Tom Cat Bakery Inc., Long Island City, N.Y., was named one of 11 William B. Darden Distinguished Supplier Award honorees in 2009 by Darden Restaurant Inc. Named for the company's late founder, the award recognizes suppliers who go above and beyond to contribute to the success of the world's largest, full-service restaurant operating company.

Darden chose to honor Tom Cat Bakery, a supplier of freshly baked artisan bread and sweetgoods, for helping The Capital Grille develop a variety of brioche, improving the breadbasket offerings and increasing customer satisfaction. Tom Cat Bakery has been developing products for The Capital Grill for four years.

“Tom Cat Bakery provides quality products that allow us to consistently deliver on the promise of our brands,” said Barry Moullet, senior vice president of supply chain for Darden, Orlando, Fla. “We are fortunate to partner with a company with such high standards.”

In accepting the award, Matthew Reich, president of Tom Cat Bakery, credited the hard work, dedication and loyalty of the bakery's 275 employees for making the award possible.