Article

9 Ways Provista Benefits Food Service Providers

November 6, 2023
table setting with red napkins
If you think the Provista Food Program only provides contracts for food, think again. The program offers food, services and solutions for all areas of the kitchen. While members typically utilize the program for its wide range of food offerings, organizations can also greatly benefit from non-food items needed across all areas of the kitchen and bar.

Along with a deep portfolio of food and food-related products, Provista helps members save money. Organizations save an average of 10% to 18% on their purchases when using Provista contracts.

Provista’s more than 310 national contracts and 60,000 SKUs ensure members have access to everything required to operate a successful kitchen—from food to beyond what’s served on the plate. In addition, Provista offers data and analytics solutions to help individual members choose the best food-related contracts for their business.

Members can experience wide-ranging benefits from the diverse Provista food portfolio, including access to contracts across these nine areas:

1. RAISE A TOAST TO GLASSWARE

The glassware that’s used with a meal reflects the environment for dining. For example, a fine dining setting requires much different glassware than a hotel serving a 500-person banquet. A typical hospitality or long-term care organization needs a variety of glassware for guests or residents, from coffee cups to water glasses to glassware for specialized drinks.
 
Contracts from Provista meet these needs with a full range of glasses for all types of beverages at different price points to meet the needs of residents in senior living facilities, diners at exclusive resorts and everyone in between. Watch a short video to see how a group purchasing organization (GPO) like Provista helps members save money on kitchen purchases. 

2. SET THE MOOD WITH TABLE LINENS

Like glassware, table linens help create a mood for dining. A white tablecloth creates a different ambiance than a red-and-white checked one. “They have the power to set expectations about entrée quality and price. And they have the power to increase the comfort of your guests by reducing background noise, improving sanitary conditions and controlling spills better than bare tables,” according to Restaurant Table Linens.
 
Provista offers tablecloths and linens for organizations to purchase. And once members buy them, Provista has laundry service contracts to keep them clean. A vendor comes to the member’s business to pick up, clean and then return the freshly laundered linens. A single Provista member—a large hospitality organization—saved $500,000 in one year using the GPO’s contract.

 
3. CHOOSE SILVERWARE ACROSS A RANGE OF STYLES

Silverware, or flatware, must be replaced on occasion due to wear or damage, or because it gets lost or stolen. It’s important for the forks, knives and spoons to match, so if a style currently used by an organization is discontinued or looks outdated, it could necessitate buying an entirely new set.
 
Diners make judgements about the food service provider based on the flatware, like if it’s sturdy, clean or customized. Guests also form opinions based on whether the flatware is sterling silver, stainless steel or another material. Even among stainless steel flatware different grades are available at different costs. Provista experts can help organizations choose the best flatware for their price point and needs.

4. USE POPULAR, HEALTHY AND TIME-SAVING RECIPES

Chefs like to serve new menu items, but experimenting with recipes can be time consuming, making it a challenge in understaffed kitchens. Creating new dishes also requires expertise, which means not everyone in the kitchen has the skills to do it effectively.
 
One way for kitchens to update their menus is by utilizing proven recipes from across the food service industry. This helps organizations serve more diversified offerings without having to research and test recipes from scratch. Provista lets members tap into established recipes to meet specific needs, from feeding large groups on a budget to providing nutritious meals for long-term care residents to making meals that don’t require a lot of time or expertise.

5. STAY AHEAD OF TRENDS WITH CONSULTING SERVICES

Food tastes and preferences can change quickly and by demographic. Plus, what’s important to consumers may include more than how food tastes. For example, food sustainability is important to younger consumers, particularly Generation Z, according to a survey from the International Food Information Council.
 
Identifying new trends, like “globally influenced food,” and providing those menu items can grow the business and build customer loyalty. Provista offers expert consulting services to help members benefit from food and beverage trends and best practices, such as sous vide cooking. Watch a video that showcases the benefits of cooking with sous vide.

6. REPLACE OUTDATED APPLIANCES WITH NEW CAPITAL EQUIPMENT

Kitchen appliances need to be replaced on occasion. Other times, a kitchen may be remodeled, modernized or expanded, creating a need for new, state-of-the-art appliances. Modern appliances can be more energy efficient than older equipment, which can lead to ongoing savings.
 
Provista offers competitive pricing on all appliances, from large items like ranges and deep freezers to smaller items such as blenders. Provista also offers Quarterly Promotions for even deeper savings, extended terms and conditions, and product and service upgrades. 

 

“Along with a deep portfolio of food and food-related products, Provista helps members save money.”

7. IMPROVE TAKE-OUT PRESENTATIONS WITH STYLISH FOOD PACKAGING

Kitchens providing takeout or room delivery must have attractive packaging that also keeps food fresh and safe. Food presentation is key across all types of food services, which places a premium on packaging to look inviting and be secure.
 
To meet this need, Provista provides stylish packaging for any food. If desired, members can customize their containers with stickers, company logos and allergen warnings. Sustainable, biodegradable packaging options are also available. Find out more about Provista’s packaging solutions by watching this short video.

8. CRAFT FAVORITE DRINKS WITH BAR MIXERS

Bartenders and mixologists rely on bar mixers to create drinks quickly. Even signature and custom drinks at hospitality organizations often infuse mixers. The mixers ensure drinks are prepared the same way each time, regardless of who’s mixing them. Meeting customers’ changing preferences and capitalizing on the latest drink trends by using popular mixers can improve customer and resident experiences.
 
Hospitality organizations can use the variety of mixers available from Provista to meet their bar needs. With the exception of alcohol, Provista offers everything else members need for the bar too, from glasses to blenders to appetizers. Watch this video to learn more about Provista’s bar solutions.

9. COMPLEMENT DINNERS AND DRINKS WITH ACCESSORIES

Food service providers need items like napkins, straws, toothpicks and other related accessories to offer with their food and drinks. These small items can enhance place settings and meals. While they may not seem expensive, the costs can add up.
 
Hospitality organizations can access a vast range of items to complement meals using Provista contracts. Provista has all the accessories needed to enhance table settings before, during and after meals. 

SAVE TIME, SAVE MONEY AND REDUCE LABOR

Provista’s robust food portfolio allows members to buy their kitchen necessities–both food and non-food items—at competitive prices. 
 
Provista solutions can also help members reduce the amount of skilled labor needed in the kitchen. Discover how Provista reduces the need for labor by watching a new video. 

David Richard Headshot

About the Author

David Richard is the Associate Principal for the Provista Food Program

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