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What Type of Plate Dispenser is Right for You?

plate dispenser options

When setting up a foodservice operation, many owners pay the closest attention to elements such as the menu, food sourcing, and staffing. These decisions can be extremely stressful in the current climate of the foodservice industry today, as it is a must to get and stay ahead of trends and competition. As any owner knows, the worst case scenario that could damper the success of a new operation is being too overprepared on only a few sectors instead of a wide array. If other aspects of preparation are overlooked, your operation as a whole could be underprepared which could lead to disaster.

A prepared owner is a good owner, and making sure you are setting the tone for an entire mode of service for your diners is vital. This especially rings true if you are a brand new operation within your community as your guest’s first impression will dictate whether they will come back or not. For instance, if a diner is served warm food on a cold plate, it can be a reflection of their entire experience. Could you imagine if you received cold food after waiting for a long period of time? No, we wouldn’t want to either.

We mentioned how many owners usually only focus on a few elements involving supply chain, workers, and customer options. Yes, those are crucial, but there’s often a critical part that gets overlooked… and that’s having an efficient self-serve serving station! By choosing the correct plate dispenser, your operation has the potential to go from being good to becoming great!

In this blog, we will break down the different types of plate dispensers and help operators find the best fit for their dining room. Never start foodservice the wrong way again!

Overview of Common Plate Dispensers

The first question to ask yourself is whether the food station will be mobile or not. If the point of service will be relocated to different areas of the property or operation, a mobile dish dispenser is likely your operation’s best bet, as it will provide extended versatility.

In contrast, you should choose a drop-in plate dispenser for permanent serving when space is available for built-in counters and when separate dish or tray transport equipment is utilized. Still, both of these spring loaded plate dispensers will come in a few different varieties. 

Nonetheless, deciding on the correct one should come with great attention to detail, or else your operation could be prone to costly implications such as replacing broken dishes or receiving potential fines for health code violations regarding contamination. 

Let’s walk through the different types of dish dispensers and break down how each can elevate your operation’s specific needs.

mobile and drop-in plate dispensers

Mobile Plate Dispensers

Due to these dish dispensers being mobile, it is essentially easy to maneuver around walls, tables, corners, and tight spaces. Each unit comes with durable casters for movement, as well as locking wheels so employees can safely secure spring loaded plate dispensers during times of service. As for the plates themselves, there are a few factors to consider when picking a mobile plate dispenser.

Square or Round Plates

Trying to fit a square plate into a round hole won’t end well, and neither will fitting a round plate into a square hole. With square plates common for banquets and catering, having flexibility can be critical.

Number of Stacks 

For food stations requiring high-volume service, having multiple dispenser stacks can make the line go much faster. Most models have two, but many are offered with four or more.

Heated vs. Non-Heated

Warm plates are essential for hot food stations, but it’s crucial not to overheat the plates so guests can’t hold them. Mobile food stations can use radiant or convection heat to ensure consistent and reliable results with every dish. If you can’t decide on whether to heat or not to heat, check out our previous blog, Cracking the Code To Your Perfect Drop-in Plate Dispenser.

regular mobile plate dispensers

Drop-Ins Plate Dispensers

A drop-in plate dispenser is a semi-permanent installation that works best for restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice operations that remain stationary. As with mobile machinery, the operator has to determine whether a heated or non-heated option will work best. With drop-ins, there are three variations: open, shielded, and heated. Which one will work best for your operation? Let’s find out…

Shielded

Consider a shielded dispenser if you’re looking for ultimate protection from particles and contaminants. This spring loaded plate dispenser’s stainless steel outfit limits potential plate chipping for added protection. 

Open

Choose open plate dispensers if you’re in need of quick access and economic dispensing. The open structure of this dish dispenser is lightweight and allows for free air circulation and easy cleaning.

Heated

Heated plate dispensers are outfitted with a shielded stainless steel structure and will dispense plates at the ideal temperatures of heated, center-of-the-plate meal service. Heated plate dispensers are usually equipped with thermostatic control ranging from a minimum of 100­°F (38°C) and a maximum of 175°F (79°C).

shielded, open, and heated drop-in plate dispensers

Why Selecting a Plate Dispenser is Crucial for Your Operation

Plate dispensers make foodservice operations run a lot more smoothly for not only your staff, but for your customers and their overall experience. Spring loaded plate dispensers can be considered an operator’s best friend by reducing the burdens placed on staffing in today’s labor-challenged foodservice industry. Without a dish dispenser, employees would have to constantly stack plates throughout the service window, often making multiple trips to deliver the same number of dishes as a dispenser. Imagine how much more attention they could put into the customer if they didn’t have to focus the majority of their energy on just this task.

woman using mobile plate dispensers with two other plate dispensers next to her

How to Select the Right Plate Dispenser

It can be valuable for foodservice operators to discuss their own set of unique goals and challenges before deciding on any type of foodservice equipment purchase such as a spring loaded plate dispenser. It is recommended to consider the different types of features and benefits for both mobile and drop-in plate dispensers in relation to your operation, building, clientele, and demand. If further assistance and recommendation is needed, the team here at Lakeside can quickly help deliver the right plate dispenser solution to accomplish your goals. Contact a plate dispenser expert here

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Four Ways Plastic Utility Carts Can Reward You and Your Team

Group of restaurant workers with headline that reads, "Four Ways Plastic Utility Carts Can Reward You and Your Team"

It’s no secret that 2022 was financially difficult on businesses and operators within the foodservice industry as so many felt the stresses of rising costs, staff turnover, and supply chain shortages. Combine all of those factors and it easily becomes an afterthought to even want to invest in high-quality foodservice equipment such as stainless steel utility carts that can assist an already stressed staff. Stainless steel foodservice carts can do wonders for a struggling staff in need of extra hands during various transporting from back-of-the-house to front-of-the-house operations.

Yes, stainless steel carts are ultra rugged and durable, but come at a cost as well to an operator on a budget. Not every operator can make a commitment in continued times of uncertainty and may instead be focusing on specific goals that need to urgently get accomplished. So, what’s a possible solution to experiencing the reliability and spacious storage capabilities of a foodservice cart on wheels without going over your budget? The answer could be plastic utility carts! 

Plastic foodservice carts on wheels provide many similarities you’d expect with stainless steel utility carts. These carts feature stain and impact resistance, sturdy construction, non-marking all-swivel casters for ultimate maneuverability, and seamless shelves for spacious storage room, but on a more affordable scale. Plastic utility carts are extremely versatile that offer a contemporary look and an economically smooth transition to front-of-the-house use. 

This is even supported by Old House Online who stated, “Plastic utility carts have the edge over metal ones when it comes to being lightweight and resistant to corrosion. Their manufacturing material is also relatively cheaper and highly flexible.” 

Here’s four ways plastic utility carts can reward you and your team throughout 2023 below!

1. Stain and Odor Resistant Capabilities

Let’s face it, nobody particularly likes cleaning a dirty cart after a long day of use, but with plastic utility carts, proper cleaning and sanitation becomes more enjoyable to partake in. Removing residue from plastic utility carts is effortless, which saves time during the cleaning process. Plastic utility carts are also odor resistant to ensure top notch cleanliness and sanitation to prevent potential contamination. With plastic utility carts, you are assured an easy to clean and safe surface.

For example, the Lakeside 2000 plastic utility cart’s polyethylene shelves are not only impact resistant, but stain and odor resistant as well. It may be offered in the color white, but thanks to its precision molded and high-density polyethylene material, it is capable of attracting less dirt and debris while assisting your team during regular tasks. Maintaining an everyday clean and sharp appearance is made easy with this Lakeside foodservice cart on wheels’ stain and odor resistant construction.

White Lakeside 2000 plastic utility cart. Description text reads: Stain and odor resistant.

2. Economically Durable and Reliable

When it comes to foodservice utility carts on wheels, durability and reliability are both expected. If a utility cart cannot produce results for your operation on a consistent basis, what use is it? Precious time and even more money could be utilized for repairs and potential replacements. If your operation is under a tight budget, this could be detrimental to the overall nature of your staff, guests, and internal processes. 

Plastic utility carts are both durable and reliable similarly to stainless steel utility carts, but only at a more affordable price. Furthermore, durability is the name of the game for the Lakeside 2500 plastic utility cart. Its polyethylene shelves are durable, versatile and dent resistant, whereas “…metal would show scratches and dents,” as stated by Webstaurant. Equipped with sturdy shelves with brushed aluminum legs, means this Lakeside cart is able to stand up to a variety of challenges in any restaurant. Talk about the perfect balance between durability and affordability!

Lakeside 2500 plastic utility cart with dual handle pictures. Text description reading: economically durable.

3. Ultimate Maneuverability and Control

It’s not an easy task to maneuver a utility cart from back-of-the-house to front-of-the-house while transporting a heavy load. This task becomes even more difficult to maintain in a crowded space. No one on your staff wants to be hit or have their pathway blocked because of a utility cart that doesn’t have quick and smooth maneuverability. This can be extremely risky especially during front-of-the-house transport around guests. 

For ultimate maneuverability, the Lakeside 2512 steps up to the plate with ease. Outfitted with double sided integrated push handles and all-swivel casters, maneuvering around corners and tight spaces now becomes a breeze. Its push handles are cushion grip for added comfort and all-swivel casters are no-mark polyurethane for quiet maneuverability. True accessibility at a competitive price!

The Lakeside 2512 plastic utility cart with description reading: Ultimate control. Smooth manueverability.

4. Spacious Storage Capacity to Combat Staff Shortages

Still experiencing staff shortages from the previous year? Then having a utility cart with spacious and secure shelving is a must for any operation. The number of times you can limit the trips from back-of-the-house to front-of-the-house is crucial to the success of your team. In doing so, members of your staff will be able to focus more on high priority needs and tasks. It’s a win-win for not only your staff, but for your guests as well. Your team will feel accomplished, and your guests will have smiles on their faces. 

Several plastic utility carts possess deep well shelving for safe and secure transporting as exemplified with the Lakeside 2523. If your team is in need of extra space, the 2523’s deep shelves are designed for safe transport to help prevent accidents so items don’t roll, slip, or even fall. This versatile foodservice cart on wheels has no problem keeping items organized and in place during transport over uneven surfaces. This Lakeside plastic utility cart’s deep well shelves help safely pave the way for your team’s next transport.

The spacious storage capacity of the Lakeside 2523.

The balance between quality and price is essential in today’s foodservice industry. That’s why Lakeside perfected the plastic utility cart for durability and reliability at a competitive price for years to come. It’s time to put 2022 in the past with Lakeside’s plastic utility carts today!

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The 5 Levels of Durability in Lakeside Utility Carts

Utility carts can provide a wide range of functions in commercial foodservice or operational foodservice environments. Whether it’s delivering meals to a kindergarten classroom or mobile foodservice on a college campus, what you’re moving, how much it weighs, how far it goes, and how often a cart is used should be factored into the decision on which cart to buy. But more on that in a minute.

There are definitely some ideas for strengthening your mobile foodservice capabilities, though, and one of them is to determine how durable a cart is needed based on Lakeside’s five levels of durability. How are levels determined?

Basically, Lakeside’s Durability Index is a function of how the cart will perform over time performing the functions it was designed to perform. This is a calculation that goes beyond simply adding up the total weight of the cargo. It involves analyzing other factors like the weight individual shelves will hold, the type of flooring over which the cart will move, and the number of times per day the cart will be used.

Lakeside then takes this data to create and develop cost-effective solutions that will meet the demand of their Durability Index, and they fall into five different categories.

Lakeside’s Durability Index Ratings

STANDARD DURABILITY CARTS

For starters, Lakeside offers standard durability utility carts that are designed to transport lighter loads of 300 pounds or less for up to three hours per day. These are classic cart options that take care of all the important and basic functions an operator would need including bussing, set-up tray stations, and more. Use Standard Durability models over smooth tiles, vinyl tile floors, and smooth indoor concrete.

standard duty utility carts

MEDIUM DURABILITY CARTS

These economical carts can be used in the front-of-the-house or for more utilitarian functions like deep well utilities. Shelving is reinforced with a hemmed front for more moderate loads of up to 500 pounds. They are designed to be used from four to nine hours a day over smooth surfaces.

medium duty utility carts

HEAVY-DUTY CARTS

As with the other tiers in Lakeside’s Durability Index, the higher you go on the scale, the more weight the cart can handle. In the case of Lakeside’s Heavy Duty carts, they can transport weights of up to 700 pounds for as many as 12 hours a day. From the receiving dock to the warewashing station, loads can be transported over vinyl, ceramic tiles, indoor concrete, and carpet.

heavy duty utility carts

TOUGH TRANSPORT CARTS

The higher we get on the Durability Index, the more these carts can handle. For operators looking to transport up to half a ton per load, the Tough Transport Cart option will achieve those objectives from 10 to 18 hours per day. To provide even more functionality, caster systems are designed to roll over uneven tile floors, thresholds, elevators and carpets. With shelving made from 14 gauge stainless steel and legs that are 1/8 inch stainless steel, Tough Transport Carts can handle just about any job with its weight capacity of 1000 pounds.

tough transport duty utility carts

EXTREME DUTY CARTS

Finally, for operators who need the ultimate in durability, Lakeside’s Extreme Duty Carts deliver the ultimate in performance, with carrying capacities up to 1,500 pounds for use around the clock. These carts are often used for extreme functions in operations ranging from casinos to correctional facilities across any type of surface, from the parking lot to uneven pavement.

extreme duty utility carts

 

If the above information is helpful, but you’re still finding it difficult to determine exactly which durability level you need, check out our easy-to-use cart picker. Simply answer a few questions about your intended use cases, and we’ll direct you to the models that will suit you best — nothing more, nothing less.

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SDA Dietician of the Year Nominee: Suzanne Quiring

A valued partner to Lakeside Manufacturing for the past six years, Suzanne Quiring, inventor of the SuzyQ Meal Delivery Cart, has been nominated for the Senior Dining Association (SDA) Dietician of the Year Award. With her continuous determination to elevate the long-term community foodservice industry, her nomination comes as no surprise. Her inspiring breakthroughs and leadership have led to great successes in thousands of senior living communities across North America. While the winner of the award will not be announced until later this spring, we wanted to showcase Suzanne and the work she has done since inventing the SuzyQ in 2000. Since then, she has grown tremendously and helped thousands of foodservice directors shift their operations towards a dignified dining plan emphasizing the importance of choice

About Suzanne: 

Suzanne Quiring is a registered dietitian both in Canada and the USA. She has over 30 years of experience in the senior living foodservice industry and has a strong appreciation for the practical and real challenges that come along with providing great meal service to seniors. Investing in a positive dining experience reduces the risk of malnutrition, helplessness, and boredom in seniors. In 2000, Suzanne invented the Suzy Meal Delivery Cart System which allows more resident interaction and choice, hotter food, and less food waste resulting in significant budget savings. To date, she has worked with over 1000 residential care facilities to improve the dining experience for residents. 

Suzanne quiring head-shot image

Quiring Makes a Difference:

As a registered dietitian working with a wide range of senior living communities, Suzanne exemplifies a deep passion for educating her peers on how to make meal service more efficient and personalized for residents. Quiring consistently takes pride in serving as a hands-on leader who solves problems and implements new strategies to better serve residents. Her compassionate and understanding communication towards others creates an inspiring atmosphere across every senior living community she serves in. 

suzyq meal delivery cart

Dedication to Continuous Improvements: 

Quiring has not stopped investing time and energy into improving the standards of what it means to offer person-centered dining services since she began over 30 years ago. Suzanne was a part of an expert research team whose work was published showcasing the significance of relationship-centered dining. To this day, she remains a proud and passionate ambassador of the foodservice industry by continuing to share her knowledge and volunteer time speaking at peer conferences. 

Suzanne’s expertise has been featured in 10 professional journals, including a research paper published in the Journal of Aging in 2021, in which she volunteered her time for over one-year to participate in. She is consistently networking and giving back to aspiring foodservice leaders by speaking at national conferences including ANFP, the Senior Dining Association, the Pioneer Network, and the Eden Alternative International Conference. Within all of her work, Suzanne honors the need for choice, interaction, dignity, respect, and connection during meals to all-in-all create a homelike environment for senior community members. 

suzyq meal delivery cart

Meals are often the highlight for most resident’s days in senior care homes, and Suzanne ensures the experience is fun and interactive for everyone, staff and community members alike. This is all made possible by her educational training that encourages foodservice staff to actively talk and engage with seniors during mealtime to make the dining experience relationship-centered which has a large impact on the mental health of seniors. Lakeside is honored to be able to work and manufacture Suzanne’s cart, the SuzyQ, and to help deliver this solution to senior care communities near and far. The Senior Dining Association, Dietitian of the Year Award recipient will be announced at the SDA conference April 16th-19th and we are so proud that Suzanne was one of the many nominees for this year’s award. Want to explore more about person-centered dining? The SuzyQ Meal Delivery Cart System offers so many benefits, learn more about them here

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How to Improve Foodservice Efficiency by Moving More at Once

improve efficiency

Most of us have heard the expression it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it that counts. Although this saying offers good advice, it doesn’t tell the whole story. While being more efficient and productive can definitely give your foodservice operations a boost, knowing how to become more efficient by moving more at once will help your back-of-the-house operations by giving back time and energy to your staff. If you are looking for a way to increase productivity, it’s smart to take a look at your equipment right off the bat. Equipment plays a critical role in the evermoving and evolving foodservice industry. 

Utility carts carry the heavy load of many supplies on a day-to-day basis, so it is important to be using the right cart for the right job while also making sure these carts are working with staff and not against them. Ergonomically designed utility carts allow operators to move more weight without putting themselves at risk from injury, whether it’s moving inventory within a kitchen or across an entire facility. Whatever the transport path is, having a cart that allows you to move a heavier load while reducing operator strain can help increase operational efficiency. It’s no secret that the right equipment can make a huge difference, but below are the specifics of how being able to move more, safely of course, with the right cart, can help your organization immensely. 

The Impact of Labor Savings:

Being able to move more at once with a cart that can handle the load allows for productivity to increase making tasks quicker and easier to complete. Every foodservice director wants to increase productivity and efficiency, but is your equipment there to back up this goal? Transporting is a task that is done throughout an entire day whether that is moving the early morning food deliveries to the refrigerator or bringing dirty dishes into the kitchen from tables that were bussed. 

Another factor that plays into labor savings is the strain of transporting. Transporting heavy loads can take a toll on the staff member who is operating the cart. Staff members need ergonomic carts that focus on their safety while accommodating their needs; instead of hindering them and their responsibilities. When an operator starts to lose energy, tasks can take longer to complete. Using a cart that is designed with the operator in mind helps to reduce this strain to keep the operator safe and on their A game. 

Showing staff, they are valued is crucial in any workplace, especially the foodservice industry as it can be physically demanding. Using equipment that helps operators is a sure way to show they are feeling supported by their employer. Having a smaller team is something many foodservice directors have come to know far too well. With limited staff, the hustle and bustle can quickly catch-up with staff who have to make up for the gaps. One way to help bring back time to a labor-starved team is through the equipment used. Moving more at once with a cart that is engineered to do so can not only save time, but also reduce operator strain all while increasing efficiency. 

kitchen staff

The Impact of Maneuverability: 

It can be easy to dream of the idea of moving more at once to save time, but in the end, mobile equipment is what helps get the job done. While a utility cart is not on your payroll, these carts are putting in the hours to help your team. Having carts that are not only built to hold your heaviest loads, but also maneuver with ease is the ideal combination. When transporting foodservice supplies, oftentimes these items can be fragile. Making sure they stay in place while being moved helps to reduce accidents where supplies and money are wasted to breakage, spills and splatters. Ensuring the safety of the items you are transporting starts with a cart that is designed to go over bumps and take corners with ease and can make a world of difference in helping you move more at once. 

Handling the load is one of the number one tasks of a utility cart which is why Lakeside has a wide selection of carts with varying weight capacities to ensure there is a cart for any tasks. The power of the cart you use can be quite noticeable, take for instance West Clermont schools who were able to reduce their trips from thirteen trips to deliver meals to classrooms down to just three trips all by using equipment that can transport more efficiently. Having a durable cart can increase efficiency tremendously. 

restaurant dining room

Improving operational efficiency can be a daunting task. Taking a look the equipment being used and its functionality is a great first step toward increased efficiency. When equipment works with your staff to allow them to transport more while reducing operator strain, the ideal solution has been found. Lakeside recently launched the Load-Master motorized cart that helps solve this exact problem. This motorized cart allows operators to move more, all while having to exert less effort to move the cart. Move the heaviest of loads with the Load-Master so that the cart is doing the heavy work while the operator is able to save time and reduce strain. Lakeside has a team of experts to help find the right cart so that you’re able to move more at once to improve productivity and efficiency. Contact a cart expert here

Load-Master motorized utility cart

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Utility Carts: When to Push and When to Pull

Utility carts have been transporting loads of supplies, food, and equipment for years. While these pieces of equipment may not be noticed by customers, they are well-known by back-of-the-house staff as they make transporting much easier and less straining. Utility carts offer various use-cases making them extremely multifunctional. With their versatility, a cart is pushed and pulled many times throughout a day putting in hours of work to help foster efficient operations. While many transportation tasks utilize the pushing mechanism, there are many tasks where the pulling mechanism may be a good fit. Here, the two maneuvering mechanisms of pushing and pulling will be reviewed to showcase when it is best to use each.

When to Push:

Pushing offers many benefits to the cart operator allowing this mechanism to be chosen most commonly for moving a cart from one place to the next. Pushing a cart allows for full visibility of items on the cart to ensure they stay on the cart during transport while also offering an ideal body position that can help reduce strain on the operator. Moving heavy loads should always warrant pushing compared to pulling as the heavy load can cause injuries if pulled. There are many times pushing is the optimal mechanism for transport, so let’s go over a few of those. 

If a cart is ever going to be going down a decline, be sure to push. If an operator were to lose control of the cart while going down a decline, pushing a cart would help ensure the operator’s safety so as to not have the cart fall back onto them. Aside from this blanket guideline, any other heavy loads should ideally be pushed. Restocking a bar with new bottles of liquor and wine can be a straining task. Utility carts allow this task to be completed efficiently and safely. A cart full of heavy bottles should be pushed to keep the operator’s well-being in mind. Another example of a time when pushing works best is transporting large produce deliveries. Produce can be extremely heavy, especially in large quantities. Pushing a fully loaded cart filled with produce is a best practice. Moving warming pans from the kitchen to the catering venue or to the buffet line is another prime example of when to use the pushing mechanism as these loads can become quite heavy. Pushing offers many different benefits and can be the best transport mechanism for various foodservice tasks. 

the word push over a kitchen background

When to Pull: 

Pulling utility carts is an alternative way to maneuver during transport. While pushing is more commonly used, pulling a cart can be beneficial for certain tasks. In general, heavy loads should be pushed. If a light load needs to be transported, pulling is a good option as it allows you to see your path to avoid any accidents of running into things. Various transporting tasks can be done efficiently using the pulling method. So, what are some examples of when to pull?

Restocking a bathroom or sink area with new paper products is an optimal time to pull a cart due to the light nature of these items. While this task is not customer facing, bringing new flatware and napkins to cleaned and cleared tables is. With these items having a lighter weight, pulling can offer an ideal transport mechanism to bring these items from back-of-house to front-of-house all while making sure not to interrupt guests’ experiences. Deliveries come in nearly daily for foodservice operations, with some being lighter loads and some being heavier. When lighter loads come in, pulling these items on a cart can be very efficient. Pulling may not be the option that is typically chosen, but there are times and places where this mechanism shines. 

the word pull over a kitchen background

Transporting supplies and food is a daily task in the foodservice industry. Finding the best way to maneuver carts can help increase efficiency and reduce operator strain. Pushing a cart and pulling a cart both come with their advantages with each working optimally for various tasks. Lakeside recently launched the new Easy-Pull cart that allows for easy pushing and pulling of a cart with an unlocked pull-down handle. Make transporting a breeze with the Easy-Pull here!

Easy-Pull utility cart

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Your Team is Your Greatest Asset: How to Reduce Work Injuries

foodservice worker's safety

Work related injuries are the last thing an employee or employer wants to happen. Coming to work should be both enjoyable and safe, so how can you reduce the risk of staff injuring themselves on the job? There is no straight forward answer or solution to completely removing the possibility for work-related injuries, but there are various steps that can be taken to avoid these injuries. Every industry has different possible injuries due to what the employees are exposed to, handle, move, or are near while at work. 

The foodservice industry presents workers with different possibilities for injuries compared to someone working in the construction business. It is important to understand the risks your specific foodservice operations pose to employees on a daily basis. While each foodservice operation may have different risks, there are some common problems that nearly every kitchen has that have led to employee injuries in the past. 

Your employees are your most important asset, so they should be treated as such. As it has been learned in recent times, when there is not enough staff, the doors are not able to be opened to diners. Providing employees with a safe working environment and safe equipment is crucial to not only keeping your staff healthy and able to work, but it also shows your commitment to your staff and their well-being. Here, you will learn some ways to help reduce work related injuries within your foodservice operations.

1. Reduce Slipping 

Kitchens are bound to have water on the floor or a splash of food that accidentally slipped off a plate or off the counter. This does not mean that the floors should be left like this for long though as it presents the possibility for slipping. Your dish washing area is going to have a wet floor, there is no question about that, but how can you limit the possibility of injury? Have a mop handy to soak up the water occasionally as dish loads are going through the dishwasher.  Take intentional breaks to stop and mop the area to make sure everyone remains on their feet. 

The wet floors near the dishwashing area transfers to the rest of the kitchen throughout service as the dishwashers are walking around to put clean dishes back on their shelves. Making sure the entire kitchen floors stay as dry as possible is a step that can be taken to reduce the risk of employees slipping and severely injuring themselves. Consider having employees also wear non-slip shoes as well to add another layer of protection. “Daily mopping, periodic deep-cleaning and adding non-slip mats to high traffic areas can help reduce the risk of slips and falls,” according to Independent Agent Magazine

wet floor sign on tile floor

2. Set Lifting and Carrying Safety Guidelines

Training your employees on how to safely lift, carry, and transport kitchen supplies and items is a great form of preventative action against employee injuries. Knowing what types of items your staff will be moving around on a daily basis, you can do some research on how to best lift and carry those specific items so that employees are able to reduce the strain on their body. Moving around heavy items can lead to muscle strains in staff member’s shoulders, legs, neck, and back. Finding ways to avoid these strains is very important. 

A basic rule of thumb is to never lift or carry an item that has a weight greater than 50 lbs. Obviously that restriction may even be lower for some employees, so make sure employees have equipment that allows them to still move those items but in a safer way. There are various pieces of equipment that can be used to help transport heavy items, or even lighter items that are bulky and awkward to carry. Utilize the right equipment to help foster a safe work environment for your team. 

guideline stamp over paper

3. Use the Right Equipment

In the back-of-the-house, there are always supplies to be moved around whether a delivery was just made, or supplies are being taken from the storage space and into the kitchen to be used. Having foodservice utility carts allows staff to transport these heavy or bulky items with ease, but not every utility cart is designed to move heavy loads. Heavy duty foodservice utility carts allow staff to transport heavier items while not increasing operator strain. Ergonomic utility carts are designed with this in mind. 

Handles on ergonomic utility carts are placed at a height and a position that works with the operator and not against them. These foodservice carts are built in a way that optimizes the pushing motion of the operator. While these carts can be extremely helpful in reducing the risk of employee injuries, they are no help if they are not used. Making sure that it is expected to use these carts for moving heavier loads is very important. When the precedent is set that heavy loads are to be transported with ergonomic carts, the risk for staff injuring themselves can be reduced. 

ergonomic utility carts

 

Employee safety should be one of the number priorities within the foodservice industry. While you need a healthy staff in order to work, it is also important that you show the importance and emphasis that is put on your worker’s safety. When employees feel they are valued at work, productivity and efficiency can be increased all while building upon your work culture. Lakeside’s new motorized utility cart is built to help staff transport the heaviest of loads while helping to limit the amount of strain on the operator. Moving heavy loads just got easier with the Load-Master motorized cart! Are you ready to discover the Load-Master difference?

Load-Master motorized utility cart

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Why is Versatile Foodservice Equipment Important?

versatile equipment

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to foodservice operations. When feeding a large number of diners for various meal services each day, it is important to use ingredients that are versatile so that they are able to be used in various dishes. Having ingredients that can be used in various dishes helps to reduce the amount of waste your operations produce since your kitchen staff know what they have and are able to use the ingredients up before they expire. Quality of quantity can be translated into the foodservice realm as well. 

Menus that have six stellar dishes compared to a menu with thirty options can evoke various reactions within your guests. Diners find it more impressive to have a smaller menu that they are sure the chefs have mastered over a menu that has everything under the sun as an option but is mediocre at best. Restaurant Business Online summarized this concept perfectly. “Using versatile ingredients can help ensure margins are great, labor is efficient, staff aren’t overstressed, and diners are happy.” Using versatile ingredients is a concept that nearly every kitchen has adapted to, especially when supply chain issues have been affecting the foodservice industry at a higher rate over the past few years.

Versatility is a critical aspect in the foodservice industry, especially in relation to their operations. While using versatile ingredients in your menus is important, versatility does not need to just stop there. When versatile ingredients are paired with versatile equipment in the kitchen, operations are sure to be even more efficient all while saving time, space, and money. Versatile equipment helps free up space in your kitchen, increases labor efficiency, and saves money with their ability to be a multifunctional asset. The benefits are clear, but let’s go a little deeper into each. 

Money Savings:

It is no secret that every foodservice operation is running on a budget. Whether you’re in the high-end dining side of the industry, or you are serving thousands of college students each day, every operation has a budget they need to stay within. When there are opportunities to cut costs while still ensuring quality, most foodservice directors take the opportunity. Equipment can be very expensive but is necessary for you to continue serving your customers. Without reliable equipment, your doors will not be able to remain open. 

Versatile equipment has a higher ROI and in return, can save you budget from major hits. When one piece of equipment is now serving the purpose of two old pieces of equipment, you now only need to purchase one new piece of equipment as opposed to two. So, the next time you’re in need of a new piece of equipment, consider finding a solution that offers multifunctionality to save your future budget.  

money savings

Time Savings:

With the current labor shortage that is greatly affecting the foodservice industry, finding ways to reduce the time it takes to complete tasks can be extremely helpful to your overall operational efficiency. With versatile equipment, staff are able to use one piece of equipment for various uses which saves a great deal of time. Rather than having to switch between different pieces of equipment for the many different tasks during a shift, versatile equipment allows you to eliminate the time it takes to swap out equipment. 

Time is money, and this is especially true when your team is short staffed. Versatile equipment allows staff to increase their functionality which in the end contributes to back-of-the-house operational efficiency. Multifunctional equipment often allows the operator to remove one step in the process of a given task for example using a drying rack that also serves as storage eliminates the need to move the dishes twice. Even the elimination of one small step in the process can save a lot of time over the course of a shift. 

time savings

Space Savings: 

Whether you have a small scale or a large kitchen, it seems we always could use more space in the kitchen. With many kitchens adapting to smaller scale footprints, multifunctional and versatile equipment has become a must. No matter the size of a kitchen, we all can afford to get some workspace back. Versatile equipment allows one piece of equipment to serve the function of at least two other pieces of equipment which gives back space to your crowded kitchen. When multiple needs are able to be met with one piece of equipment, staff will have more room to maneuver around the kitchen which can help reduce injuries and accidents from occurring. 

With less obstacles to maneuver around, staff can move quickly, efficiently and safely when completing their tasks. Crowded kitchens usually mean a full staff is on board, which is something every operation hopes to have. Keeping the staff you do have on your team safe and able to perform their job efficiently is crucial to thriving in the labor shortage. Versatile equipment has many benefits, but the space savings they offer can make a huge difference in your operations. 

space savings

 

Lakeside’s new product, the Easy-Pull utility cart, is a versatile piece of equipment that can help save time, space, and money in your foodservice operations. With its multi-functionality of being able to push and pull loads, you are now able to do more with less. Explore the Easy-Pull utility cart today!

Easy-Pull utility cart

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Push vs Pull: The Benefits of Each with Utility Carts

push vs pull

On an average day in the foodservice industry, staff will push and pull various carts full of supplies to serve diners. Whether food supplies are being moved, or tableware is being transported, these loads can be heavy. While pushing and pulling are both options, there are benefits to each. For the majority of jobs, pushing is preferred, but below we will discuss why pulling may be a better option for some transportation loads. According to Well Work Force, “We are capable of safely generating more force when pushing, rather than pulling.” Pushing is usually the option that most staff choose, but in some instances pulling can be very beneficial. 

Moving around heavy loads is inevitable but knowing how to safely transport those loads is key to helping minimize employee injuries. The differences between pushing and pulling may not seem very evident at first glance, so we have put together an overview of the two and their benefits to help you and your staff decide when to use each for different tasks. 

Benefits of Pushing:

When pushing a cart, you are able to use both arms to push the load which allows your body weight to lean into the cart to help maneuver it forward. Pushing carts allows for optimal visibility of the supplies and items on your cart. During transport, supplies may shift around from going over a bump or when taking a turn. When pushing a cart, you are able to keep an eye on the items on the cart to ensure they are stable during transport. If an item shifts while pushing the cart, it can be easily noticed and moved back into its proper place to ensure no accidents occur. Some items may not be affected by a tumble off of the cart, but many items would. Being able to see the items while pushing can help reduce the likelihood of an accident.

For those that have a tendency to experience lower back pain, pushing carts as much as possible is a smart choice, according to Ace Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Institute. The motion of pushing has less strain on your back and can reduce the progression of pre-existing back problems. Moving heavy equipment can have a great impact on the body, so making sure you are utilizing your body weight and position to your greatest advantage is crucial to ensuring a healthy body free of strains. 

pushing utility carts

Benefits of Pulling:

Pulling loads has its time and place as well. When pulling a cart, the operator is facing forward using one arm to pull the load. Sometimes the operator may use the pulling method and walk backwards in order to be able to use both hands and more body weight to move the load. Pulling is ideal for lighter weight loads as to ensure there is no strain on the operator. Pulling allows the operator to easily make turns with the cart following their guide. When pulling a cart, there are no visibility obstructions as the cart is usually behind the operator when pulling. This visibility ensures that nothing is run over. The operator has no items to look around or over making sure a collision with something else is reduced. 

When it comes to inclines, pushing and pulling each have their place. Transporting a full cart down an incline is best suited with pushing as to avoid any accidents happening with a cart falling back onto the operator if an accident were to occur. Transporting a fully loaded cart up an incline merits the use of pulling. If an accident were to occur and the cart were to lose control going up an incline, the cart would not fall onto the operator if it were being pulled. While these points are true for protecting the operator, it is important to also consider those who the cart will be passing in transport. Moving more than the cart can handle can cause problems and possible accidents, so when in doubt, split it into two smaller loads. Pulling a utility cart has its time and place, so make sure to consider whether this is the best option or if pushing would be a safer decision.

pulling utility carts

Utility carts are built to take the heavy load and make it easier for staff to move supplies. Using these carts to their greatest advantage not only increases functionality, but also safety. Whether it is pushing or pulling a loaded cart, ensuring the safety of the operator is always important. A general rule of thumb is to push heavy loads, and to pull lighter loads if the operator prefers that form of transporting. Lakeside invented and perfected the stainless steel utility cart to help foodservice operations tackle both heavy and light duty loads. Our new product, the Easy-Pull, is a versatile cart that not only allows for the traditional pushing mechanism, but also has a handle that unlocks to allow for ease in pulling the cart. This cart offers the ultimate multi-functionality and flexibility all in on piece of equipment. Meet the Easy-Pull today!

Easy-Pull utility cart

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How to Navigate the Foodservice Labor Shortage

how to navigate the foodservice labor shortage

Labor shortages are unfortunately something that has become somewhat of a norm in various industries over the past few years. Everywhere we go, wait times are longer or the goods we want to buy are not available. The implications of the current labor shortage can be seen nearly every day. The foodservice industry specifically has seen a great decline in the staff they are able to retain. Diners see this with longer wait times, smaller menus, and increased prices, but let’s take a look behind the scenes. 

Foodservice directors are finding it very difficult to maintain a full staff. When a position is open, it takes months to find staff which leaves the current staff making up for the gaps. Being able to function amidst a nationwide labor shortage has its challenges as diners, guests, students, and patients still are expecting to receive the same level of service and quality food. Although your team is smaller right now, the same amount of work needs to be done. Deliveries need to be put into their home in the storage room and transporting food supplies to the kitchen for meal prep still needs to happen. At the end of the day, your small staff can get by, but ultimately they are pushing themselves to a limit that will soon be reached. 

Having employees get to a point where they can no longer physically and mentally work in the foodservice industry is a point we don’t want you to be reached. While the labor shortage will continue to impact the foodservice industry, we have gathered some ideas for you to consider implementing to help make your employees time at work both enjoyable and safe, and also for it to be such a great work environment that your company culture is recognized as being one of the best. Being known for having a great company culture can have great impacts on your hiring process. Below we will dive into some ideas to help reduce the impacts the labor shortage is having on your foodservice operations. 

1: Build a Strong Work Culture

When your employees enjoy their work, they share that with their friends and family. Word-of-mouth marketing can be one of the most powerful types of marketing as a positive word-of-mouth review can send your business to success while a bad review can have many negative effects. When you treat your staff well, the community knows it and in return will want to support your business more and even consider working for you. 

In an employee starved industry, people looking for jobs have the ultimate say on where they want to work. Being known as a great employer will increase your likelihood of receiving more applications which will lead to more interviews and eventually to great hires. Building your work culture all starts with management. Offering flexibility and positive reinforcement are just two of the many ways to create a good relationship with your staff. 

Another aspect of work culture is safety. No one wants to work for a company that pushes their employees to the breaking point and has them do work that is unsafe. Ensuring your operations, kitchen, and dining space offer equipment that is safe for employees to use is very important. In the foodservice industry, there are lots of heavy items that need to be moved around ranging from canned food to bringing heavy dirty dishes to the back-of-the-house from the dining space. Safety paired with an enjoyable work environment can help encourage job applicants to seek out your business. 

work culture

2: Offer Impressive Benefits

While company culture is one aspect that helps retain staff, offering great benefits helps get people in the door for interviews. When looking for new jobs, the first thing you look at on a posting is the general description and the quick list of bulleted benefits. While some foodservice operations are not designed to offer full-time salaried benefits like health insurance and retirement savings plans, there are many other benefits you can offer your part time staff. Consider offering employee discounts, wellness benefits, flexible schedule benefits, training and professional development opportunities. 

With all of this in mind, it is also so important to pay your employees a competitive wage. That may sound like a very obvious statement to make, but at the end of the day, job applicants want a job that will be able to sustain their living expenses. Wage paired with impressive benefits can really help attract and retain employees so consider evaluating your current benefits and then take some time to brainstorm how you could add more benefits to the package. 

employee benefits

3: Increase the Use of Technology

Within the foodservice industry, there are many tasks that have now been able to be replaced by automated technology. For example, Open Table is a service many restaurants use that allow guests to make reservations online without having to call and talk to a restaurant staff member. Reducing the amount of time a hostess is on the phone taking reservations is an easy swap to bring back time to your smaller staff. 

Another new technological advance in the foodservice industry is the use of wireless payment systems. Instead of staff having to come to the table to get a form of payment, take the card back to the register to process the payment, and then bring the card back to the guests, they can simply do take the payment right at the table, process the payment, and print a receipt within less than a minute. This is yet another way to reduce the time it takes staff to complete a task. With the current labor shortage, when the time it takes to complete a task is reduced, this brings back time to increase productivity and efficiency. 

invest in technology

Investing in your employees and company culture is so important in the labor starved foodservice industry. Offering benefits while introducing new technologies can help increase operational efficiency. Efficiency also comes with equipment that works with you, and not against you. With Lakeside’s new motorized cart, you can move more heavy loads with less staff all while reducing operator strain from transporting heavy loads. This new foodservice cart helps increase labor efficiency to help combat labor shortages. 

With limited employees, the last thing you need is to lose a staff member that needs to take two weeks off to recover from a work related injury. Your foodservice equipment sets the stage for successful and safe operations for diners, guests, patients, students, or whoever else walks through your doors. Talk with a Lakeside cart expert to discover equipment solutions!