Trends

Keeping the foodservice equipment marketplace up to date with the latest menu and concept trends.

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During the past 12 months, the concept of scheduled maintenance has become more popular among foodservice operators. This is likely due to the challenging economy, which has operators from all industry segments trying to maximize the service life of the foodservice equipment in their kitchens. While the renewed interest in scheduled maintenance is good, it’s equally important for the operator to see this as a value-added program and not a necessary evil.

As the first hotel in Illinois to achieve LEED Certification status, the Hotel Arista in Naperville uses 30 percent less water and 21 percent less energy than hotels of comparable size by adhering to the USGBC's standards.

As foodservice operators examine their expenses, they are using total cost of ownership to help make purchasing decisions that generate a higher return on investment.

Effective Waste Management for Today and Tomorrow's Foodservice Industry

Changes in consumer dining patterns have lead foodservice operators to update the way they purchase supply items like paper goods, flatware, china and the like. As a result, dealers have had to alter their approach to serving their customers.

Grilled offerings, boneless wings and energy-efficient equipment have revitalized the chicken segment, which continues to perform in a tough economy.

Just like their parents, children in the U.S. have expanded their food repertoire.

With tangy flavors and an emphasis on healthy living, the frozen yogurt segment has reemerged as a category to watch.

Upscale menus, high end décor and a focus on quality and service have become common sports bar attributes.

Although not as flashy as some other product-specific features, the warranty on a specific piece of foodservice equipment plays a critical role when an operator makes a purchase.

By streamlining operations and incorporating efficient equipment, the Italian restaurant segment has held up in hard times.

Healthcare foodservice has come a long way in the past 20 years and it continues to progress. To get a better idea about how this segment is incorporating consumer-driven trends into its operations and what healthcare foodservice operators will need to do to be successful moving forward, FE&S chatted with Bruce Thomas, president of the National Association of Healthcare Foodservice Management. Thomas is also associate vice president of guest services for Geisinger Health System.

Although wine bars typically attract an upscale demographic, these operations are being positioned as a less costly option for consumers.

Operational organization is essential at this Northern Italian steakhouse, which features an entertaining display kitchen that is supported by back-of-the-house production and bakery facilities. An open, full-service, elliptical-shaped bar also contributes to the elegant, upscale ambience.

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