How Long Does Melamine Dinnerware Last in Commercial Foodservice?
| | | | |

How Long Does Melamine Dinnerware Last in Commercial Foodservice?

As a foodservice operator, understanding your long-term investments (e.g., equipment, smallwares, etc.) can help your overall budget planning. Here at G.E.T., we’re experts in alternative material dinnerware, so let’s focus on that part of your operation. Many operators invest in dinnerware made from melamine because it’s one of the most durable food-safe materials on the market. …

Cost of Plastic vs. Glass Drinkware for Foodservice
| | | | |

Cost of Plastic vs. Glass Drinkware for Foodservice

All foodservice establishments need drinkware for guests, regardless of the style or volume of service. If you’re a foodservice operator, you may have been faced with the decision of whether to purchase glass or plastic drinkware. But with so many options, the choice can be difficult to navigate or even know where to start. You…

Stained Melamine Dinnerware May Cost You Customers (And How to Avoid It)
| |

Stained Melamine Dinnerware May Cost You Customers (And How to Avoid It)

To say that profit margins in the foodservice industry are tight is an understatement. Commodities and labor markets can fluctuate wildly, putting ever-increasing pressure on operators to control their costs while increasing profits. There’s not much anyone can do about market fluctuation. However, looking at cost centers that are within your control, like how tableware is cared…

One Easy Customer Loyalty Tip for Restaurants
| |

One Easy Customer Loyalty Tip for Restaurants

Most people go into foodservice to create profitable businesses. Yes, it’s still about the food, but ultimately, businesses need to maintain healthy margins to survive in this highly competitive market. Earning repeat customers is one of the best ways to establish a well respected and growing restaurant brand. What makes your guests come back? Some…

Melamine Dinnerware Finishes: Cost and Benefits Comparison
| | | |

Melamine Dinnerware Finishes: Cost and Benefits Comparison

With many options to choose from for selecting a dinnerware finish for your melamine tableware, how do you go about selecting a finish that fits not only your restaurant’s personality, but your operation as well? In this article, not only will I give you cost comparisons for melamine dinnerware finishes, but I will also discuss the…

How to Serve Pasta: Plates vs Bowls?
| | | | |

How to Serve Pasta: Plates vs Bowls?

Here at G.E.T., our customers are always asking us what is better for pasta serving, a bowl or a plate? This is a great question, and like most questions, when it comes to selecting the correct tableware, the answer varies depending on multiple factors. Some of those factors are operational, but in many cases, it’s personal preference. Like food,…

Cast Iron: Natural vs. Coated for Foodservice Applications
| | | |

Cast Iron: Natural vs. Coated for Foodservice Applications

When you think of cast iron, you may imagine antique potbelly stoves or cooking by the campfire. Cast iron is a wonderful metal for cooking, as evidenced by its centuries of use. It’s just as effective today, but it isn’t quite as versatile as stainless steel and aluminum – the two most common foodservice metals….

Most Durable Dinnerware for Casual or Fast-Casual Restaurant: Disposable vs Melamine vs China
| | | |

Most Durable Dinnerware for Casual or Fast-Casual Restaurant: Disposable vs Melamine vs China

Casual Dining Restaurant Typically a casual dining concept/restaurant will offer full table service (waiters and waitresses serve 100%) vs. limited table service (partially served/helped by waiter/waitress) and the length of time the customer spends in that restaurant is longer than a fast-casual (order and pick up by customer) concept. All of these options involve inside seating with…

Grades of Stainless Steel & What They Mean for Your Foodservice Operation
| | | |

Grades of Stainless Steel & What They Mean for Your Foodservice Operation

Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used metal alloys. You can find it in industries from automotive to aviation to foodservice because of its excellent versatile properties. However, not all stainless steel is created equal. There are different grades of stainless steel, some of which are food-safe and some that are not. We’re…

Which Common Plastic is Best for Foodservice Drinkware: Tritan vs. SAN vs. PC
| | | | |

Which Common Plastic is Best for Foodservice Drinkware: Tritan vs. SAN vs. PC

As a foodservice operator, you may not have given much thought to which kind of plastic your drinkware is made from. Considering the tight margins in this industry, you’ve probably focused more on price than anything else. But what if we told you that focusing on the material your plastic drinkware is made from can…

Protein Buildup on Plastic Drinkware: Causes, Solutions, Best Practices
| | | |

Protein Buildup on Plastic Drinkware: Causes, Solutions, Best Practices

It’s no secret that plastic drinkware is one of the most popular items used by foodservice operators. They’re available in a range of styles and sizes, well priced, and typically have a long service life. Regardless of how much love they get from operators and guests alike, there’s still one thing infinitely more attracted to…

What is the Difference Between Commercial Grade and Retail Melamine Dinnerware?
| | | |

What is the Difference Between Commercial Grade and Retail Melamine Dinnerware?

Is there a difference between commercial and retail grade melamine dinnerware? We are frequently asked this question from customers, especially when they are looking to understand if the value of commercial grade melamine justifies the investment in it as opposed to buying retail grade melamine. After all, isn’t it all the same?