is-the-latest-bay-area-tech-giant-to-lay-off-staff/">complete surprise</a>. Sometimes a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-musks-twitter-layoffs-went-down-and-whats-next/">new person just comes</a> along and turns your life upside down.

Breakups are never easy—some you see coming a mile away <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/meta-dumps-11k-employees-reducing-company-size-by-13/">because the signs have been there all along</a>. Others might come as a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/doordash-is-the-latest-bay-area-tech-giant-to-lay-off-staff/">complete surprise</a>. Sometimes a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/how-musks-twitter-layoffs-went-down-and-whats-next/">new person just comes</a> along and turns your life upside down.

Either way, what’s true about breakups recently in the Bay Area—where tech is king—is that layoffs are the new normal. After over a decade of unfettered growth, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-scaled-too-quickly-and-now-the-bay-area-is-paying-the-price/">the party in Silicon Valley appears to be over.</a>&nbsp;

Either way, what’s true about breakups recently in the Bay Area—where tech is king—is that layoffs are the new normal. After over a decade of unfettered growth, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tech-scaled-too-quickly-and-now-the-bay-area-is-paying-the-price/">the party in Silicon Valley appears to be over.</a>&nbsp;

Major firms are faltering under a mix of excessive spending, overzealous goals and fears of a looming recession.

Major firms are faltering under a mix of excessive spending, overzealous goals and fears of a looming recession.

Since January, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-company-tech-layoff-tracker/">The Standard has tracked nearly 24,000 layoffs in San Francisco alone</a>. The bulk of those layoffs came in the month of November when some of the city’s largest, most famous employers like Salesforce, Stripe, Twitter, DoorDash and Meta (formerly known as Facebook) all announced cuts.&nbsp;

Since January, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-company-tech-layoff-tracker/">The Standard has tracked nearly 24,000 layoffs in San Francisco alone</a>. The bulk of those layoffs came in the month of November when some of the city’s largest, most famous employers like Salesforce, Stripe, Twitter, DoorDash and Meta (formerly known as Facebook) all announced cuts.&nbsp;

“I watched us hire at such a high rate last year, and then it suddenly paused,” said a technical recruiter at Google not authorized to speak publicly. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/google-layoffs-search-giant-economic-climate-pandemic/">search engine giant is also reportedly in the process of culling jobs</a> in response to its slowest revenue growth since the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

“I watched us hire at such a high rate last year, and then it suddenly paused,” said a technical recruiter at Google not authorized to speak publicly. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/google-layoffs-search-giant-economic-climate-pandemic/">search engine giant is also reportedly in the process of culling jobs</a> in response to its slowest revenue growth since the start of the pandemic.&nbsp;

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 30:  People are reflected in the window of the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on July 30, 2018 in New York City. As technology stocks continued their slide on Monday, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.1 percent in afternoon trading with shares of Facebook, Netflix, Amazon and Google-parent Alphabet all declining.  (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1708" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1007894470-2500x1708.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-90466"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People are reflected in the window of the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on July 30, 2018, in New York City. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1007894470-2500x1708.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-90466"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People are reflected in the window of the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square on July 30, 2018, in New York City. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Supervisors preview: Pain management

A behind-the-scenes look inside the Torani factory, where flavor is born

Laid-off tech workers are bracing for a difficult future

The Standard Top 10: Which companies spent the most to lobby SF City Hall in 2021?

Where is downtown SF, exactly?

Search Results for: salesforce tower

Supervisors preview: Pain management

A behind-the-scenes look inside the Torani factory, where flavor is born

Laid-off tech workers are bracing for a difficult future

The Standard Top 10: Which companies spent the most to lobby SF City Hall in 2021?

Where is downtown SF, exactly?