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When longtime Cisco chairman and former CEO John Chambers ends his relationship with the company this December, he plans to delve into the startup scene. The firm’s top priority? Revolutionizing the way we eat.

“The primary source of protein you will be having within your life, definitely within 20 years and maybe within 15, will be insects,” said Chambers, speaking at the Techonomy 17 conference earlier this week. He went on to describe insects as “the cleanest form you can produce at least challenge to the environment.”
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John Chambers, former longtime CEO of Cisco, likes to call himself a growth and disruption guy. “I get market inflections,” he says. The latest inflection the tech veteran has his eye on? Insects.

Chambers explained his bet on bugs over dinner at the Michelin-three-star restaurant Saison in San Francisco, making his way through private batch caviar with broth made from cricket sauce; live spot prawns grilled with sweet cricket glaze; and sea urchin in a sauce of grilled bread and, yes, crickets. The insects are sourced from Aspire, an Austin-based startup that Chambers invests in and advises.
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Aspire Food Group investor John Chambers is interviewed by Bloomberg. "The Majority of Your Protein in 10 to 20 Years Will Come From Crickets"
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Nothing welcomes the return of the NBA better than cricket tacos. That's at least the sentiment behind the newest addition to the Atlanta Hawks' concession stand, which appeared during the team's home opener against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

In a move that would surely attract the likes of Andrew Zimmern to Phillips Arena, the Hawks' insect-laden tacos made their debut thanks to Aketta, an Austin-based company that raises the crunchy insects and then sells them to people who are into that sort of thing. On its website, Aketta describes its product as "a source of high-quality protein," and says the "warm, earthy, nutty flavor" of its roasted crickets taste great when spread over a salad or pizza. Pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms and all the toppings of yesteryear might just be kaput, thanks to crickets.
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Atlanta Hawks fans will soon have the opportunity to chow down on some roasted crickets inside Philips Arena. Beginning with Friday night’s game against the Denver Nuggets, the Hawks will sell small bags of roasted, flavored crickets, along with cricket tacos. According to Sports Illustrated, three cricket tacos will run you $12.
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Atlanta Hawks executives are chirping about the new food making its debut this season at their arena: crickets.

Looking to create buzz, executive sous chef Blake Stembridge struck a deal with edible cricket brand Aketta to give fans protein in a new form.

"We did an internal taste test and people really loved them," said Robert DiCicco, vice president of hospitality and strategy at Philips Arena. "As part of transforming our concessions experience, we want to give people the chance to try something here that they normally wouldn't consider."
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If there’s one thing that sports concessionaires have figured out, it’s that fans attending games can get into culinary dishes that you might not otherwise see. I’m always amazed that there’s a massive line to get grilled cheese sandwiches, and that’s tame.

In Miami, at Marlins Park, you can get a Taco Dog. At Dodger Stadium, you can get a Tuna Poke Bowl. At Chase Field, you can get a Chicken Funnel Cake Sandwich. And last season, you could Chapulines, or roasted grasshoppers, at Safeco Field in Seattle.
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Atlanta Hawks executives are chirping about the new food debuting this season at their arena: Crickets.

Looking to create some buzz, executive sous chef Blake Stembridge struck a deal with edible cricket brand Aketta to give fans the opportunity to experience protein in a new form.

"We did an internal taste test and people really loved them," said Robert DiCicco, vice president of hospitality and strategy at Phillips Arena. "As part of transforming our concessions experience, we want to give people the chance to try something here that they normally wouldn't consider."
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Forget hot dogs and cotton candy. If you're going to a Hawks game this season, they have something a little different for you to munch on.

Beginning with Atlanta's home opener on Friday against the Nuggets, Philips Arena will use one concession stand to sell a few different cricket products from Texas-based critter company Aketta. The Hawks believe they're the first NBA team to vend cricket items at their area.
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The concessions at Philips Arena are evolving way beyond typical stadium fare. First, Joe Schafer jumps from running the kitchen at James Beard award-winner Bacchanalia to a role as executive chef for the Atlanta Hawks. Next, rocker Zac Brown signs on to open a full-service restaurant in Philips Arena.

Now, cricket protein snacks are about to make their debut. That’s right, Atlanta Hawk fans will be able to try Aketta seasoned dry roasted crickets at the home opener this Friday, October 27.
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