Become a Winter Pro

Cascades PRO conducted a survey to find out what consumers expect in terms of hygiene and cleanliness in 2023. Now they are sharing the results and discoveries to help companies respond to their customers' needs.

While hand washing is important in every season, the recent survey reveals that good hygiene is considered more important during the infamous cold season. 

So how do you keep your washroom clean and comfortable during winter? We’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to become a winter pro!

Cleanliness: a Sign of Trust

Being a winter pro means understanding users and their behavior during the winter season. The better we understand them, the better equipped we’ll be to meet their expectations and needs in terms of washroom hygiene. For example, 97% of people surveyed believe that washroom cleanliness reflects how much businesses care about their employees and clients.

So how can organizations demonstrate the importance they place on the cleanliness and comfort of their washrooms? By offering something that people closely associate with cleanliness. We're talking, of course, about paper towels. 

In fact, many of the survey results reveal why consumers prefer paper! 

Winter Pro, pro Good Habits

Winter is the season for chapped hands. Especially with the freezing temperatures drying them out, our hands could do with a little relief during these few months. Cascades PRO may not offer a moisturizer, but it does offer the solution for people who prefer to dry their hands with paper - 73% of those surveyed. 

Their Tandem line of dispensers makes paper dispensing easy with their No-Touch technology, perfect for those who have their hands full (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.) after washing. 

This interest in paper may be explained by the fact that 61% of people surveyed use paper towels to open the door when leaving public washrooms. As a result, people have a better chance of avoiding potential viruses that could be found on door handles. This explains why 58% of people surveyed believe that paper towels are even more hygienic than other drying options. 

The Washroom Environment

Though there is no doubt about their hygienic virtues, the environmental impact of paper towels can be a concern for users. Indeed, according to some popular beliefs, the use of paper in this situation would be harmful to the environment. That's why, as an environmental leader in the industry, Cascades makes sure that positive and always greener actions are put in place. 

For example, their dispensers are designed to avoid waste and more than 70% of  tissue products are made from 100% recycled fiber. This means that every consumer can leave the washroom with peace of mind. 

Whether it's a question of hygiene, good habits, values or environmental protection, Cascades PRO is a sustainable solution for time spent in the washroom. A solution that can be applied to all seasons!

Celebrate the Christmas Season with Gift Cards from Your Restaurant

If it is in fact true that it is better to give than receive, then gift cards must be at the top of a restaurateur’s wish list. These simple plastic cards could be an important marketing tool—and revenue generator—at this busiest of commercial periods on the calendar. Let’s explore why gift cards have become significant for restaurants’ success and why they make perfect presents for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

The Significance of Gift Cards

1. Flexibility for the customer: Gift cards provide recipients with the freedom to choose their dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family celebration, gift cards allow customers to enjoy a meal at their preferred time.
2. Boosting cash flow for restaurants: Selling gift cards injects immediate cash flow into a restaurant’s operations. This influx of funds can help cover expenses and support the restaurant during quieter periods.  We have found people will spend more on a gift card than they will on a gift. While they might buy a $50 present, they will likely raise the stakes and buy a $75 or even a $100 gift card at a restaurant.
3. Boost your slower season: Add yet another gift beneath the tree: if the cards are purchased as festive and holiday presents in the hustle-bustle of a busy December, the delay when people redeem them could prove to be a boon to the restaurateur who might see a bump in sales later in January and February when business is typically slower. Patrons often find themselves using the full amount of their gift card—and then some. Customers generally buy additional food and more expensive dishes than they might otherwise; compound that with the potential for increased sales of beverage alcohol, and the result can be some healthy extra revenue in winter’s gloomier months.
4. Increased brand exposure: When customers purchase gift cards for friends or family, they are essentially promoting the restaurant to new potential patrons. This word-of-mouth marketing can lead to increased foot traffic and loyal customers in the long run.

Special Offers and Unique Options

Several restaurants have gone the extra mile to make their gift cards even more enticing for customers. Some establishments offer exclusive discounts, complimentary items, or bonus gift cards with the purchase of a certain value. Here are a few examples to consider:

• [Restaurant A]: Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a complimentary appetizer on your next visit.
• [Restaurant B]: Buy a $50 gift card and receive an additional $10 bonus gift card.
• [Restaurant C]: Enjoy a 20% discount on all gift cards purchased online during the holiday season.

Remember, gift cards not only make wonderful presents but can also contribute to supporting local businesses.

A Beginner’s Guide to Shucking Oysters

Unlocking the Delicacy of the Sea

Oysters (Flanagan code 230081), with their unique briny flavour and delicate texture, have been considered a culinary delight for centuries. These bivalve mollusks offer a taste of the sea, with each variety possessing its own distinct characteristics. 

Tools You’ll Need:

• Oyster knife: A short, sturdy knife with a pointed tip and a thick blade (Flanagan code: 801611, Browne Oyster Knife).
• Cut-resistant glove: To protect your hand while shucking (Flanagan code: 807868, Extra Large Metal Mesh Glove/807865 Medium Metal Mesh Glove).
• Cutting board: A stable surface to work on.

Safety Precautions:

Shucking oysters requires a certain level of caution, follow these safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Secure the oyster firmly: Use the mesh glove to hold the oyster in place, ensuring it doesn’t slip during shucking.
• Protect your hand: Always keep your non-dominant hand behind your back in a secure position away from the knife’s path.
• Be gentle: Apply steady, controlled pressure instead of forceful motions to prevent injury.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shucking Oysters:

• Prepare your workspace: Lay a clean kitchen towel or damp cloth on the cutting board to stabilize the oysters and catch any liquid.
• Identify the hinge: The hinge is the pointed end of the oyster that connects the two shells.
• Insert the knife: Hold the oyster with the cupped side down, ensuring the hinge is facing you. Gently insert the tip of the oyster knife into the hinge, applying light pressure.
• Twist and pry: Wiggle the knife back and forth while applying downward pressure until you feel the hinge pop open.
• Sever the muscle: Once the hinge is open, slide the knife along the top shell to sever the muscle that connects the oyster to the shell.
• Remove the top shell: Carefully lift off the top shell, taking care not to spill any of the precious oyster liquor.
• Free the oyster: Slide the knife blade under the oyster to release it from the bottom shell, ensuring it remains intact.
• Serve and enjoy: Place the freshly shucked oysters on a bed of crushed ice or rock salt, and serve with traditional accompaniments like lemon wedges, mignonette sauce, or a dash of hot sauce.

Oysters for the Holiday Season:

Serving oysters during the holiday season can elevate dining experiences and add a touch of indulgence. Here are a few reasons why they make a fantastic addition to holiday menus:

• Festive demand: Oyster consumption increases significantly during the holiday season, making them a sought-after delicacy that can attract diners craving special culinary experiences.
• Symbolism and elegance: Oysters embody luxury, sophistication, and celebration. Their inclusion in holiday menus reflects opulence and adds a touch of elegance to any dining occasion.
• Versatility and creativity: Oysters offer endless possibilities for creative preparations and presentations. From classic Rockefeller or Kilpatrick variations to innovative ceviches and briny shooters, oysters can be adapted to suit a variety of taste preferences.

Plating Suggestions

Showcase the beauty and flavours of oysters at your holiday gatherings with these plating suggestions: 

• Classic Mignonette Oysters: Serve freshly shucked oysters on a bed of ice, accompanied by a tangy mignonette sauce made with shallots, vinegar, and cracked black pepper.
• Oyster Shooters: Combine freshly shucked oysters with a splash of vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing and flavourful shooter.
• Oyster Rockefeller: Elevate the classic Rockefeller preparation by topping the oysters with a blend of spinach, bacon, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then broiling until golden and bubbling.

Remember, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, shucking oysters is an art that requires practice and patience. So, grab your oyster knife, put on your shucking gloves, and embark on a culinary adventure into the world of these delectable bivalves.

Happy shucking and bon appétit!

Chill Out with Frozen Drinks

How your business can benefit from a cool offer

In the competitive world of restaurants, bars, and family entertainment centers, operators are constantly seeking innovative ways to attract customers and enhance their overall experience. One such strategy gaining popularity is the inclusion of a high-quality frozen beverage offer.

People of all ages are drawn to refreshing and indulgent frozen treats, making them an attractive option for customers seeking a cool, thirst-quenching experience. By providing an enticing range of flavours and toppings, establishments can cater to a broad audience, including children (kid-friendly flavours and imaginative presentations) and adults (alcoholic frozen cocktails or boozy milkshakes). Satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend the venue to others, resulting in enhanced loyalty and positive word-of-mouth marketing.

A good frozen beverage program can set an establishment apart from its competitors. By offering unique flavours, customizable options, and eye-catching presentations, operators can create a distinctive experience that stands out in customers' minds. .

Frozen beverages often have higher profit margins compared to other menu items, as they require relatively inexpensive ingredients and simple preparation methods. Additionally, upselling opportunities arise when customers opt for add-ons such as whipped cream, syrups, or fruit garnishes. 

Don’t forget to promote, promote and promote! Strategically placing attractive signage or display boards showcasing frozen beverage options, piquing customer interest and encourage them to explore additional menu items. Consider creating a combo that pair frozen beverages with popular food items, enticing customers to increase their overall spend.

From attracting new customers and enhancing the overall dining experience to generating additional revenue and staying competitive, frozen beverages have become a valuable asset for businesses seeking to differentiate themselves in the market.

For your menu:

Blender Boyz line of slush and cappuccino mixes. A delicious blends of flavours and real ingredients:

409044  SLUSH  CAPPUCCINO ICE FR VANILLA 3+1

409048  SLUSH  CAPPUCINO ICE MOCHA 3+1

409797  SLUSH  SLUSH BLUE RASPBERRY 5+1

409658  SLUSH  SLUSH CHERRY 5+1

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Style

St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture, heritage and traditions. Whether you’re Irish or not, it’s always fun to mark the occasion with some festive decorations and special menus for your restaurant. We have a variety of delicious ingredients and products that can help you create an unbeatable St. Patrick’s Day experience for your customers.

Irish Menu Specialties

Nothing says “St. Patrick’s Day” like classic Irish fare. Traditional dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, fish & chips, shepherd's pie, bangers & mash, and colcannon are all popular favorites that you can easily feature on your menu for the day (or even for an extended period leading up to March 17). Save time and labour by considering some easy menu additions, such as Campbell's Bistro Beef & Vegetable soup or Shepherd’s Pie.  Wow Factor Desserts has selected three cakes that will elevate your St. Patrick's Day sweet offerings, click here to view their recommendations.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your St. Patrick’s Day planning. Your Territory Manager will be happy to help you strategize and find more products:

191532                VERVE BISTRO BEEF SOUP                                          4/1.81KG

119213                CAMPBELL’S PIE SHEPHERD'S                                     4/2.27KG

225120                EUROPEAN FRESH CORN BEEF                                  2/2.25KG

105539                HILINER HADDOCK FLT BTTD LAGER 4OZ                1/4.54KG

134382                HILINER HADDOCK LOIN CF IQF 4OZ                        1/4.54KG

134252                HILINER COD TENDER GUINNESS BTTD 2OZ           1/10LB

134254                HILINER COD GUINNESS BTTD 4OZ                           1/10LB

137327                HILINER SHRIMP GUINNESS BTTD 27-33 CT           1/10LB

193700                MCCAIN POTATO CHIPPERS 1853                             6/1.82KG

193012                CAVENDISH FRIES 3/8" S/C CLEAR COAT                6/2.04KG

222000                LEADBETTER LEAN GROUND BEEF                            2/2.27KG

282586                LARGE WHITE POTATOES                                             50/1LB

Festive Decorations

St. Patrick's day decor doesn't have to be over-the-top - just a few simple touches can make all the difference! Hang green streamers and balloons from the ceiling and set out small pots of shamrocks on each table. You can also create a "Lucky Charm" wall full of pictures of four-leaf clovers, leprechauns, rainbows and other symbols of luck associated with Ireland, in addition to décor it can become a photo wall for your guests to snap pictures and share on social media.

Irish Drinks & Cocktails

Offer your customers classic Irish beverages such as Guinness beer or Baileys Irish Cream liqueur. Or get creative with classic cocktails like an Irish Mule or Shamrock Martini. Offering specialty drinks is sure to bring in more customers looking for something festive.

Marketing Your Event

Don't forget to let your customers know about all the exciting things you have planned for St Patrick's Day. Use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to advertise your event and any special offers that you may be running during the celebration. Also consider creating flyers or email campaigns so that current customers know what's going on at your restaurant.

St Patrick's Day is a great opportunity for restaurants to showcase their businesses and draw in new customers. By taking advantage of traditional Irish dishes, festive decorations, and marketing campaigns – you can take full advantage of this annual holiday celebration. Sláinte mhaith (Cheers)!