Foodservice Equipment & Supplies articles from August 2003

Foodservice Equipment & Supplies archives from August 2003

Knowing what allows you to succeed.(succession planning)(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... Each year in August, FE&S' feature coverage is devoted to issues of widespread concern in the traditional E&S dealer community. This year, our choice of topics was, basically, a no-brainer: how to make succession planning work for both families...

Seasonal dining blooms in NYC's Riverside Park.(news & events)(Boat Basin Cafe, New York City)
August 1, 2003... You can't beat the ambiance! The Boat Basin Cafe, located in Manhattan's Riverside Park and affording scenic views of the Hudson River, has become a seasonal hot spot in recent years, where customers arrive on bikes or roller blades, sometimes...

FEDA Education Foundation expands programs.(news & events)(Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The FEDA Education Foundation has added a series of internet-based sales courses and made other materials available on CD-ROM. FEDA's Online University has added 85 video/audio sales courses conducted by Jeffrey Gitomer, the well-known...

Buca, Darden, Yum post weak sales.(news & events)(Buca Inc., Darden Restaurants Inc., and Yum! Brands)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A trio of major chain restaurant operators has announced sales results that are either flat or down from previous periods. Buca Inc. has said that its earnings for the second and third quarters will fall short of Wall Street expectations,...

McDougall stepping down at Brinker.(news & events)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Ron McDougall, CEO of Brinker International Inc., has said he will leave his post on Jan. 1, 2004. McDougall will still play a major role within the Dallas-based company after that point, however, serving as chairman of the board. Doug...

Chevys, Fuzio sold to Consolidated Restaurant Operations.(news & events)(Chevys Inc. plans to sell Chews Fresh Mex and Fuzio Universal Pasta)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Chevys Inc. has announced plans to sell its Chews Fresh Mex and Fuzio Universal Pasta restaurants to Dallas-based Consolidated Restaurant Operations (CRO). The sale, expected to close in the third quarter, covers 82 company-owned and 37...

Tony Roma's gets new CEO.(news & events)(Tony Roma's Restaurants Inc. appoints David Head)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Tony Roma's Restaurants Inc. has tapped David Head to be its new chief executive, having appointed him to the positions of president and CEO, according to the company. Prior to joining the 257-unit chain, Head served as president and CEO...

TableCraft acquires Edge Resources.(news & events)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... TableCraft Products has announced the purchase of Hopedale, Mass.-based cutlery supplier Edge Resources. The purchase adds seven new cutlery lines, a Portuguese brand and a new selection of kitchen utensils to TableCraft's product...

SEFA conference strengthens partnerships.(news and events)(Supply and Equipment Foodservice Alliance)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Supply and Equipment Foodservice Alliance Inc. (SEFA) held its 17th annual Partnership Conference in Santa Ann Pueblo, N.M., on May 4 to 8. The focus of the week-long conference was to strengthen partnerships between SEFA members and...

The 'Big Easy' to host NAFEM '03.(news & events)(North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers trade show in New Orleans)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Sponsored by the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers, the 2003 NAFEM Show is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5 through Sunday, Sept. 7, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. The event promises three days...

ABC celebrates 50 years.(news & events)(Allied Buying Corp. presents several categories of awards)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Allied Buying Corp. celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala banquet in May during its spring conference in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Founded in 1953, the organization was the industry's first buying and marketing group. ABC also presented...

Organized chaos.(principles of professional consulting)
August 1, 2003... I like to describe my theory of foodservice design as "organized chaos," through which we create spaces for customers to bounce around in, in an apparently chaotic fashion, with no clear "lines" to stand on. It's all an illusion, of course, as...

The benefits of business-building healthcare hospitality.(creating a hospitality image in healthcare is important to customers and administrators)
August 1, 2003... The hospitality industry is a complicated business--challenging and exciting for sure, but complicated. Budgets, safety, customer expectations and skilled labor all pose challenging issues for operators in our sector. Add to these heavy...

Up & comers: four of the fastest-growing E&S dealers: by combining savvy management, extraordinary customer service, prescient market analysis, effective pricing and more, these up-and-coming companies' business strategies have allowed them to attain sales increases that have outpaced their competitors'.
August 1, 2003... Kirby Chemical and Restaurant Supply in Longview, Texas, is doing as well as it is today--its sales vaulted 34.1% in 2002, to $24.8 million--because it can look back on so many yesterdays, according to its founder. "The only thing I can...

Succession planning: what makes it work? Handing over the leadership and ownership of a business to the next generation is a common rite of passage, but with colleagues' careers, family relationships and the work of a lifetime on the line, it's also one of the most complex tasks any dealer principal can undertake. Here's an inside look at how this critical transition is being managed at four tradition dealerships.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2003... It's a challenge that business owners in every industry have to face at some point: Eventually, the company has to be passed to the next generation of leaders. In the foodservice E&S industry, that means grooming someone--usually a child--for...

The Lodge at Sea Island, Ga.: since The Lodge's opening some two years ago, guest traffic at restaurants serviced by its main kitchen has continued to increase beyond expectations. As a result, kitchen equipment and staff have been put through a trying test of endurance and creative flexibility.(facility design project of the month)
August 1, 2003... In 1928, the United States was enjoying unprecedented industrial growth. The number of appliances and other machine-driven devices purchased had escalated rapidly after World War I. Cars in use had nearly tripled over the past decade, which...

The cold facts on selling reach-ins: while all reach-ins offer convenient access to perishable products, configurations, build quality and applicability to various operator uses vary so widely it takes a well-informed DSR to direct customers to the best-suited selections.(dealers sales representatives marketing reach-in refrigerators)
August 1, 2003... * The first fact DSRs need to establish with customers is that while all reach-in refrigerators are manufactured to maintain an interior temperature of 40[degrees] F. or below, they also come in one-, two- and three-door/compartment...

Howard Ruben: QualServ Corp., Smith St. John, Kansas City, Mo.(DSR of the month)
August 1, 2003... Few people have as much reason for self-confidence as Howard Ruben of QualServ Corp., Smith St. John in Kansas City, Mo. Ruben is the firm's top rep with $3 million in sales last year, FE&S magazine's DSR of the Month for August 2003, and has...

The Cheesecake Factory: durability and the ability to maintain high sanitation standards are foremost on a long list of requirements for equipment purchased by this rapidly growing upscale casual-dining chain. Flexibility and consistent service support are also crucial selection factors.(Company Profile)
August 1, 2003... On opening day in late May in West Nyack, N.Y., thousands of curious customers waited in long lines to experience the newest restaurant in town: The Cheesecake Factory. The combination of decor items--Egyptian columns, hand-blown lighting...

Sushi production: boning up on sushi bars: whether traditional or high-tech, the preparation of increasingly popular sushi items usually includes some very specialized equipment and supplies, although little traditional cooking is involved.(E&S spotlight)
August 1, 2003... The craze for sushi in American restaurants and foodservices appears to be booming. Over the last decade, there has been a 40% increase in U.S. sushi consumption and a 400% increase in the number of sushi bars in the United States, according to...

Eagle Group.(products)
August 1, 2003... Designed for use with the LIFESTOR[R] polymer shelving line, Eagle's tray drying racks are constructed of 6-gauge wire with a green epoxy protective coating. According to the maker, the units dry and store serving trays, bun pans, cutting...

Groen, a DI Foodservice Co.(products)(gas HyPerSteam convection steamers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Available in a choice of models, Groen's gas HyPerSteam convection steamers are designed with field-reversible doors (right-or left-hand swing) as standard. Features include electronic ignition, a two-probe warning system for deliming, a...

FMP, Franklin Machine Products.(products)
August 1, 2003... The new Liquor Locker[TM] from FMP is designed to protect valuable, high-priced alcohol from unauthorized use and pilferage. According to the maker, the end-user places the stopper into a bottle, twists down the top and spins the lock...

Alegacy Foodservice Products Group.(products)
August 1, 2003... Designed for versatility, Alegacy's new dredge is dishwasher-safe and, according to the maker, features graduated lines for measuring in both milliliters and ounces. In addition, the unit includes three different removable tops with a variety...

Tor-Rey.(products )(model PS-5 kitchen scale)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... According to the maker, the Model PS-5 kitchen scale from Tor-Rey reduces waste and increases profits. The portable unit offers a 10-lb. capacity, operates on a 9-volt battery (not included) and is designed to toggle among read-outs of pounds,...

Victory Refrigeration Inc.(products )(salad/sandwich refrigerators )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Designed for small footprints, the new salad/sandwich refrigerators from Victory offer a 10" cutting board, recessed food pans and a front-breathing design. Additional standard features include an enclosed cabinet back, heavy-duty vinyl-coated...

InterMetro Industries Corp.(products)(markers for Erecta shelving units)
August 1, 2003... Metro colored shelf markers are designed to mount to any Super Erecta or Super Adjustable Super Erecta shelving unit and, according to the maker, are durable, corrosion-proof and resist being knocked off. The 6" markers are available in six...

Cleveland Range, an Enodis Co.(products)(CombiCraft[TM] Chef series of combination convection ovens/steamers )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The CombiCraft[TM] Chef series of combination convection ovens/steamers from Cleveland is designed to offer convection cooking, steam cooking or a combination of both. Features include an electronic self-diagnosis warning display to indicate...

Hobart Corp.(products)(model FP-250 continuous-feed food processor)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Recently introduced, the Model FP-250 continuous-feed food processor from Hobart features "diwash[TM]" components that, according to the maker, enable the unit's pusher-feeder, hopper and cutting plates to be washed in high-temperature or...

Advance Tabco.(products)
August 1, 2003... Standard worktables from Advance include a choice of flat top or backsplash, open or enclosed base and stainless-steel or galvanized legs and under-shelves and, according to the maker, can be customized by means of Smart Fabrication." Using...

Aleco.(products)(MaxLok[TM] series for strip products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... According to the maker, Aleco's MaxLok[TM] series provides quick installation or removal of strip doors and can be used with all strip products. The system includes fabricated 090-gauge aluminum and injection-molded, bullet-like buttons that...

Villeroy & Boch.(products)(Marchesi collection of plates )(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Marchesi collection of plates from Villeroy & Bach is designed to provide the ideal backdrop for creative presentation. While the plates' outer diameter remains the same, the rims are of varying widths. The result, according to the maker,...

Vulcan-Hart Co.(products)(V series of braising pans)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Designed for versatility and offered in a choice of gas or electric models, the V series of tilting braising pans from Vulcan features solid-state controls, a front-hinge design, an anti-splash pour lip and a full-width 4" return flange....

The Edlund Co.
August 1, 2003... The new electric 350 series tomato slicer from Edlund features high-speed reciprocating stainless-steel blades that, according to the maker, produce clean-cut uniform slices, even with soft, overripe tomatoes. The unit is available in three...

Myco Tableware.(products)
August 1, 2003... Recently introduced, the Model KVP1000 carafe (center) from Myco features an unbreakable steel liner and is designed to provide up to 8 hours of holding time. Also available, the HPS 101 series of carafes (left) that, according to the maker,...

Hamilton Beach Commercial.(products)
August 1, 2003... NSF-listed and dishwasher-safe, dishers from Hamilton Beach are now designed with a Pan Rest[TM] feature and Microban[R] antimicrobial protection that's built into the handle. In addition, according to the maker, the dishers are color-coded and...

American Metalcraft.(products)
August 1, 2003... Designed to enhance food and beverage presentation, American Metalcraft's Ironworks Collection features contemporary black wrought-iron styling and includes more than 25 items--from baskets and risers to cake stands and wine trees. According to...

Manitowoc Ice Inc.(products)
August 1, 2003... The new CVD remote water-cooled condenser from Manitowoc is designed for use with the QuietQube[R] 1400C series of ice machines and, according to the maker, can be located indoors. The unit measures 24" wide x 24" deep x 24" high and includes a...

Star Mfg. Int'l. Inc.(products)
August 1, 2003... The mini JetStar popcorn popper from Star is designed for use in small kiosks, coffee shops, break areas and the like. Model J4R requires only 16" of counter space and, according to the maker, pops 115, 1-oz. servings per hour. Features include...

Champion Industries Inc.(products)
August 1, 2003... The Taskmaster continuous power-soak sink system from Champion features a rear-mounted water jet design and type-304 stainless-steel construction. Model PP-3 also includes a 3-hp pump/motor, a remote 3-kw water heater, a 3/4" mixing faucet, a...

Alto-Shaam.(products)
August 1, 2003... Designed for use in cafeterias, small restaurants, kiosks and the like, Also-Shaam's multi-purpose carvery counter and cooking station features two hot food wells, warming lights and two, one-drawer warmers. According to the maker, the unit...

Univex Corp.(products)
August 1, 2003... The Models Duro[TM] 7510 and Duro[TM] 7512 slicers from Univex are designed to cut meats, deli products and cheese in slices up to 1 3/16" thick and, according to the maker, are powered by 1/3-hp motors with manual gravity feed. Features...

MTS Seating.(products)
August 1, 2003... The Bistro series of chairs, bar stools and table bases from MTS is designed for indoor use and, according to the maker, offers the look and feel of wrought iron without the weight. Chairs are available in a choice of three back styles and 30...

G.E.T. Enterprises Inc.(products)
August 1, 2003... According to the maker, the Milano collection of serving pieces from G.E.T. adds a contemporary yet sophisticated accent to most any food presentation. Designed for durability, the melamine pieces are offered in black and white....

Misconceptions about reps.(manufacturer's reps)
August 1, 2003... Harry Stern and Mitchell Schechter of FE&S asked one question to help me prepare to write this article: "As the current president of MAFSI, what industry issue keeps you awake at night?" In preparing for the MAFSI mid-year board meeting and...