Cook's Direct

School foodservice teams work hard to provide nutritious meals, but increasing costs, staffing shortages, and supply chain issues are making it more difficult than ever. The School Nutrition Association identified the top challenges schools are facing: ?? Food costs – 97.9% ?? Labor costs – 94.9% ?? Equipment costs – 91.4% ?? Staff shortages – 88.7% ?? Procurement issues – 86.8% If these challenges are making it harder to serve your students, Cook’s Direct is here to help! Click here to contact us today: https://lnkd.in/gmGTW3Ny

This week, our Strategic Team went on a field trip to Northern Illinois University to see firsthand their kitchen and dining hall operations. Huge thanks to NIU for having us! Getting a behind-the-scenes look helps us better serve our C+U customers.

Another Thursday L+L at the office! Ronnie Collins from Atosa USA, Inc. shared some exciting, innovative food prep and refrigeration equipment that are set to elevate the foodservice industry. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us!

Correctional facilities are evolving, and staying ahead of industry trends is crucial for efficiency, security, and inmate rehabilitation. Here are the top 3 trends in 2025 to watch according to Summit Correctional Services: ?? Advanced Commissary & Inmate Banking – Cashless systems & self-service kiosks streamline operations. ?? Officer Wellness Programs – Better break areas & mental health support ?? Technology Integration – Automation enhances facility management & security. Contact us today to learn how we can support your operations and bring your facility into the future!

Marianne Schussler-Yenor from Lakeside Manufacturing Foodservice shared their wide range of utility carts, racks, and dispensing equipment for correctional and educational facilities. Thank you to Debra Cassidy and Kevin Cassidy of Cassidy's ProLine for representing Lakeside and for the great lunch!

?? In honor of National School Breakfast Week, we’re giving one lucky school a FREE, fully equipped FSE Breakfast Cart—custom magnet included! Designed for fast, efficient service, this cart features an insulated bin for steam pans, a hinged POS shelf, and a spacious display awning for grab-and-go meals. Enjoy savings on Rite-Size Portion Control Servers, Steam Table Pans, Overhead Baskets, and more through March 31st! #NSBW25 ?? https://lnkd.in/ggqnFqFG

Big thanks to Molly Ladd from Alpha Distributors for answering all our questions and sharing her expertise on Manitowoc Foodservice equipment—ice machines, refrigerators, and more! ????

?? Give your school’s breakfast program a boost—win a FREE Breakfast Cart! To celebrate National School Breakfast Week, we are giving K-12 foodservice operations a chance to win a fully equipped Breakfast Cart with a custom school magnet. Second and third place winners will receive Cook’s Brand Rite-Size Portion Servers. ?? Enter by March 14! Plus, enjoy exclusive savings on breakfast carts, portion servers, steam table pans, and more through the end of March. Don’t miss out! Enter the giveaway and shop today: ??https://lnkd.in/ggqnFqFG

And that's a wrap! Our team was absolutely WOW'd at this year's #TheNAFEMShow. From making valuable new industry connections to discovering cutting-edge equipment, it was for sure an event to remember. See you again in 2027, North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)! #NAFEM25

North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) Conference Day 2! Our team got their hands on new, innovative foodservice equipment that could change the foodservice game. Stay tuned for #NAFEM25 Day 3! #TheNAFEMShow