4 reasons to consider electric detection technology for kitchen fire protection

By Adam Walker Whether a result of the global pandemic, supply chain shortages, inflation, or simply competitive pressures, restaurants are facing challenges never before seen in the industry. Many owners and operators have been forced to change how their businesses are run and to look for new efficiencies to stay afloat. One area that is […]

Winter patios are key again but are they a safe option?

The COVID-19 wheel keeps spinning and indoor dining is now greatly reduced or off the table entirely in numerous provinces across Canada. Earlier in the pandemic, outdoor dining was hailed as a saviour by many restaurants, and that applies to winter patios, not just warm-weather ones. The trouble, of course, is making that a comfortable […]

U.S. to boost restaurant kitchens’ safety standards

U.S. restaurant kitchens are about to become a little safer. The Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) will begin drafting additional safety standards for restaurant kitchens in October as part of a new federal government initiative to protect workers from dangerous heat. In the meantime, OSHA will place more importance on inspecting potentially high-temperature workplaces, […]

New handbook proposes designs for safe outdoor dining

Researchers at Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism have developed a design handbook that proposes new ways to enjoy safe outdoor dining in Ottawa during and after pandemic restrictions. Titled Dinner in the Street: Dining Safely and Socially in the Pandemic City and Beyond, the project aims to help the restaurant industry and enhance public life […]

Assessing pandemic workplace safety within foodservice

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a variety of new workplace safety challenges in foodservice, and they just keep coming with the spread of new, more transmissible variants of the virus. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) has reached out to the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel, and Motel Association (ORHMA) to ask for help […]

Marijuana at work: Drug testing and safety in a Smart Serve environment

By Jennifer Mathers McHenry On April 23, 2017, the Government introduced the Cannabis Act in the House of Commons. When the Cannabis Act comes into force, adult Canadians will be able to legally possess, grow and purchase limited amounts of marijuana. The Government intends to bring the proposed legislation into force no later than July […]

Dining out with food allergies

By Beatrice Povolo Deciding where to dine out is a common debate in our household. As a family of five, everyone has their favourite place and sometimes it’s a challenge to get everyone to agree. However, one thing we all agree on is that whichever restaurant we select, it must have safe meal options for […]

Leveraging UV light for a healthier and safer space

By Merilee Kern Ultraviolet lamps safeguard every home, restaurant, retail store, business office, school and any other location where people share air and touch the same spaces The dreadful multistate E. coli outbreak at Chipotle, which hospitalized 21 and prompted JP Morgan analysts to forecast the company will have lost three years of earnings between fiscal […]

Ten tips for proper restaurant lighting

By Diane Chiasson Many restaurant and foodservice operators often overlook some of the less obvious points that might help to make their operations more successful – like lighting. Restaurant lighting must enhance the mood of the establishment and is dictated by the type of food you serve, as well as your restaurant’s design. But it […]

Six tips for managing and resolving conflict at your restaurant or foodservice operation

By Carola Hicks Conflict is a normal and necessary part of healthy relationships. People can’t be expected to agree on everything at all times. Learning how to deal with conflict, rather than avoiding it, is crucial. When conflict is mismanaged, it can harm relationships, but when handled in a respectful and positive way, conflict provides […]