May 2004

Cover Story: 2004 Dealer of the Year
Founder, president and "dean" of the Beltram Foodservice Group, Daniel Beltram has developed a market-mastering full-service dealership based on his remarkable aptitude for nurturing new businesses and business leaders. The result is an FE&S Dealer of the Year that is as internally dedicated to autonomous management and staff skill-building as it is externally focused on delivering extraordinary customer service.

Regional Report: Southeast
The mood is upbeat and expectations are generally high among E&S professionals across the Southeastern region of the United States as 2004 begins its second half.

Facility Design Project of the Year: McMahon 8 at University of Washington
Flexibility was a key consideration for our judges when they considered the design of this university's residential dining marketplace, which was named the winner of FE&S' 2004 Facility Design Project of the Year award. Versatile equipment installed in food concept platforms that can be opened and closed to accommodate peak and off-peak customer traffic helps to support a sophisticated menu. Engaging décor provided by local artisans is another customer draw.

Facility Design Project of the Month: Neilson Dining Hall at Rutgers University
Maximum flexibility was achieved in this new dining hall by the installation of back-up cooking lines at main serving stations and the placement of equipment on mobile carts so pieces can be interchanged as needed to produce highly diversified daily menus.

DSR Clinic: What are the best ways to recover a lost account?

DSR of the Month: Joe Palumbo, Edward Don & Co., Stoughton, Wis.

E&S Spotlight: Baking Up New Sales
From the most basic loaf of bread to the most elaborate pastry concoction produced in a patisserie, a battery of equipment and supplies is needed in bakery operations to prepare customer-pleasing menu items.

Product Sales Tips: Keep Sales Flowing With Beverage Dispensers
Because they are an essential part of so many types of operations and their use involves several other lines sold by DSRs, beverage dispensers, particularly the types used in QSR settings, represent a significant 'untapped' opportunity for dealers.

Editor's Perspective: Six Issues That Matter Most

Parting Shot: Competition's Energizing Effect

Operator's Opinion: Solutions

Stern's Concerns: Would You Bring Your Child Into This Business?

Publisher's Letter: I'm No Apprentice

Web Exclusive: NRA Show Returns For 85th 'Performance'

Web Exclusive: Economic Outlook

Point Counterpoint: Should Bid Houses Receive The Same Prices As Full-Service Dealers?
Executives from two dealers, a leading bid specialist and an award-winning full-service firm, debate the enduring yet current issue of justifiable compensation relative to channel investment.

In Brief: Industry News