Alto Hartley, Author at Alto-Hartley

woman looking out a glass door with an OPEN sign

December 13, 2023 by Alto Hartley

Considerations for Opening a Commercial Kitchen in 2024

The year 2024 holds promising prospects for foodservice operators and entrepreneurial chefs. With the restaurant industry outlook portraying a rosy picture of growth and innovation, those aspiring to open commercial kitchens must strategically navigate through the myriad of considerations. This blog post will provide a high-level overview, touching on key aspects that demand attention for […]

November 30, 2023 by Alto Hartley

Tackling School Nutrition Challenges in 2024

The landscape of school nutrition faces significant challenges in the coming year, as outlined in the 2023 School Nutrition Trends Report. This comprehensive report sheds light on three key hurdles that schools must address to ensure the well-being of their students. Let’s take a closer look at what’s detailed in the trends report now. Challenge […]

in School Nutrition 0 comments

Stack of 10 tamales piled in pyramid on green plate - holiday food traditions

November 29, 2023 by Alto Hartley

Unique Holiday Food Traditions

It’s safe to say that the holiday season is all about food. However, while food is certainly a common denominator, the types of cuisine people make at this time of year are just as diverse as the cultures and backgrounds that make this country great. Holiday food traditions often date back hundreds of years, and […]

in History / Interesting Facts 0 comments

coffee and candy canes on a wooden table

October 16, 2023 by Alto Hartley

Cozy Up Your Shop: Crafting Irresistible Cold Weather Coffee Drinks

As the weather cools, coffee shops should be in full swing, especially as the holidays draw closer. There’s something almost magical about sipping on a hot cup of delicious coffee when the weather is cold, wet, or snowy outside, and coffee shops can be cozy corners of comfort, offering guests some welcomed respite from the […]

in Bar & Beverage 0 comments

October 7, 2023 by Alto Hartley

Using the Latest Technology to Prepare for the Seasonal Restaurant Rush

Preparing a restaurant for the seasonal holiday rush becomes paramount as the holidays approach. Seasonal foodservice demands increase, and customers adore being able to order seasonal menu items and take home tasty holiday treats. However, managing the increase in seasonal foodservice volume can be a challenge. To satisfy customers, serve customers efficiently, and increase profits […]

in Restaurant Equipment 0 comments

food safety related words blurred out with words in focus under a magnifying glass

September 26, 2023 by Alto Hartley

3 Important Things to Consider in Your Food Safety Management

One of the reasons food safety is such a challenge in commercial and institutional foodservice operations is the fact there are so many different aspects to managing it. While cleaning, sanitizing, and refrigeration are all essential, operators must take a much broader approach and consider all aspects of food safety management.

in Food Safety 0 comments

September 20, 2023 by Alto Hartley

Essential Guide to Ensuring Food Safety In Your Commercial Kitchen

Food safety is a paramount concern for foodservice establishments, customers, and public health organizations. One in six Americans experience food poisoning from foodborne illness each year, resulting in approximately 128,000 hospitalizations. To prevent harm to customers and to ensure an outstanding reputation and compliance with local regulations, foodservice establishments should continue to place a heavy […]

in Food Safety 0 comments

Daiquiri in a glass with lime twist on side sits on bar with blurred out background of liquor bottles behind

August 30, 2023 by Alto Hartley

The Origins of the Daiquiri and How Commercial Bars Can Serve Them

Serving up well-made favorite drinks at a bar or restaurant is the perfect way to get repeat business. And one of the most favorite alcoholic drinks on the menu? That would be the daiquiri. Originally consisting of a simple mixture of rum, lime, and sugar, this drink dates back to the late 1800s. And yet […]

in Bar & Beverage / History 0 comments

August 24, 2023 by Alto Hartley

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT in Foodservice

ChatGPT, a type of artificial intelligence (AI), is getting much focus across many industries, and foodservice is one of them. Though it may not seem like a simple connection, using AI, specifically ChatGPT, in foodservice can create numerous opportunities for improved customer service, lower labor costs, and enhanced revenue for companies. Improving the Customer Experience […]

in Bar & Beverage / Restaurant Equipment 0 comments

school lunch food on a table with a chalk board that reads LUNCH

August 15, 2023 by Alto Hartley

The Steps School Districts Should Consider When Looking for Grant Money

Budgets can have a major impact on the quality of foodservice that school districts across Virginia and Maryland can deliver. Any additional dollars can help directors with their goals, and school nutrition grant money can certainly have a transformative effect.

in School Nutrition 0 comments