An immense amount of research is conducted when Cambro designs a new product. We look at the challenges chefs have and the solutions that are available to them. When we see a frequently occurring problem with no current solution, we know we have an opportunity to make an impact on the foodservice industry. Recently, we created two new products that are unlike anything else available. The Universal Storage Rack When chefs store food pans and food boxes on shelving, the most efficient way was to stack them—until now. “Storage is a constant issue and it is a constant thing that can either mak ..read more

The goals of every school foodservice professional are centered around efficiency, accessibility and nutritional quality. Vickie Speltz, foodservice director at Cotter Schools in Winona, Minn., wanted to streamline operations and increase participation while satisfying students. We spoke to Speltz about how her forward-thinking led her to embrace the Cambro Vending Cart as a pivotal tool in achieving her foodservice goals. 1. Reduce Pressure on Serving Line Last year, LASD introduced a la carte items to students in grades 7 through 12, but quickly noticed it was causing a lot of backup in ..read more

In recent years, the lines between commercial and home kitchens have blurred. Thanks to a growing interest in culinary experimentation at home, many consumers are investing in high-quality kitchen equipment once reserved for professional chefs. Whether you’re a budding home cook or a seasoned foodie, there’s an array of commercial kitchen products that can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. We rounded up 5 must-have items that can transform your home kitchen into a chef’s paradise. 1. High-Quality Knives Invest in a high-quality knife set that can withstand the rigors of daily ..read more

Chef Grecia Ramos’ love for baking started when she was a teenager. When she got married, her husband encouraged her to use her baking skills to make desserts for his BBQ restaurant in Castroville, Texas. Her desserts were a hit, and she decided to hone her skills further by attending culinary school. In 2023, she had her teenage dream realized when she opened her own bakeshop. What inspired you to get into foodservice? “I discovered my love for baking as a teenager and continued to bake as a hobby for friends and family throughout my 20s. Everything changed when I met my now husband, who ..read more

When building your back of house, Camshelving is the foundation. Oftentimes, chefs are so excited to be done with metal shelving that they think their decisions end there. With Camshelving, there are a variety of complimentary products and accessories that can make your space more organized and efficient. Nik Bautista, Director of Culinary Services at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz., has 3 walk-ins, 2 freezers and a dry storage room that help support $4.5 million in revenue per year. Bautista was thrilled to get rid of the metal shelving in his food storage areas in favor of Cam ..read more

As April arrives, it’s important to prepare for more than just pranks and jokes. Don’t be fooled by neglecting your food storage practices! But seriously, we have 5 essential strategies that will keep your ingredients fresh and your kitchen organized. Only a fool would let these crucial tips go to waste. Only a fool would… 1. Use plastic wrap Plastic wrap was created with convenience —not food safety—in mind. The problem with plastic wrap is that it often fails to tightly cling onto containers, leaving them exposed to air. This lax wrapping not only invites cross-contamination but also dim ..read more

Erin Smith and Patrick Feges, the visionary duo behind Feges BBQ, met in the kitchen and began their relationship with the shared love of food. Erin has a background in fine dining and Patrick is a self-taught pitmaster who was awarded a Purple Heart from injuries sustained during a tour in Iraq. In March 2018 they joined forces to create Feges BBQ–traditional BBQ with a contemporary twist. Feges BBQ embodies a fusion of tradition, innovation and a deep-rooted passion for bringing people together through exceptional flavors. What do you love about your business? “I loved the idea of doing ..read more

For more than 50 years, The Old Spaghetti Factory has been serving Italian favorites like their famous mizithra pasta and lasagna. Family-owned and operated, The Old Spaghetti Factory has grown to more than 40 locations across 13 states, plus two restaurants in Nagoya and Kobe, Japan. Each customer experiences the same flavors and quality in Louisville as they do in Honolulu.   For the last 10 years, The Old Spaghetti Factory has used our High Heat H-Pans to store and heat their sauce, lasagna and pasta. With a name like “The Old Spaghetti Factory,” you can imagine just how m ..read more

831 Catering is a testament to adaptability in thefoodservice industry. Born as a restaurant in 2018, owner Joseph Talley swiftly adjusted during the uncertain times of 2020 by transforming into a catering business.  831 Catering offers full-scale, staffed catering events for up to 1,000 guests and a complete line of packaged meals for office meetings and delivery needs. Now, 4 years later, Talley is thrilled to open another iteration of his business: 831 Beach Kitchen. The new cafe opened in late February 2024, serving breakfast and lunch in Monterey, Calif. What inspired you to get i ..read more

One of our favorite things to see is someone taking something old and making it into something new. When Huntington Beach Union High School District found 4 well-loved Cambro salad bars that weren’t currently being used, they were determined to find an alternative use for them. After the food and nutrition services department mentioned the salad bars to their local Cambro sales rep, she suggested an educational and inventive use for them: raised herb gardens. They immediately loved the idea and set to work. HBUHSD has 14,500 students spread out between three cities: Fountain Valley, Hunting ..read more