Features

— By Christopher Collins, AIA, NCARB — The good, the bad & the ventless …exhaust hoods. The look of dismay on the chef’s face told me everything I needed to know: the vent hood was not cutting it and big money was going to be burned trying to remedy his woes. The issue was the ventless hood that was used for the cooking appliances. And not really the exhaust type that was being employed, but more of the expectations around that piece of equipment. That’s when I realized what ventless …

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— By Sean Gillespie — Promoting lasting relationships through a consultative approach. For nearly three decades, our commercial painting firm has carved a path as a leader in the multi-site repaint program sector. Over the years, we have amassed a wealth of knowledge from both triumphs and challenges alike. Our extensive experience spans various industries, ranging from small local stores and restaurants to large national chains. Our commitment to going beyond the basics of painting extends to cultivating lasting client partnerships. These relationships transcend contractual obligations and foster mutual understanding …

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— Interview with Melody Wright — Von Maur embarks on a $100 million renovation plan to redefine its department stores for a new generation — and reinvest in the 152-year-old company’s signature customer service. Von Maur is a classic American department store, currently embarking on an extensive, multi-phased renovation of its nearly 40 brick-and-mortar locations over the next 5 years. The 152-year-old retailer will invest more than $100 million to showcase an entirely new interior aesthetic, with renovations underway in Wichita, Kansas; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Omaha, Nebraska; Livonia, Michigan; Louisville, …

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— By Robert Harling — Innovative loss prevention technologies and strategies. The safety and security of shoppers and employees are at the top of the list of priorities for retail executives. Open and inviting stores where customers can shop without concern and employees are assured of their safety is not a new goal for retailers. As incidents of retail theft and in-store violence rise, retailers must adapt with effective strategies and advanced technologies to ensure a safe shopping environment. The National Retail Federation reported a 19.3% increase in retail shrink, …

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— By Gregg Majewski — Propel your restaurant forward with digital transformation. Technology in the restaurant space is rapidly evolving as we enter a digital era. Every day, restaurants are taking new steps toward improving the guest experience. Virtual kitchens, mobile ordering and contactless payments have become commonalities, and while it may seem like a tall order, leaning into digital transformation is imperative for the evolution of a modern-day restaurant. Digital transformation does not always involve leveraging technological advancements. For example, it can also mean compiling dining analytics and using …

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MaintenX Refrigerants ASHRAE quote

An approaching shift in refrigerants for heat pumps and air-conditioning systems will have far-reaching implications for restaurant and retail operators, potentially delaying the availability of new equipment, replacement parts and access to the service providers needed to install or repair them. “In the months before a rule change like this, everybody starts to scramble to get ready,” says John Brightwell, regional project manager at facilities repair service provider MaintenX. “We’ve budgeted for this and have adjusted our equipment, tools and training to install and service the new systems; but if …

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— By Ray Hatch — The shocking truth about food waste: how businesses can drive positive change. Each year, a significant portion of the United State’s food supply goes unsold and uneaten, leading to about 145 billion meals ending up in landfills annually. This accounts for 38% of all food in America, with over half of the food waste originating from the food and grocery industry. As consumers are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly practices and a diverse range of high-quality food options, this puts pressure on food purchases, inventory management …

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— By Samuel Hammers — Why it’s important for retailers and restaurants to strengthen their power management. Summer is the season for relaxation, but it can be a stressful time for retailers and restaurant owners looking to keep the lights on. Electrical disruptions, which tend to be more common during the summer, have potential to bring down critical systems such as HVACs and push customers to seek out greener (or cooler) pastures. A power surge could also take down POS systems and leave a facility unable to process transactions. Power …

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— By Mani Kulasooriya — How e-commerce can help restaurants fight rising costs and challenges. Restaurant operators are often running an uphill marathon. From hiring and schedules to inventory management and food ordering, back-end operations can present neverending challenges. To make matters worse, according to the National Restaurant Association’s “2024 State of the Restaurant Industry” report, 97% of operators now cite rising food and labor costs as pressing issues. Fortunately, foodservice has entered a new leg of the race. E-commerce is emerging as a secret weapon to streamline operations and …

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— By Katie Lee — Carvel celebrates 90 years of soft serve ice cream with a new shoppe design and growth in new markets. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen by accident. However, the beloved ice cream brand Carvel may beg to differ. It was way back in 1934, in Hartsdale, New York, when founder Tom Carvel had a flat tire in his ice cream truck. Pulling over, he tried to salvage the product he had left and sold the slightly melted ice cream to people passing by. …

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