Resource Topic: Our Process

Equipped for Success: How to Tackle K-12’s Toughest Tests

UP TO THE CHALLENGE
For K-12 operators, today’s foodservice landscape is an obstacle course, with new hurdles emerging every day. By taking a closer look at these challenges and developing potential solutions, operators can get the help they need. And most importantly, they can get back to doing what they love–serving and delighting their students.

Many of the industry’s current stressors stem from three core issues, the first of which is inflation. This specific headwind is so prevalent that 99.8% of school meal program directors cite rising costs as their top challenge.1 Inflation appears to be affecting those on the other side of the counter, too. Over the course of a year, student participation in paid meals dropped by 13.2% for lunch and 23.1% for breakfast.1 Layer on the lingering equipment and parts shortages, noted as a hindrance by 48% of school meal program directors, and it’s clear that a little extra support would go a long way in any K-12 operation.

FINDING ANSWERS
When seeking a helping hand, operators can start by analyzing the versatility of their equipment. Moving toward a multifunctional setup can reduce the impact of rising costs, strained resources and low participation.

One example is utilizing serving equipment that can operate as self-serve or staffed, making it easy to adapt based on labor fluctuations or daypart. This could even be part of a larger modular solution, which would feature various units that are designed to pivot based on traffic and ever-evolving menus.

Operators can also boost student participation by catering to the trend of upgraded meal experiences, especially in high schools, where offerings are starting to rival that of colleges and universities. Equipment that features streamlined functionality and higher-end finishes can help elevate the dining experience and get students excited about each meal.

TRUSTING THE RIGHT PARTNER
Atlas Metal specializes in handcrafted serving lines and drop-ins that provide aesthetic appeal and decades of durability. In the company’s INFINITI FIT modular lineup, 16-gauge stainless steel tops, stainless steel frames, high-performance casters and spring-activated “locking horn” technology all contribute to a clean, striking visual appearance and tight, solid feel in any setup. Atlas Metal drop-in pans are also handcrafted with thick-gauge steel, maximum insulation and preinstalled gaskets for zero seepage and optimum temperature control.

Operators can mix and match modular units to create a serving system that fits perfectly in their footprint. If a fully custom job is the answer, Atlas Metal has the experience and hands-on knowledge to deliver a solution that is truly one of a kind.

Atlas Metal has been “Making Metal Personal” since 1948, never cutting corners and always doing right by its customers. For operators who value a hands-on approach to product quality and service, this family-owned, Miami-based company is the ideal partner.

 

(Source)
1SNA, 2023 School Nutrition Trends Report

Made by Hand in America

What made in America means to Atlas.

The United States has set the global standard for high-quality manufacturing, and whether it’s raw materials like steel or the pride of American workers that goes into every assembly—everyone knows if you want the best, you buy American. The same goes for Atlas. If you want the highest quality serving lines, then you need to call us.

 

The Atlas difference.

We take a hands-on approach to everything we do. We don’t cut corners. And we aren’t willing to compromise. We’ve been embodying the American spirit for over 50 years, handcrafting drop-ins and serving lines that set the standard across our industry. We finish every edge. We round and weld every corner. And we never compromise the thick gauge of our steel.

 

Quality starts with the raw materials.

Part of our uncompromising attitude is always buying US-grade steel, because no one outside of America can produce the same quality steel. Sourcing the best quality materials means we build better lines from the ground up. And we never heat or stretch our US steel, so you get the same durable thickness each and every time. Additionally, everything we make is assembled in Miami, Florida. We do it all, so you can have equipment that was built by hand and built to last.

 

From drop-ins to serving lines, we’ve got you covered.

In addition to making industry leading drop-ins, we make a wide range of serving lines that will fit whatever you need. We have high-quality modular options and no two of our custom INFINITI lines are the same, creating a line as unique as the operations they go in.

 

Our Making Metal Personal promise.

Not only do we make everything by hand, adding a personal touch to each piece, we also have a deep family culture at Atlas. We are a team full of friends, spouses, siblings, daughters, sons, fathers and mothers. We are people living the American dream and crafting the finest Made in America products.

 

INFINITI FIT modular serving line by Atlas Metal

 

All Atlas products are crafted in Miami, FL, like this INFINITI FIT 4-Cart Combination modular serving line.

 

David Meade, former president of Atlas Metal, with his daughter Jessica Meade, current president of Atlas Metal

 

Father-daughter team, David Meade (President) and Jessica Meade (VP of Sales and Marketing), guide Atlas forward.