Catering Kitchen Equipment

Our popular Scoop series wraps up today (temporarily) as we talk about more great food products from US Foods, where we are Keeping Kitchens Cooking™. Our Spring 2012 series of Scoop blog posts is wrapping up today, but we will be returning next month with the start of our Summer Series. In addition, we've got a few more scoops to share later this month, and we think you'll find the blog posts absolutely delicious. So, stay tuned, but in the meantime....

Imagine this: rich, savory, buttery, flaky, croissants in the form of a sandwich bun. Imagine no more! Our Chef''s Line™ brand of melt-in-your-mouth classic French croissant buns are here. These unsliced all-butter buns are specifically designed for burgers and sandwiches and are made with 25% Grade AA butter, combining both decadence and function.

Feeling like a healthier option? We also carry irresistable whole grain buns that are both healthy and delicious! Our unique sliced 9-Grain Sprouted Bun is also a Chef's Line product and has a nutty flavor combined with a touch of sweetness. Each bun contains 10 grams of protein and goes great with any of the new burgers featured in our recent Scoop posts. Whether it be a beef, salmon, or veggie burger, this bun will deliciously complement your burger and tickle your tastebuds.

If sandwiches and burgers are aren't on your menu today, maybe it's time for some prepared deli salads bursting with the latest greatest trending flavor profiles. US Foods is pleased to bring you the Metro Deli™ line of re-imagined, fresh, and delicious prepared deli salads. Try the Santa Fe Brown Rice and Lentil Salad, complete with black beans, cilantro, crispy vegetables and a tangy tomato sauce made with chile and cumin. For a salad with Asian flair, we've got the Thai Peanut Yakisoba Noodle Salad.

This salad combines noodles with peanut butter, soy, and chile. We add black sesame and edamame (young soybeans) for a crunchy texture. This tasty salad, just like the others featured today, has less than 250 calories per serving, and is made with "better for you" ingredients. Our Curry Coleslaw is a mixture of crispy cabbage, coconut milk, and curry, and has hints of cranberry tartness and orange sweetness. This slaw is a delcious complement to a pulled pork sandwich!

These great food products will satisfy the appetites of your patrons, but make sure you have the right foodservice supplies to serve them. At US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies, we carry over 12,000 products online, including catering platters. Choose from decorative deli bowls and trays from our selection of catering products. Most of our products are in stock and ready to ship out within one business day, so you won't have to wait long before you can serve these delicious foods on quality commercial restaurant supplies!

With Earth Week upon us and yesterday's 42nd anniversary of the very first Earth Day in 1970, we thought we'd speak green today! Going green is a great way to save yourself money in the long run and help sustain the earth's natural resources. At US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies, we have a group of commercial kitchen equipment, catering supply, and other foodservice supplies that are in our "Go Green" eco-friendly group.

Sustainability is a popular trend right now. Industries from auto manufacturing to clothing to foodservice are looking for a sustainable angle for their products that sets them apart from the competition. Today, we have three tips for foodservice businesses looking to add an eco-friendly image to their establishment.

1. Local Ingredients

Starting on the menu, you can add local ingredients and flavor to your dishes. Source vegetables from a local farm, contact a ranch for local meat, or work with a local brewer. Local food saves on transportation costs of ingredients and helps the economy in your area. For the truly adventurous, you can start your own ingredient garden, as some restaurants around the country have done.

2. Sustainable Dinnerware

The BambooMel line of dinnerware available here at US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies are made from a high quality combination of sustainable bamboo materials and durable melamine. Adding this dinnerware to your supplies makes a statement about your commitment to environmentally-friendly products and processes. Your patrons likely won't even notice a change!

3. Energy Efficient Appliances

Switching your back-of-the-house appliances, like dishwashers and ovens, to more energy efficient options can help ease the environmental impact of your restaurant and save you money on the bottom line. A more efficient appliance helps your staff prepare better meals, and helps cut down on your energy bills. If you haven't updated this equipment in a long time, take a look at some new models and see what they might be able to save you in energy costs. Many of the more efficient models pay for themselves in a reasonable amount of time.

Showing your eco-conscious side can help win over diners and add to your revenue. Get started today with help from US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies - and don't forget to tell us about your experiences here in the comments.

Ever wonder how Mother's Day got started in the United States? Well, it's origins date back to the late 1800's just after the Civil War ended in the U.S. Mothers in small communities who had lost their sons in the war began to gather and form women's peace groups. Ann Jarvis wanted a "Mother's Friendship Day" established to reunite familes divided in the Civil War. In 1868 she formed a committee with the expectation that this would become an annual memorial for mothers. Her daughter Anna continued her efforts after her death in 1905.

In Boston, there were Mother's Day anti-war observances for about 10 years beginning in 1872. This was the result of an anti-war rally in June 1872 in New York City spearheaded by Julia Ward Howe, who made a Mother's Day Proclamation. Mother's Day was observed in 1877 in Albion, Michigan as mothers were celebrated for their part in the temperance movement.  In the early 1880's the Methodist Espiscopal Church in Albion set aside the second Sunday in May each year to recognize mothers and their contributions.

Anna Jarvis worked to establish Mother's Day as a national holiday after her mother's death in 1905 and West Virginia was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1910. The U.S. Congress passed a law in May 1914 designating the official Mother's Day- the second Sunday in May each year. The law was signed into action the next day by President Woodrow Wilson, and America officially celebrated it's first Mother's Day. With the encouragement of Wilson, Americans flew flags in honor of mothers who had lost sons in wars.

Today, Mother's Day is celebrated across our great country to recognize our mothers and all that they do for us. We celebrate them with flowers, jewelry, greeting cards, and by taking them out for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This is why Mother's Day is arguably the busiest day of the year in restaurants. With that in mind, US Foods Culinary Equipment and Supplies offers you all the tools to make for a successful day for you and all of your patrons who are mothers!

We're offering a great selection of restaurant equipment and supplies during our Mother's Day Sale. Many of these foodservice supplies are in stock and ready to be shipped out to your establishment. Restaurant glasses, catering supplies, and commercial kitchen equipment are featured in our sale that runs through May 5. Hurry and save now before all those deserving Moms stroll into your restaurant on their special day (May 13 this year)!

US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies offers over 12,000 products on our website and has everything that you need to outfit your restaurant, bar, or catering business. Along with featuring products from such industry leading manufacturers as True, Manitowoc, Pitco, and Libbey, we offer a selection of products exclusively branded for US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies.



Our private label products include Superior equipment, and Next Day Gourmet and Monogram smallwares. Only the finest equipment carries the Superior name: you can choose from ranges, refrigerators, broilers, and more! Most of these products are in stock and ready to ship out within one business day, usually arriving at your establishment within 5 business days. 








Next Day Gourmet Smallwares include china, flatware, kitchen food prep products, and pots and pans. Quality restaurant supplies at great prices are available to stock your kitchen and dining room. And these exclusive brand products are only available at US Foods Culinary Equipment & Supplies.




Monogram products include a variety of janitorial supplies to help keep your establishment clean and sanitized. We offer Monogram heating fuel for your catering needs. Our private label exclusive brands cover an array of product groups that will help keep your business running smoothly and profitably. 

Superior Products Restaurant Equipment and Supplies regrets to have to announce the closing of two of our Superior Outlet Centers. Our Anaheim and Orlando outlet centers will be closing their doors on Friday, August 26, 2011. We would like to thank the hard work and dedication of the staff at these locations, many who have been serving our Superior customers for several years.

As the date approaches, all products will be marked down in an effort to sell all of our merchandise at these locations. There are unbelievable savings on everything in stock, so if you live in one of these areas, be sure to stop in and save before August 26.

Kitchen cooking equipment, catering supplies, and many other foodservice equipment and supply products will be available with marked down prices. All sales are limited to stock on hand, so hurry and check in soon.

To encourage our customers in Anaheim and Orlando to continue to be part of our Superior Products customer base, we have set up special promotional offers for you to use online or to call into our call center. Details are available in the store, and we will be sending details with postcards and emails to customers within a 50 mile radius of these locations.

Thank you to all who have helped make these outlet centers successful over the years, and thank you to loyal customers who have patronized our business. We hope that you will continue on as customers of Superior Products and enjoy the benefits of our in-stock shipment fast deliveries. Shipments that are in stock generally ship out within one business day. Customers in both Anaheim and Orlando should receive their orders within 2 to 3 business days after shipping.

Welcome back to Superior Products Restaurant Equipment and Supplies three part series on the history of restaurants. Previously we explored the early history of foodservice establishments and the evolution of eateries into the American dining landscape today. While our country is still relatively young, new technologies, expanded culinary exposure, and creativity have all been key components in the shaping of our modern day cornucopia of foodservice dining options.

This article will focus on the types of eating establishments available to consumers today in the United States. We will attempt to cover the more prominent and popular types of eateries, although some are sure to be left out as there are so many to choose from. We’ll also throw in some menu fare and recommended foodservice equipment and supply items that might work well with this type of venue. So here we go…

Restaurant is a generic term referring to any establishment that serves food to customers. High end restaurants offer cuts of quality meats and seafood dishes, often adorned with sauces and seasonings that delight the palate. Many of the world’s top chefs are in charge of these kitchens where dishes are created with some of the finest and freshest ingredients to be found- all for a price! Fast food restaurants and coffee shops have menu items that will cost you less than one dollar.

Pizzerias specialize in pizza, pasta, and Italian dishes. Delicatessens tend to cater more to the soup, sandwich, and side order crowd, often serving quality specialized sliced meats, while cafeterias offer these items as well as a variety of hot entrees and sides. Superior offers restaurant kitchen equipment such as sandwich and pizza prep units to help the kitchen staff prepare their meals. Restaurant meat slicers  and pizza supplies are also available on our website.

Diners, grills, and drive-ins offer casual dining fare, usually available for dining in, or for taking out. In recent years, casual dining chains have sprung up offering a variety of ethnic favorites and American favorites such as hamburgers and sub sandwiches. These restaurants are generally higher priced than fast food restaurants but not as expensive as “dining in sit-down” restaurants. With our recent economic woes, many Americans are frequenting these establishments more often than higher priced restaurants when they are dining out.
 

Bistros, cantinas, and cafés have varietal menus, sometimes specializing in a specific type of food or food theme. They are less formal than more expensive restaurants, offering a more relaxed casual atmosphere where people gather to eat and drink, sometimes choosing lighter fare to eat. Many of these eateries offer specialty cocktails and with a large selection of restaurant glasses, we have you covered whether you need specialized or classic styles of glassware.

Concession stands, donut shops, chophouses, oyster bars…the list goes on and on. We have so many options to choose from today when it comes to eating that it is mind boggling. Whether you want to indulge in animal brains, insects, flowers, or refreshing treats such as garlic ice cream, just do a little research. You probably don’t have to go too far to find the meal of your choice. Of course, a burger, fries and milkshake are still on the menu somewhere too!

And if you own and operate one of the aforementioned restaurants, you will need quality restaurant equipment and foodservice supply to be successful. With over 11,500 products sitewide and many ready to ship out within one business day, Superior Products is the company you need for fast quality service and a wide selection of products.

Ever wonder how restaurants got started? Humans have to eat to sustain their lives, so the idea of serving up food in a centralized location came about many moons ago. Superior Products Restaurant Equipment and Supplies begins a three part series today on restaurants, their history and evolution. You can follow eating establishments from their very earliest days to today’s cornucopia of places to eat.

Today’s post will focus on the early history of restaurants worldwide, while our second installation will review early American dining places. The third and final post of our series will take a look at modern day restaurants, diners, cafeterias, bistros, and other eateries we have available as dining options today. Most of the information contained in this article came from Wikipedia.com and their attributed sources.

So, way back when…

Restaurants are believed to have originated in ancient day Pompeii, Rome. Many small restaurant/bars sprung up and served as a social outlet for the citizens. Many homes were without kitchens, and these thermopolia usually had L-shaped buffet type setups, offering hot and cold prepared food to those who might have trouble finding it otherwise. 158 such thermopolia have been found throughout ancient Pompeii, many of them located in busy public areas.

During China’s Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), the hospitality and catering industry took off in Kaifeng, the northern capital of China in the 11^th century. The industry expanded from the taverns and teahouses that had been set up for individuals travelling through an area to new restaurants catering to the local community. Kaifeng had paper currency and had a population in excess of 1 million people. In addition to locals, visitors from other parts of China also visited these new “restaurants”.

Individual restaurants offered specialized menus to its patrons based on different types of cuisine, and socio-economic and religious considerations. Many of the families who ran restaurants in Kaifeng moved to Hangzhou, the capital city during the 12^th and 13^th centuries, after the Jurchen invasion.

Cafes began in Constantinople during the 16^th century when the first coffee house was born. They were popular gathering spots where the educated class would gather for hours sharing ideas, and indulging in drinks and snacks. The concept spread to Europe in the 17^th century, when the first modern-day café was opened in 1696, the Café Procope. This café in France offered wine, brandy, and liqueurs, as well as coffee.

During the 18^th century, the French government oversaw highly regulated establishments that served food for the purpose of restoring one’s strength or to help the sick and ailing recover. The French word restaurer means “to restore” and this is the origin of the word restaurant. The French Revolution was when restaurants as we think of them today were born. Laws were lifted on restricted foods that now allowed anyone who could afford the food to buy it. Many chefs capitalized and created menus with cooked-to-order food for the public to enjoy.

Can you imagine cornering the foodservice equipment and supplies market early on? Being a supplier of wholesale coffee cups and restaurant glasses could have quite the lucrative business back then. Today, you need look no further than Superior Products to find all of the equipment and supply needs for your foodservice establishment.

Stay with us this week as we continue our “History of Restaurants” series. Remember as you retrace the origins of restaurants, cafes, and catering establishments, that if you are in the foodservice business now, you need look no further than our website for quality kitchen cooking equipment, catering supplies, bar equipment and much, much more!

Awesome Baked Beans

Submitted by Kathy S.

1 ½ lbs hamburger
1 lb bacon
1 chopped up onion
2 large cans Bush’s original baked beans
2 cans dark red kidney beans
2 cans butter beans
½ cup vinegar
1 ½ cup brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1 ½ tsp dry mustard
1 tbsp salt

Brown cut up bacon and drain. Brown hamburger and onion together and drain.

In a large crock pot combine hamburger, bacon, all beans and the rest of the ingredients. (Add the juice from the kidney beans but not the butter beans, or all juice as desired.)

Cook on low for 3-5 hours and enjoy!

Can be made up ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.

Recommended Restaurant Equipment and supplies:

• Cutting Board
• Can Opener
• Mixing Spoon

January is here and it’s time to stock up on smallwares and other restaurant equipment and supplies at Superior Products. View a variety of products including refrigeration equipment, catering supplies, and food prep tools, many at discounted prices. Now is the time to check your supply inventory and stock up for your upcoming 2011 business.

Featured products include airpots, oven mitts, scales and salad spinners. With over 11,500 products sitewide, Superior offers products to meet all of your foodservice equipment and supply needs. Many of these are stocked in our distribution centers located throughout various regions in the country, covering the Southern, Eastern, Midwestern and Western U.S.

 All the tools you need to create culinary delights can be stocked up on now. Keep your kitchen running efficiently and safely with such products as dunnage racks, equipment stands and cutting boards. Start off the New Year right and stock up!

The year is coming to an end and it’s the time to highlight our best selling restaurant equipment and supplies from 2010. These products will be featured on www.SuperProd.com tomorrow but we are giving you a sneak preview on Superior Connections today.

With a variety of products ranging from commercial refrigerators and ice machines to glassware and china, Superior Products offers over 11,500 foodservice equipment and supply products on our website. Choose from a variety of commercial kitchen equipment and catering supplies.

Be sure to check out the seasonal savings that run through the end of the week. We would like to thank you for your purchases in 2010; we look forward to offering a great selection and great deals to you in 2011. Superior has been a leader in the foodservice industry for over 75 years, and many of our products are stocked in our four distribution centers, ready to ship out to you within one business day.

The store has since relocated, and has been at its current location since June of 2006. The Charlotte Superior Outlet Center offers a wide variety of foodservice equipment and supply products, including commercial kitchen equipment, bar equipment, and catering supplies. Having the advantage of being located very near the Charlotte restaurant supply warehouse, the store is able to easily accommodate orders for our entire in-stock inventory of restaurant equipment and supplies.

Charlotte’s manager is Karen Peralta, who has worked for Superior Products for 13 years, 9 of those in Charlotte. Prior to that, Karen worked as manager of our former Fort Worth, Texas location. She began her tenure with Superior Products working in the Call Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. Karen’s staff includes three long-tenured Superior Products employees.

The Charlotte outlet center’s assistant manger is Jason Nahooikaika, who has also worked in Charlotte for 9 years. Jason worked for a year in our former Atlanta location prior to that. Brian Harvey and Michael Jordan have both worked in Charlotte for 10 years. Michael worked in the distribution center for 4 years prior to moving to the outlet center, where he has worked for the last 6 years.

EXCITING NEWSFLASH:
SUPERIOR OUTLET CENTERS are now
US FOODS CULINARY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OUTLET CENTERS...
We'll have a fresh look and a new product catalog in early 2012!

Superior Products Restaurant Equipment and Supplies began in 1933 as an aluminum and brass foundry in the Northeast section of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prohibition was ending and local breweries requested that Superior make beer parts for them. The demand and business grew, as did the Superior Products name. 1937 marked the first publishing of a catalog that featured beer parts. In ensuing years, the catalog product selection expanded to include flatware, toasters, walk-in coolers, and other products.

Distribution centers were set up in Orlando, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina, Hartford, Connecticut, Columbus, Ohio, and Dallas, Texas between 1976 and 1986. In 1989, showrooms in Santa Ana, California, and St Paul, Minnesota were replaced by SuperStores, with Santa Ana relocating to Anaheim, California. In that year, the catalog and sales flyer mailing lists expanded to include prospect customers, and Superior Products became the industry leader in catalog sales for such products as catering supplies, bar equipment, and commercial kitchen equipment for cooking.

Superior Products expanded to include more SuperStores, totaling over 20 at one time. Distribution centers emerged in Reno, Nevada, and Allentown, Pennsylvania, and they service Superior customers today, along with our St Paul location (now located in suburb of Plymouth, MN) and Charlotte Distribution Center. Due to tough economic times, the number of SuperStores (now referred to as Superior Outlet Centers by Next Day Gourmet) has been downsized to six locations.

In our upcoming featured outlet center blog posts, we will share with you information about our six outlet center locations, where you can purchase your foodservice equipment and supply needs locally. We will have new posts each Tuesdays and Fridays, beginning on Friday, December 17, with our first post featuring our Alexandria, Virginia location. Posts about our other locations, Anaheim, Charlotte, Orlando, Reno and St Paul, will follow. Stay tuned to Superior Connections for our upcoming informative posts!

Superior Products Restaurant Equipment and Supplies has added decorative and functional baskets from Service Ideas to our selection of foodservice supplies on our website. These heavy duty wire baskets are available in 7" and 9" sizes. They are made from polished stainless steel and come in oval, round and wavy patterns.




These baskets add flare to your tabletop presentation and are in-stock in our four nationwide distribution centers. With restaurant supply warehouses in Charlotte, North Carolina, Allentown, Pennsylvania, St Paul, Minnesota, and Reno, Nevada, we've got you covered. Products shipped from stock generally arrive within 4 to 6 business days.



Shop our website now for current holiday promotions. With over 11,500 products sitewide, we have the catering supply, commercial kitchen equipment, and restaurant cooking supplies you need. With affordable prices and excellent customer service, you need look no further than Superior Products!

Superior Products has launched its annual Halloween Sale on restaurant equipment and supplies. We are offering savings on a variety of products to celebrate this ghoulish holiday.



Catering supplies such as end loaders, steam table pans, and airpots are on sale.
Prices on commercial equipment kitchen such as sandwich prep units and sandwich grills have been slashed, and you can also buy the steak knives we used to slash prices at a discounted price.

This is no trick- our prices are a treat during the Halloween Sale on restaurant equipment and supplies going on now at Superior Products. Visit our website to view the products and our entire collection of over 11,500 foodservice equipment and supplies sitewide. Many of these products are stocked in our restaurant supply warehouses. Order them today and they will ship out within one business day, arriving at your door in 4 to 6 business days!

Don't be haunted because you missed out on the savings! Shop Superior now and save!

Fall is here and now is the time to tkae advantage of great deals on commercial kitchen equipment at Superior Products Restaurant Equipment and Supplies. We are now featuring our Fall Equipment Sale with savings on kitchen cooking equipment, including refrigeration and restaurant ranges.






Look for specials on industrial ice machines and bar equipment as well. Countertop electric fryers and commercial griddles are also sale priced. For your catering supply needs, we are offering lower pricing on popcorn machines, hot dog roller grills, and countertop pizza ovens.

You can't go wrong by purchasing your foodservice equipment now at Superior Products. The busy holiday season is coming and now's the time to stock up your kitchen with all that you'll need to keep up with business!