While the restaurant industry as a whole struggles to reach projected growth rates that remain stuck in the single digits, one segment continues to rise above them all: bakery cafés. Indeed, operators in this segment continue to enjoy the sweet taste of success thanks to diverse menu offerings that feed consumers' desire for perceived better-for-you foods and convenience.
When it comes to making over an existing restaurant, operators would be wise to invite their supply chain partners to collaborate on equipment choices, layout and more to help develop an effective and efficient layout.
Farm to table. Rustic, natural, organic, comfort. The buzzwords flying around food, chefs and restaurants have hit the tabletop, from earthenware plates to mason jars, simple silverware and roughed-up wooden furniture. From the East Coast to the West, the consensus on trends is clear: it's all about farmhouse simplicity.
Bakeries, pizza places, scratch kitchens and cupcake specialists are among the operations that rely on a good mixer. A mixer's belts, gears and even transmissions make it one of the most mechanical pieces of foodservice equipment. As a result, taking care of mixers is essential to their proper long-term operation.
With the foodservice industry's business environment slowly improving, now is the time for many operators to get back on track with their equipment maintenance programs.
Ris Lacoste, chef-owner of RIS, was excited to go through the REAL questionnaire to see how many points her restaurant could earn. "Over half of our menu comes from locally grown food at the height of the season, and I go to the farmer's market about two to three times per week," she says. "Outside of that, we work with a produce purveyor who also sources local product for us."
Typically a truck crashing into the front of a building brings with it negative repercussions. In the case of Dinkel's Bakery in Chicago, the event was a blessing in disguise.
For the Guckenheimer cafés, the certification process was slightly different than the one for independent restaurants. "They have hundreds of recipes in their database, and in some cases where they have buffets, points for portion control may not be viable," Williams says. High-volume operations such as these also have different cooking preparation and equipment needs.
This new kitchen incorporates technology that is changing the way staff prepare meals for the homebound, disabled and elderly in this community and perhaps the country.
To help satisfy consumers' cravings for all things burger, foodservice operators are turning to equipment packages that emphasize speed of service and energy efficiency.
When family-owned Kneaders Bakery and Café opened its first location in 1997, this part of the foodservice industry had not yet risen to the heights it enjoys today. That the fast-casual chain has not only persevered in the face of stiff national competition, but also continues to travel a growth path remains a testament to this concept's success.
Named after the NFL coach with the most wins in the league's history and created as a more casual offshoot of a successful steakhouse chain, Shula Burger already had a lot going for it when the first location opened in 2011 in the Florida Keys.
Although they have been around for a while, energy management systems (EMS) have been slow to catch on in the foodservice community. That may soon change, however, due to a growing number of restaurant chains exploring whether these efficiency tools can help reduce energy consumption.
Developing and maintaining widespread appeal that spans multiple generations can be a challenge for any chain, but it has been the mission of Jake's Wayback Burgers. The Cheshire, Conn.-based fast-casual chain has 72 locations across 23 states and plans to open sites in 28 countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa region.
Today's cocktail culture continues to prompt foodservice operators from all industry segments to emphasize their bar areas. Doing so has a variety of implications on design, equipment selection and more.
A Washington, D.C., nonprofit organization has sought to improve the culinary landscape as it pertains to health, nutrition and sustainability. Modeled after the industry-recognized, highly structured LEED certification process, the Responsible Epicurean and Agricultural Leadership (REAL) program aims to recognize and reward restaurants that take steps toward not only saving natural resources, but also offering healthier food options and supporting local, sustainable producers.
