Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

In this episode of Trestle Tactics, we wrap up our “Lean Thinking” series with Kymberly Wrobles and Kayla Saunders as they dish out valuable insights on employee engagement in senior living food service. They emphasize that while efficient processes are crucial, true success hinges on a fully engaged team. They serve up three key strategies to create an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and committed to their roles.

Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service

#TT29 #KitchenEfficiency #SeniorDining #EmployeeEngagement #Productivity #Training #qualityAssurance #LeanKitchen #CulinaryManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceTips #OperationalExcellence #GordonFoodService

This week’s Tips from Trestle finds Aaron catching up with Dan Shaughnessy, VP of Customer Success at eMenuChoice, about the non-revenue benefits of implementing point-of-sale systems in senior living communities. They discuss how POS technology enhances kitchen efficiency, supports resident choice, ensures resident safety and much, much more. They highlight the importance of adapting to changing resident expectations and leveraging data to improve dining experiences. Shaughnessy emphasizes that POS systems offer more than just revenue generation, providing valuable operational improvements and resident satisfaction.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro

#TFT336 #SeniorLiving #DiningInnovation #FoodService #PointOfSale #SeniorCare #TechForGood #HealthyAging #FoodWasteReduction #ResidentExperience #SeniorDining #DigitalTransformation #FoodTech #AgeTech

We continue our “Lean Thinking” series as Aaron shares how to transform your senior living food service operation with efficient workflow strategies. He shares practical tips for identifying bottlenecks, organizing workspaces, and optimizing staff performance. Learn how small changes can lead to significant improvements in productivity, staff satisfaction, and resident happiness.

Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service

#TT28 #KitchenEfficiency #SeniorDining #FoodServiceOptimization #Workflow #ProductivityHacks #LeanKitchen #CulinaryManagement #SeniorLiving #FoodServiceTips #OperationalExcellence #GordonFoodService

In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish interviews Nancy Ridlen, owner of W3 Sales, about innovative approaches to senior living dining experiences. Nancy discusses the importance of balancing aesthetics and functionality in tableware design, emphasizing the need for elevated dining experiences that feel like home. She highlights the significance of understanding each community's unique needs, collaborating with various stakeholders, and considering factors such as heat retention, breakage, and resident dignity. Nancy also shares insights on creating cohesive dining experiences across different service types and overcoming common challenges in senior living food service projects.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro

#TFT335 #SeniorLiving #DiningExperience #FoodService #HospitalityDesign #CulinaryInnovation #HealthyAging #SeniorWellness #RetirementLiving #FoodPresentation #TablescapeDesign #SeniorNutrition #MemoryCare #AssistedLiving #Design

This week’s Tactics has Aaron reconnecting with Akshita Iyer from OME Kitchen to take an up close & personal look at their Gen 2 Smart Knob. They chat about the need for this kind of smart device in both senior living and in-home settings. Akshita even provides a demo that showcases the Smart Knob and it’s app in action.

Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.

#TT27 #SmartTech #SandwichGeneration #SeniorLiving #HomeSafety #CulinaryTech #SmartHomeInnovation #SeniorSafety #AgingInPlace #KitchenTech #CookingSafety #SmartKitchen #TechForSeniors #IndependentLiving

In this episode of Tips from Trestle, host Aaron Fish interviews Jared Gleaton, a psychologist and food enthusiast. They explore the concept of foodology, which examines how our senses influence food experiences. The conversation deep dives into how cultural narratives and personal memories shape our relationship with food. Gleaton emphasizes building relationships between chefs and diners to elevate the overall experience and connection. The episode offers insights into creating meaningful dining experiences that go beyond just taste, considering the psychological and emotional aspects of eating.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro

#TFT334 #Foodology #SeniorLiving #CulinaryArts #FoodieLife #SensoryDining #HealthyAging #FoodService #MindfulEating #SeniorCare #GastronomyTrends #NutritionMatters #DiningExperience #SeniorDining

Tactics this week finds experts Nancy Rhodes and Molly Armstrong discussing strategies to streamline business efficiency and reduce costs in your foodservice operation. The conversation covers practical tips for organizing storage, standardizing order guides, and leveraging technology solutions like Gordon Food Service's ordering platforms and menu management systems. They also emphasize the importance of observing team actions, implementing standardized recipes, and utilizing automation to boost productivity and profitability in your foodservice operations.

Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.

#TT26 #LeanThinking #FoodServiceEfficiency #SeniorLivingDining #InventoryManagement #CulinaryTech #OperationalExcellence #FoodWasteReduction #MenuPlanning #SustainableFoodService #HealthcareFoodService #CostSavingTips #SeniorCare #GordonFoodService

Aaron shares a conversation from his monthly Cocktails & Conversations event with his good friend, Damon Thomas. Damon is the Senior VP of Operations at Providence Senior Living and shares his journey in the senior living industry. From personal experiences with his grandfather to leadership roles in major companies, Aaron & Damon talk about the importance of adaptability, compassionate leadership, and continuous improvement. He shares the key strategies for managing teams, maintaining high care standards, and meeting financial goals that have guided his career. Damon wraps up the chat highlighting the value of industry advocacy through his work with the Florida Senior Living Association. They even take a peek ahead, envisioning an exciting future for senior living, marked by innovation and forward thinking programs.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro

#SeniorCare #SeniorLiving #Leadership #CaregiverSupport #AssistedLiving #SeniorHealth #Innovation #ElderCare #RetirementLiving #SeniorLifestyle #Adaptability

In this insightful TFT episode, Arron sits down with Dr. Karen Schuder and discusses strategies for building resilience and reducing anxiety in leadership roles, particularly within senior living and healthcare settings. She explores concepts such as anxiety as a contagion, emotional triangles, and self-positioning. Dr. Schuder emphasizes the importance of values-driven leadership and maintaining a non-anxious presence to enhance team performance and organizational health. The conversation goes deep into practical techniques for managing stress in high-pressure environments like kitchens, and how leaders can foster authentic connections without falling into dysfunctional patterns.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by eMenuChoice & ClarkPro

Dr. Schuder's book, "Resilient and Sustainable Caring," is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AUuJJT

#TFT332 #LeadershipMindset #SeniorLiving #BurnoutPrevention #AnxietyAwareness #TeamBuildingTips #SeniorLivingInnovation #HealthcareLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #ResilienceBuilding #MindfulLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfCareForLeaders #AuthenticLeadership #StressManagement #CompanyCulture #WorkLifeBalance

This week on Trestle Tactics we are continuing our Lean Thinking series as Aaron brings in Dana Fillmore & Tiffany Nabozny from GFS to share their insights & experiences with ways that operators can find efficiencies in how they approach the biggest task in a kitchen - meal production.

Trestle Tactics is proudly sponsored by Gordon Food Service.

#TT25 #LeanThinking #SeniorLiving #OperationlaExcellence #FoodService #ChefLife #KitchenEfficiency #RestaurantManagement #SeniorDining