 Another cool product that's hot from Service Ideas....their Flame-Free Thermo-Urn Ok. So, the new Service Ideas catalog for 2013 is out. Don't have it yet? Get it. And, here's why.....not only is it full of cool beverage service, buffet, and accessory products, it's got lots of great, helpful pieces of information. I mean...who even knew what "ETL Certification" was??? Plus, Service Idea shows off even more by using those fancy QR codes. Ok..ok....we already knew that Service Ideas was a pretty cool company, but now QR codes, too?! Love the QR codes, love the info ( did you know what "agion" is?), ...even love the product diagrams showing about all the replacement parts. Very cool.
Service Ideas 2013 Catalog. Get it. |  2013 Service Ideas catalog |
 Designer Martin Kastner discusses the attention to detail and passion that goes into each piece of the Crucial Detail collection that brings the focus back to food and elevating the dining experience for the restaurant guest. A question we’re often asked at TabletopJournal is what makes Steelite so special and how do they continue to grow their business? After spending much of today in product review sessions where new product after new product was showcased, along with new uses and updates for existing products….you might well assume that the answers to be those questions would be product related. | After all, today they had 13 rooms reviewing Steelite and partner company products, with no shortage of creative tabletop in sight….each room offering its own new, creative arrow for the Steelite USA sales quiver. As a tabletop leader, to the outside world it might easily appear that it’s the products and the prices they sell them at that gets Steelite to its leadership rung on the tabletop ladder.
And, while strong sales and profit growth were highlighted in the morning’s opening session…it is the growth in Steelite as a leadership brand that stands out among the many positive highlights.
|  Steelite's new WNK pattern JAVA is an example of a creative re-vamp of a classic flatware pattern done in 18-10 stainless steel. | However, from what I have witnessed in my very short visit at this sales conference, it’s far more about the people – and their passion – than it is about the individual product that leads to the success at Steelite. While their products are the most creative products of their types, in the end what is impressive is how the Steelite people use these products to provide solutions to their customer’s tabletop problems.
From VP, National Accounts Tony Taneal to Denver area Sales Rep Ron Gallman to Tabletop Specialist Mary Beth Miller to Midwest Sales Manager Jack Eaton…. they all shared the passion for selling tabletop with each individual encounter we had with them, as did many others whose names I didn't get. It is this passion for providing tabletop solutions that seems to run throughout the Steelite organization.
Today’s product breakout sessions were a good example. Each upbeat and fast moving session was run by a knowledgeable expert whose passion and energy was on full display. You saw it in the informal hallway gatherings - discussing this product or that...how they might work to solve a particular customer's problem. Other companies may try to compete on a product basis, but Steelite seems to be competing on a talent basis….and their inventory of talent runs deep.
 Steelite's recent acquisition of Royal Crown Derby is already yielding new products. Royal Crown Derby Entertains is introducing six bone china patterns all made in England, reinforcing the brand's "self assured" authenticity. So, while there can be no doubt that Steelite has some truly creative products – with many more on the way - it is the people and their talent – and, yes, their passion - that are perhaps this company’s most impressive assets.
Some relationships....are just meant to be. Bauscher/Hepp and Tafelstern/WMF new catalogs are out. Restaurant tabletops everywhere have begun to smile.
We're pretty sure the new Luigi Bormioli catalog can't be far behind.
To learn more about Bauscher USA and the extensive portfolio of top tabletop products, go here: http://www.bauscherusa.com/ or give them a call (888.840.4333) to get your own new catalog.
 International Tableware Incorporated's new DRESDEN bright white porcelain dinnerware comes with a delicate embossment reminescent of dinnerware that costs far more. International Tableware Incorporated (ITI) is a company that is rapidly becoming a household name among certain segments of the hospitality tabletop industry. With a product line that continues to expand and upgrade in terms of design and quality, ITI has opened smart buyers’ eyes. | At the recent NAFEM Show, ITI had attendees spending time in their booth learning about many new products such as its new DRESDEN porcelain, with its bright white embossment stylish design and its new colorful ELITE HARVEST squares and rectangles (shown at right) – perfect for bring color and fun to any menu concept. New TORINO and PACIFIC are porcelain dinnerware shapes with a touch of their own style, as well.
Color in dinnerware has been coming back to healthcare for some time, but now we are seeing that same trend in other casual dining concepts, as well. ELITE HARVEST is available in four natural, organic-looking colors - Rhubarb, Butternut, Blueberry, and BlaRhubarb, Butternut, Blueberry, and Blackberry. |  Color in dinnerware has been coming back to healthcare for some time, but now we are seeing that same trend in other casual dining concepts, as well. ELITE HARVEST comes in Rhubarb, Butternut, Blueberry, and Blackberry colors. | Known for its dinnerware high-value standards such as HAMPTON with its American White body color and fluted rim and GRANADA brown speckle designs….the new International Tableware is much, much more. From its affordable cutlery and flatware to its full wineglass and barware range, this is a company that will make hospitality buyers take a second look. ITI has been building its lineup of buffet serving items, along with adding to its already full complement of healthcare tabletop products.
| International Tableware Incorporated is a division of the Marck Group of companies, founded in 1986. Marck and Associates has ownership in two ceramic factories in Shandong Province in China, a region long known for its skill in producing high quality, high value dinnerware of all levels. Partnerships with other manufacturers around the globe insures both quality and service for ITI.
ITI’s goal is to bring to the hospitality and foodservice industry the most comprehensive tabletop assortment while still adhering to the expectations they are recognized for…..the value of working directly with the manufacturer and for their superior customer service.
While International Tableware has been widely known for their performance and value, TabletopJournal thinks that, with some of their newer products, ITI will soon be adding design and style to their hospitality tabletop reputation, as well.
|  ARCTIC GLACIER comes in blue and clear, a wide variety of items in rectangles and squares....another example of ITI's design DNA and their creative approach to today's hospitality tabletop. | To see the entire collection of hospitality tabletop products from International Tableware Inc. and get a copy of their new, nearly 100 page catalog, go here: http://www.internationaltableware.com/
Tafelstern and WMF .... the finest in German quality and style for your tabletop.....and your buffet. Tafelstern. WMF. Few Rules.....Many Rewards.
With Craig Bahl, designer and founder of the Steelforme line on hand, Service Ideas made a great impression at the recent NAFEM Show with multiple new Steelforme pieces. With pieces designed for bar, table, buffet & beverage service, Steelforme from Service Ideas offers a unique look and feel that makes their items great as companion pieces to existing tableware or a wonderful mix & match collection to revamp your serviceware. With new products and a new catalog on the way for 2013, Service Ideas keeps it's brand evolution on the move forward. | | If you are looking for the unique...yet practical....serving solution for either beverage or food, check out Service Ideas as they probably have it! Great people....with great products!
 While still a leader in plate covers and pizza pans, American Metalcraft is evolving into a premier tabletop supplier for all types of creative products in metal, melamine, porcelain, cast iron and more.. At TabletopJournal, we like to celebrate companies that are forward thinking and staying relevant within the tabletop category. Probably no company is changing quite as much as American Metalcraft. Just a few years ago they were known primarily as a back-of-the-house provider of plate covers and pizza pans. Not any more. While they still are a top supplier for those categories, American Metalcraft has definitely moved to also a premier supplier to the front of the house, as well. With nearly 200 exciting new products added to their line in 2013, American Metalcraft now has more than 3,000 creative foodservice presentation items, making them one of the most innovative tabletop suppliers in the world. |  For more than 60 years, American Metalcraft has been a creative source for serving up foodservice value for operators of all types. |  American Metalcraft 's Prestige Porcelain Collection has a wide variety of serivng pieces for portions of all sizes. |  With a huge range of Mini Colanders, Milk Cans, Pails, Baskets and more, American Metalcraft has the metal serving piece area fully covered, as well. |  Looking for that "hammered metal" look? American Metalcraft has your products. With complete and wide-ranging lines of tabletop and buffet, bar supplies, ....and, yes, kitchen and pizza supplies, along with perhaps the industry's widest selection of plate covers, American Metalcraft has become a great "go-to" source for a whole range of products that can help differentiate the dining experience. From metal to melamine, from porcelain to cast iron....and from buffet to bamboo.... American Metalcraft is a complete source for creative serving ideas.
American Metalcraft was incorporated in 1947 by Archer Kahn. In 1961, Herbert Kahn succeeded his father as President, and in 1995 David Kahn and Susan Kahn Bank took over the business, marking the transition to a third generation of family leadership. In over 57 years of family ownership, the company has expanded from 6,000 square foot in Chicago to over 120,000 square foot in west suburban Melrose Park, Illinois, and from a handful of employees to almost 100. American Metalcraft began with a limited product line and a local customer base to a company with customers in all 50 states and over 75 countries around the world. The company has evolved from job shop to a company that manufactures over 2000 items in house for its own product line. To learn more about this f ascinating and evolving company, go here:http://www.amnow.com/ | |
Attendees say seeing new products and developments at The NAFEM Show is their #1 reason for attending.
The NAFEM Show made the foodservice tabletop innovations easy to find at the WHAT’S HOT! WHAT’S COOL!® new product gallery. This high-traffic area of the show floor is visited by nearly 80% of attendees historically and our impression was that trend was no different in 2013.
Hot tabletop products at The NAFEM Show were: Strahl Drinkware
Strahl is a high quality beverageware that combines the strength of polycarbonate, with the elegant look and feel of glass. Strahl's newest collection is CapellaStack, a new collection that is stackable and is crystal clear with the look and feel of glass. CapellaStack is safe for commercial dishwahers and is available in five distinct sizes. | | | | Steelite InternationalSteelite's new CRAFT Collection is inspired by hand-crafted, simple county wares made by generations of potters over hundreds of years. The range embodies the beauty of rich, lustrous glazes applied by hand, and celebrates chance effects and reactions which occur naturally in the kiln. The gem-like glazes married to simple forms and shapes produce a unique and individual appearance, giving CRAFT a rustic "joie de vivre". Manufactured in an evironmentally-friendly process that recycles clay waste, CRAFT production has save 350 metric tons since July 2007. | Eastern TabletopEastern Tabletop's new ZAPFLAME is the innovative perfect solution for adjustable heat with countless advantages. Chefs will enjoy the ease of transition from standard gel fuel cans as they control the ZAPFLAME from small to large to create the perfect temperature for their dish.It has the capability to be used for grilling, cooking, warming as the ZAPFLAME easily adjusts from low to high. All in addition to the cost savings of wasted, half used, gel fuel cans. Save and refill as needed.ZAPFLAME is designed so that the used can shut off the flame when an event is over and turn it back on for the next event, making it eco-friendly, as well. | | | | LibbeyWith the growing popularity of craft and premium beer, Libbey continues to innovate by offering creative new beer glassware products to provide the perfect beer presentation. With its new contemporary verticla design and quality heavy sham, Libbey's new ALTITUDE tall beer glass offers restaurateurs the opportunity to differentiate the beer experience and elevate the beer experience. Offered in Sheer Rim of Fine Edge, ALTITUDE is available at a price point to maximize profit per serving. Designed to fit naturally in the hand, the tall stature and slender figure of ALTITUDE provide impeccable balance, while the inward tapering top captures aromas, enhancing the beer tasting experience. ALTITUDE is available in 14 oz., 16 oz, and 20 oz. capacities and is the ideal investment for any establishment seeking to upgrade their beer service. | HollowickHollowick's Smart Candle TRUFLAME LED Wax Pillars create the most realistic flame colors and flicker available in LED. The products are made of unscented real wax pillars and feature a smooth finish. With three timer settings and a remote control (that is included), you can control the ambiance of your environment with ease. Safe and durable, these flameless wax pillars are designed for many years of continuous use. TRUFLAME flameless wax pillars from Hollowick run on four AA alkaline batteries (not included) and feature up to 400 hours run time. Candles operate by remote control or with a built-in three-stage timer. Hollowick's TRUFLAME flameless LED Wax Pillars are available in 5 sizes. | |
Our old friend Rusty Burleigh is at it again… This time it’s with a great new buffet/catering device called the Grill Pardner. This griddle-like grill isn’t so much a cooking device but more like a warming centerpiece or a chafing dish – perfect for banquets and catering – that uses Sterno or other canned fuels to provide the heat. In addition to keeping foods warm, Grill Pardner will also do the trick at keeping foods cool by using ice instead of the canned fuel underneath the surface. This seems like a great solution for displaying and keeping fruit or sushi at just the right temperature. |  Grill Pardner comes in 3 diameter sizes: 16", 24" and 30" ... and works great with either hot or cold foods. | The Grill Pardner seems incredibly versatile and was developed by legendary Texas caterer Don Strange. Just like the industrial-type catering units used on his ranch, the Grill Pardner is made to last, but yet travels easily, along being designed for a quick cleanup and easy storage when not in use.
Eastern Tabletop's new REVO collection of buffet tools seem incredibly versatile considering that they come with 3 tops: a grill, a grate top, and a board meant to make a carving table. Lightweight and small enough to travel easily, the REVO collection comes in both a 20 inch long rectangular shape and a 15 inch diameter round shape - both made from a polished, high quality 18-10 stainless steel. And we love the idea of being able to flip the REVO unit over and use it as a chiller .... all you have to do is fill with ice. The 18-10 stainless makes cleaning the REVO units easy and its swirl-polished design prevents fingerprints and other grease stains. Eastern Tabletop has been doing things right in both the tabletop and the buffet area since 1950. To learn more and see their entire collection of hopistality products, go here: http://www.easterntabletop.com/default.asp | |
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