Five takeaways from ECEP symposiums to help you grow your business By Liese Gardner At the annual symposium for Elite Catering + Event Professionals (ECEP), top catering business owners come together with thought leaders to exchange ideas and best practices. From HR and operations to culinary, kitchen, sales and finance, the event is a dynamic gathering of collective … [Read more...] about Collective Wisdom for Catering Excellence
Business Tips
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Proof of the Pudding’s LaTosha Marks describes six strategies for retaining quality employees By Sara Perez Webber It’s a conundrum for hospitality businesses. Customer service is only as good as the people providing it. Yet it’s difficult to find and keep committed employees in an industry with one of the highest job turnover rates. To find out how one large … [Read more...] about Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
Progress in Cold Chain Logistics
Smart technologies are helping foodservice businesses ensure food quality and safety By Nick Fryer, Sheer Logistics When the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illness is mitigated, your customers are satisfied, and your business grows. Cold chain logistics—the storing, handling and transporting of temperature-sensitive items—play an essential role in ensuring food … [Read more...] about Progress in Cold Chain Logistics
Complying with Foodservice Standards
Tech tools help businesses stay compliant with ever-complex regulations By Fred Whipp, vice president of business development at mpro5 Compliance in the foodservice and catering industry has grown increasingly complex as regulations become more stringent. With over 12 federal regulatory agencies and more than 30 laws linked to monitoring food safety, allergen labeling, … [Read more...] about Complying with Foodservice Standards
Expect the Unexpected
Bill Hansen shares one of his wildest wedding stories in an excerpt from his new book, Plating Up Profits: Miami’s Catering Icon Dishes Up Lessons for Business Success As the founder of Bill Hansen Catering and CEO of Hansen Group, 55-year catering veteran Bill Hansen has seen it all when it comes to catered events. He shares his most memorable stories—and the business … [Read more...] about Expect the Unexpected
Preparing to Sell Your Catering Business
Nine steps to take for a successful exit strategy By Dale Vaillancourt You know the catering high you get after a successful event? Even though you’re bone-tired, you arrive home, put your feet up, and celebrate—perhaps with a cocktail—reveling in a job well done. Much like any catered event, your career will end, too. If you want to enjoy that same well-earned … [Read more...] about Preparing to Sell Your Catering Business
Eco-Friendly Strategies
Steps to ensure your business is serving sustainably By Joy Pouros, Culinary Software Services Embracing sustainability in the foodservice industry isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift that encompasses many aspects of your day-to-day operations. If that sounds intimidating or off-putting, it shouldn’t. Many sustainable practices are also just good business, … [Read more...] about Eco-Friendly Strategies
Saying “I Do” to AI
Event professionals are finding innovative ways to enhance their services by creatively using AI tools By Rachael Soete, managing director of Culinary Canvas Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic in countless industries for years, but only recently have event professionals faced the reality and impact of the tool within their profession. Since COVID, clients … [Read more...] about Saying “I Do” to AI
Close the Gen Z Gap
Three ways to serve up success with young foodservice employees By Scott Greenberg “So, what’s the most stressful part of running your operation?” I pose this question to audience members before every conference keynote. Most answer the same: “Employees.” High turnover, frequent call-outs, apathy— many foodservice employers just can’t get the stability and … [Read more...] about Close the Gen Z Gap
Managing Risk in 2024
What foodservice firms need to know about the latest operating pressures By Kim Gore, HUB International The restaurant and foodservice industry ended 2023 on a high note as consumer spending was projected by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies to hit $845.7 billion, versus $790 billion in 2022. But that was without the lift of alcohol sales, and without factoring in … [Read more...] about Managing Risk in 2024
