Direct Connection - October 2023

October 2023

Thank You to Our DirectConnection Sponsors!

DirectConnection Sponsor Spotlight

Marco Beverage Systems has introduced an innovative solution that is transforming the world of cold brew. ColdBRU by Marco offers a quick, easy, and consistent brewing process that delivers cold brew concentrate in under three hours. This impressive efficiency sets it apart from other brewing systems in the market. Not only does ColdBRU deliver speed, but it also yields an average of 30% more concentrate compared to its leading competitors.

ColdBRU features a reusable metal filter, eliminating the need for disposable filter papers, which is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. To complete the cold brew experience, the ColdBRU is compatible with the Marco POUR’D dispenser. This groundbreaking technology ensures that serving delicious, high-quality cold coffee beverages has never been easier. With the Marco ColdBRU , businesses can redefine their cold brew service for maximum results and customer satisfaction.

From the Board of Trustees

What an amazing event we had last month in Panama.

Our first Latin America Summit was a huge success and as the next Chair of The Americas it gives me such great hope and excitement for our future.

For those of you who were able to join us in Panama, thank you for making my first Latin America experience so much fun. To those who couldn't make it, we hope you can try to attend our

next event in Latin America in Fall 2025, location to be determined.

Enjoy the photos and conference video via the inks below:

Photos Albums - HERE

Video Recap - HERE

Have a Happy Halloween today and a great Holiday season!

Brent Hall, FCSI

Chair Elect, FCSI The Americas

FCSI The Americas On Tap - Season 5

Season 5 is Streaming Now

Below is our FINAL episode before going on hiatus...

please enjoy and please go back and look at the channel so you don't miss a single episode!

Karen Malody, FCSI MSW - Culinary Options

Welcome to the final episode of this season of On Tap Presented by FCSI The Americas!

Today Wade is joined by none other than Karen Malody, FCSI MSW, Founder & Principal of Culinary Options. Karen is a legend in the foodservice industry, having spent her career launching brands, developing menus and building entire F&B programs - including a frosty beverage at a “small” coffee chain that you might have even enjoyed this morning!

Karen skillfully navigates and improves the nuances of foodservice operations for her clients, from startups to established multi-unit operations. Her passion for the industry has been evident during her many years of involvement in FCSI, mentoring the next generation of consultants and operators and serving in a variety of roles and committees. You will not want to miss this delightful conversation with one of the finest members of our FCSI community!

That’s a wrap on season 5 of On Tap! Be sure to catch up on all of our previous episodes to hear the unique journeys of your peers in Foodservice consulting.

Haven't watched all episodes of On Tap yet?

What are you waiting for? Catch every episode here

FCSI The Americas Project Showcase Wins Award

Our Project Showcase is a Winner!

Exciting news: the FCSI Project Showcase was the winner of a Folio: editorial award for excellent content creation for the 2023 publication. These prestigious awards recognize excellence in both trade and consumer publishing – they cover a broad range of titles and we are thrilled to receive the recognition. Kudos to those members who contributed their projects and worked with the writers to create this amazing magazine!

And special thanks to our partners at Zoomba Group who produce this publication and work so hard to make FCSI members projects look great.

To See the Winning Publication CLICK HERE

The Project Showcase is mailed to over 5,000 operators and architects each year.

https://www.eddie-ozzie.com/#eddie-winners

From the FCSI Educational Foundation

NAFEM Releases Recent Survey Results

Membership News

Associate

Joshua Miller - Remarkable Foods

Senior Associate

Nick Morales - Cini-Little International

Corporate Members

Hussmann

Migali

Consultant Members - Be Sure to Log Your Required CEUs

Professional members of FCSI must log 12 CEUs, Senior Associates must log 6, and Associate members must log 3 CEUs annually.

Check your membership profile to see where you currently stand for 2023.

FCSI Education Providers offer hundreds of programs to help you you meet your CEU requirement. Check out the calendar of events here and all the Access On Demand programs here. In addition to these programs, many other activities qualify for CEU credit - trade show attendance, factory tours, speaking engagements, etc. If you have questions about eligible programs, please contact penny@fcsi.org.

Industry News

Updated Revit Standards

FCSI has established standards to ensure consistency, optimum functionality and quality of the BIM content provided for foodservice equipment. The standards document has been created in cooperation with input from representatives of the three FCSI divisions APD, EAME & TAD, having formed the FCSI BIM Taskforce of Professional Consultants. The FCSI BIM Taskforce proposes that this document is used as guidelines to assist content creators globally. The objective of this Standard is provided as a template when content creators are commissioned with producing Revit families of foodservice equipment for the manufacturers of foodservice equipment. This document is not catch all to solve all issues in all regions. We acknowledge that some additional work will need to be tailored to suit local applications and codes. View the full document here.

Compass Reports

UAW goes on strike - demands 40% pay increase and 32 hour work week.
CPI (Inflation Rate) 3.7% in August; an acceleration for the second straight month from June 2023 low of 3.0%.
Fed President of the Minnesota division stated he expects interest rates to rise if the economy remains strong. If this happens it will impact interest rates on mortgages, credit cards, and new car purchases once again
California passes new minimum wage bill that targets QSR restaurant chains. The new bill has been signed into law. The new regulations include raising minimum wage to $20/Hr in 2024 and $29/Hr in 2029
Restaurant Industry Stock takes a hit. Overall restaurant stocks are down 10% since the beginning of the year.

View full report here

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Want to share your stories, projects, or insight?

Headquarters is always happy to feature articles from Consultant Members in the Direct Connection. We encourage you to share your experiences and ideas with the membership!

If you would like to have an article featured in the Direct Connection, email your submission to Penny by the 23rd of each month.