Starting a kitchen remodel is an exciting yet challenging undertaking for school foodservice directors. While the promise of a revamped and efficient kitchen space is thrilling, figuring out how to provide uninterrupted meal service during the renovation can be daunting.
Jeff Atkinson, Director of Food & Nutrition Services at Gregory-Portland Independent School District in Portland, Texas, has a district wide participation of 1,800 at breakfast and 3,900 at lunch. With just over 5,000 students, the district serves a whopping 78% of their students lunch.
During summer 2023, Atkinson learned that one of their schools would be renovating their kitchen in the fall. With only a short timeframe to find a solution, he spoke with his local Cambro sales rep about his options and she quickly suggested three Cambro products that could be repurposed after the renovation.
When you need to transport hot or cold food across campus, the Pro Cart Ultra is a versatile solution. Equipped with heavy duty wheels and adjustable stainless steel rails that hold food pans, sheet pans, trays and large pizza boxes, the Pro Cart Ultra keeps hot or cold food at safe temperatures for 4+ hours without electricity.
“We used the Pro Cart Ultra units to transport food down the hallways and hold at the serving station we had set up at the end of each grade level hallway. The hot and cold unit worked great!” said Atkinson. “I love the ability to have both hot and cold holding in the same location.”
Atkinson also uses Pro Cart Ultra units for catering services throughout the district.
We recommend every school have at least one Flex Station. Made with the same materials as Camshelving® Premium Series, the Flex Station can be configured to display fruits, vegetables, packaged foods, beverages and more.
“The Flex Stations have been just that, flexible. We have used them for the serving stations but will also be able to use them to sell items and other things in the future,” said Atkinson.
Atkinson used Cam GoBoxes with Camdollies to transport and hold milk and juice at each serving station. “The milk and juice fit
perfect,” said Atkinson.
GoBoxes are constructed with high performance expanded polypropylene, maintaining hot or cold temperatures for at least 4 hours. Because of their versatility, Atkinson has already been able to use them in different ways and will continue after the renovation.
“[The GoBoxes] have become our go to items when transporting sack lunches for field trips,” said Atkinson.
By depending on these Cambro products, school foodservice directors can endure the challenges of a kitchen renovation and emerge with an upgraded facility ready to meet the evolving needs of their students. Contact your local Cambro sales rep to get started today!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: ADRIANA DESIDERIO IS THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT CAMBRO.
