As the “new normal” presents new challenges, companies are employing technology to offer solutions By Sara Perez Webber Let’s face it—the business plans you made for 2020 have long been abandoned. No one could have foreseen the COVID-19 crisis or its dramatic impact on the industry. So you may have felt that you didn’t have the necessary tools to meet the challenges that … [Read more...] about Tech to the Rescue
COVID-19
From Surplus to Sustenance
As a founding partner of Minnesota Central Kitchen, Chowgirls Killer Catering in Minneapolis is turning donated food into meals for the hungry By Sara Perez Webber On March 12, Chowgirls Killer Catering in Minneapolis had been planning to celebrate its 16th anniversary with a party for more than 400 guests. Instead—as the COVID-19 crisis sent shockwaves through the … [Read more...] about From Surplus to Sustenance
Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
Insurance in the Age of COVID-19
By Don Scaramastra COVID-19 continues to blaze its fearful path across our country, while government stay-at-home mandates and prohibitions on even the smallest gatherings have brought the catering business to a standstill, forcing the closure of kitchens as well as dining and meeting spaces. While there is talk of “re-opening” the economy, it’s unclear whether businesses … [Read more...] about Insurance in the Age of COVID-19
Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
Leading Through Troubled Times
NACE’s national president, Doug Quattrini, CPCE, explains how the association is helping members face the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber When Doug Quattrini, CPCE, assumed his yearlong post as president of the NACE National Board on Jan. 1, it’s safe to say he had no idea what he was in for. A 13-year member of the National Association for … [Read more...] about Leading Through Troubled Times
Understanding COVID-19 Relief Options
Pay attention to the loans, grants, credits and deferrals available for your catering business—and position yourself for future programs By Gerri Detweiler By now, most small businesses fall in one of two categories: those who got COVID relief loans and those who didn’t. Whichever group you fall into, you’ll want to understand what happens next and explore other … [Read more...] about Understanding COVID-19 Relief Options
Association Reports: Restaurant Industry Has Lost Two-Thirds of Workforce
National Restaurant Association Calls for Congress to Enact “Blueprint for Recovery” to Help Industry Survive From beloved corner diners, to favorite independent restaurants to well-known chains, the entire restaurant industry has lost two-thirds of its workforce, more than eight million employees, as a result of COVID-19 closures, according to a new national surveyconducted … [Read more...] about Association Reports: Restaurant Industry Has Lost Two-Thirds of Workforce
Update on Feeding America: How to Help as Demand Rises for Food Bank Resources
By Sara Perez Webber Many Americans have responded to the COVID-19 crisis by helping their neighbors in need. America’s Food Fund—a GoFundMe campaign led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Laurene Powell Jobs, benefiting Feeding America and World Central Kitchen—has raised nearly $14 million as of April 17. Jeff Bezos contributed $100 million to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response … [Read more...] about Update on Feeding America: How to Help as Demand Rises for Food Bank Resources
Sterno Factories Switch Gears to Manufacture Masks and Hand Sanitizer
Just as caterers and restaurants are responding to community needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, so, too, are foodservice equipment manufacturers. Sterno Products is doing its part by helping to fulfill the demand for two products that help people stay safe and healthy—face masks and hand sanitizers. Sterno’s plant in La Porte, Ind., usually manufactures the company’s … [Read more...] about Sterno Factories Switch Gears to Manufacture Masks and Hand Sanitizer
