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
Business Tips
Transition to Takeout
Products that will enhance presentation and packaging as many caterers focus their operations on pickup and delivery In March, many caterers had to swiftly transition to a pickup and delivery model, as required social distancing due to COVID-19 resulted in a mass cancellation of events. Adapting to a new mode of business requires new products. Catering Magazine asked the … [Read more...] about Transition to Takeout
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)
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
Tools of the Trade
How foodservice equipment manufacturers are meeting the demand for products that save time and energy while boosting profits By Sara Perez Webber They say too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth. But what about too many appliances in the kitchen? The wrong type or size of foodservice equipment can certainly hinder performance, affecting output and profits. That’s … [Read more...] about Tools of the Trade
Protecting Your Business from Fraud and ID Theft
Measures you can take to minimize your risk By Gerri Detweiler Think your catering business is immune from identity theft? So did Banquets Unlimited in North Huntingdon, Pa. Then an employee stole more than $8,000. The same for Zubi Fish House, one of the South Florida restaurants that was a victim of fraud involving a woman posing as an employee for a local … [Read more...] about Protecting Your Business from Fraud and ID Theft
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
Waste Not
A Timely Message From Feeding America on Helping People in Need From Justin Block, managing director of retail information services at Feeding America: The Feeding America network of food banks is working round-the-clock to provide food to people across the country during this difficult time. With school closures, job disruptions and health risks, millions of Americans … [Read more...] about Waste Not