Middleby Embraces the Many New Demands for Kitchen Operators
With technology, it bears looking down Innovation Alley at the two biggest value propositions for operators — labor savings and food costs.
“Advanced equipment requires ongoing support, software updates and regular preventive maintenance to perform at peak efficiency,” says James K. Pool III, chief technology and operations officer, Middleby. “That’s why choosing the right technology partner is just as important as choosing the equipment itself. Operators should evaluate not only the current capabilities of a solution, but also the manufacturer’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. The right partner will evolve with your operation, offering upgrades and enhancements that keep you ahead of industry trends.”
When adopting technology and innovation in a commercial kitchen to streamline operations and improve profitability, the ease of training, user accuracy and connectivity are at the forefront.
“The foodservice business is more competitive than ever,” says Pete Ashcraft, senior vice president, global chain development, TurboChef Technologies. “Only the best operators putting out the best prepared, innovative and consistent food are rewarded with success.”
When the individual pieces of equipment are connectivity enabled, the strengths of each unit can be leveraged to benefit overall kitchen goals. With connectivity, there are numerous cost efficiencies, savings and cost avoidance features.
Utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT), Middleby equipment can be connected to any manufacturer’s equipment. It can accomplish tasks like menu uploading or equipment updates from any computer or laptop. Necessary equipment updates can be pushed out to one or multiple stores simultaneously.
With today’s operations experiencing a shrinking, less skilled labor pool, manufacturers are forced to provide automated technology to keep their customers competitive. Middleby’s advanced, innovative equipment allows employees to better multitask.
The One-Touch UI achieves training and accuracy for individual users by connecting each piece of equipment to the Open Kitchen system for enterprise level oversight. Operators control and direct all aspects of the system toward energy and labor efficiency, user accuracy and food cost savings, along with cost avoidance including food safety as well as many other profit building elements.
The one-touch controller features icons that reduce or eliminate text reliance. Icons are effective in guiding users to the correct item they are cooking. The controller features a robust capacitive touch screen, which is familiar to users. TurboChef has taken the One-Touch concept one step further to a single-touch operation, which eliminates many navigation steps. Chain operators have reported an increase from 30% to 90%+ going from the previous TurboChef text screen to the One-Touch system, which is now available across a number of Middleby brands. User accuracy is important for controlling waste and ensures the product is cooked perfectly.
Another innovative technology, ventless, has reduced operators’ costs and changed the back of house landscape, since this equipment can be placed anywhere active stations are needed. With ventless equipment, there is no need for expensive and cumbersome ventilation hoods. It enables unconventional spaces to easily be turned into profit centers.
“Visiting the Middleby Innovation Kitchens in Dallas is the place to see the latest technologies and innovation in foodservice,” says Meghan Daro, vice president consultant services, Middleby. “With over 40,000 square feet of space featuring the best of the best, it is like the Vegas of foodservice – always evolving and growing in order to feature all the great equipment we have to offer!”
