Menu Management and Creating WOW in Your Dining Rooms

Overview:

Dining and Culinary Directors are being challenged on a daily basis to be fiscally responsible while continuing to create a quality dining program that excites current residents as well as attracts new residents to the community…creativity in dining is a game changer.

In this session we will discuss and explore a variety of avenues for menu management, keeping it fresh and staying ahead of the ever-changing expectations of current and potential residents. This discussion will include tips and ideas for reducing waste, utilizing alternative cuts of meat and preparation techniques for proteins that showcase every selection.

After discussing menu management and culinary techniques, we will discuss how to create WOW in the dining areas of your community.  There are many factors for creating WOW…presentation, utilizing alternative areas of the community and inspiring creativity in your entire dining department.  Creativity is a TEAM effort, let’s open-up the dialogue!

Following this session, you will be able to discuss and share new ideas with your dining and hospitality teams that will save the department money and enhance the dining experience for your residents.

Presenter:

David C. Koelling, President, Strategic Dining Services

Founder & President of Strategic Dining Services, a dining and hospitality management company focused in the senior living industry. A nationally known restauranteur and chef, David has served as chief operating officer for Odyssey Cruises and consulted for high-profile restaurants and food-service operations such as Michael Jordan Golf Centers, Jack Nicklaus’ Wynstone Country Club Development and Peapod Grocery. Additionally, he founded highly rated restaurants including The Greenery and Biloxi Grill, both in suburban Chicago. David has consulted for national service-ware manufacturers, creating innovative dinnerware designs for senior and memory care residents. Serving as Vice President of Corporate Services for a large senior living company, where he led the company’s corporate support team in the areas of Hospitality, Programming, Dining Services, Property Operations and Purchasing. David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University. He was twice nominated for Inc. Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and has received the Partner in Eldercare award from the state of Illinois for his work in providing meals for seniors in need.