Food & Food Equipment News

solarsmart: The New Benchmark in Solar Sign Tech

Headquartered in New York City, solarsmart™ is positioned to become the dominant provider of solar powered, off-grid, LED management systems in the United States. As the U.S.'s renewable energy sector burgeons, solarsmart's innovations in the solar market bring trusted applications to help illuminate everything from energy efficient street signs to environmentally friendly commercial signs, without the traditional dependency on the electric grid.

Their mission is to make off-grid solar power a mainstream solution. They fulfill that mission by advancing solar research and development, by creating public awareness on renewable energy and by demonstrating the economic advantage of using solar energy.

solarsmart's proprietary, solar-powered LED based sign illumination technology, complimented by a slim and rugged sign design, offers the best solution for cost effective and internally illuminated signage. These signs do not consume any external power and provide reliable, year-round, all-night operation, even under harsh environmental conditions.

solarsmart offers a full suite of renewable energy system solutions, including solar-assisted solutions, producing an array of illuminated street, directional, corporate identity and informational signage. Their proprietary technology serves industries including corporations, municipalities, hospitals, universities and organizations influencing the GREEN effort through production and design.

solarsmart introduces its IQe (smart energy) solar charge controller, which serves as the distinguished core of our proprietary applications. The IQe, comprised of both hardware and software elements uses highly advanced algorithms and leverages state-of-the-art solar components setting new standards for reliability and self-diagnostics. solarsmart's controller system provides several unique features and protections, making it an optimized system with more operating information than any other solution on the market.

Environmental Benefits
solarsmart combines innovative solar technology with nature's most abundant resource to deliver clean and energy efficient applications. Their product portfolio conserves natural resources by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions and peak-time grid constraints. They offer an attractive long-term solution: our solar systems last up to 20 years, with up to five years of maintenance-free operation. Solar power users have peace of mind, knowing that they help to eliminate a carbon footprint and protect the environment for future generations.

Economic Benefits
solarsmart solutions are a sound financial decision. By reducing ever-increasing energy costs and capitalizing on state and federal rebates and incentives, their solar solutions offer one of the most economical energy choices. solarsmart's solar powered systems lower, and in many cases eliminate monthly electric bills. Installation is completely free from the costs associated with trenching, cabling and connection to the grid, from traffic flow disruption and even from the need for power connection permits.

Safety Benefits
solarsmart’s solar powered systems for security applications provide increased measures of safety at road intersections, residential streets, parking lots and in remotely lit or difficult to access locations. Their illuminated road sign systems enhance the visibility and legibility of street signs in all weather conditions, thereby increasing traffic safety and make traveling easier for drivers and pedestrians. The sign is free of electrical malfunction or threat to a community’s grid power source. Additionally, the solar-assisted light applications create a hybrid option, which permits the user to alternate from an off-grid solution to a power source using the diagnostics of their proprietary IQe controller.

Business Benefits
solarsmart solutions help to differentiate your business and your building projects by demonstrating a commitment to the environment. Organizations take the lead in environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility, thereby building communities that attract attention from local media and maximize market exposure. Additionally, solar management systems are popular with state and local government officials, putting organizations in a positive light for future development decision making. The innovative and architecturally sound design of solarsmart's solar energy management systems offers aesthetic value to communities, providing further opportunities for area restoration trends.

Perla Lichi Brings Designer Touches to Hospitality Market

Perla Lichi, founder and CEO of Perla Lichi Design, shares a little about the history of her company, their strong position in the global hotel design market and her intent to expand even further into the national hotel/hospitality arena.

RDN: Tell our readers a little about Perla Lichi Design.

PL: Perla Lichi Design is a full service commercial and residential interior design firm. Our staff of architects and designers brings experience, talent and discipline to every project. Combine this with an aggressive local, national and international marketing campaign, and the result has earned us a solid client base in the U.S., in the Middle East and around the world.

RDN: What makes your company unique?

PL: We are extremely versatile and have worked in almost every design style, but we are primarily known for our highly detailed, all custom, high-end residential work. We have always had a steady stream of commercial work, especially in the arena of lobbies, condo hotels, public spaces and model merchandising. We are known for working within the client’s budget while achieving the luxurious high-end 'look' that they all want.

RDN: What was the most significant event or series of events affecting your company in the past year?

PL:Early in 2007, Perla Lichi Design Dubai was formed and we have steadily been working on designing villas and palaces, hotels and condominiums in the United Arab Emirates [Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah], in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bosnia, Ukraine, Egypt, England, Cypress, Mexico and Panama. Once people realized that I would travel to see their projects myself, I learned that they would also be willing to import our products and services to ensure that the job represents entirely my vision.

RDN: What is your current product emphasis?

PL: We are here at the show because we want to aggressively expand into the high-end boutique arena—hotels, restaurants, clubs and other unique projects. We hope people in all these areas, and more, will stop by our booth to discuss their plans. We want to bring that special look of luxury and our signature touch into the commercial field where most projects after awhile all tend to have the same cookie cutter look.

RDN: What distinguishes your product from the competition?

PL: Many people already know our signature style that is characterized by our attention to detail. We are always ahead. We are the trendsetters. We always treat each project like a splendid work of art, using our abilities to create that special touch, that custom look. We are also known for our flexibility in style and budget while always achieving knock-your-socks-off results.

RDN:  To what do you attribute your company’s success?

PL: I can’t be modest here. I’m a very driven person with an extremely high energy level and people tell me that I impart this energy to those around me. This drive to succeed has brought me a long way from my three-person firm that I opened a few years after I got my design degree. I’m one of those ‘glass-half-full’—sometimes-three-quarters-full—people who despite an already busy schedule like to say ‘yes’ to opportunity when many others would say ‘I’m just too busy.’ This can-do, positive attitude has served me well over the years. People have so much greater capacity when they are challenged and when they love what they do. This pretty much sums up Perla Lichi Design and the enthusiasm we will bring to this market.

For more information call Janet Verdeguer, Director of Marketing, Perla Lichi Design, 954.726.0899 or email janetv@perlalichi.com.

Hotel Internet Services: Flexible, Responsive For All Your Internet Needs

Gary Patrick, President of Hotel Internet Services, discusses the ever-growing need for quality, high-speed, secured Internet services for the hospitality industry.

RDN: Tell us a bit about Hotel Internet Services and what you do.

GP: We founded Hotel Internet Services [HIS] in 2003 because we saw a growing need for Internet-based equipment and services in the hospitality industry. Since then, we've become a leading provider of secure wired and wireless Internet services, 24/7 call center support, unattended business centers, kiosks, and meeting and convention services for hotels, resorts, timeshares, casinos and other venues. We have more than 100,000 business and leisure travelers that use HIS Internet services each month.

RDN: What makes Hotel Internet Services unique?

GP: HIS is a full Internet service solution provider. Our customers can enjoy having one provider for all their Internet related services.

RDN: What do you attribute your company's success?

GP: We are very flexible and responsive to our clients' needs. We don't provide cookie-cutter Internet systems—every property is unique, and we provide a customized system for the exact needs of that property. Some clients who already have Internet systems in place have told us that their guests have complained of poor signal coverage, non-functioning equipment, connectivity problems, inadequate or no tech support, outdated and inferior equipment. We solve all of those problems, and do so on a routine basis. That's why we've continued to expand even in tough economic times.

RDN: What was the most significant event or series of events affecting your company in the past year?

GP: We are finding that many companies who never have installed Internet systems before are finally realizing they must provide this service in order to compete for the ever-growing customer base, which demands Internet connectivity where they stay. We are also seeing that many in the hospitality marketplace that installed systems several years ago are in need of a technology upgrade to the latest state-of-the-art systems for their guests. At HIS, we pride ourselves on staying current with the latest trends and changes in technology, so we've been able to accommodate these needs.

RDN: Are you introducing any new products this year?

GP: We introduced this year what we consider the most effective wireless equipment available today which is manufactured by Ruckus Wireless. Their smart mesh antenna technology is blowing away all the other competitive enterprise grade access points available today and at half the cost. Additionally, have introduced different technologies that ride upon the wireless infrastructures we are installing for our customers; such as WI-FI phones, IPTV and wireless security cameras.

RDN: How can someone learn more about the services you provide and how those services can benefit their venue?

GP: Visit our site at www.hotelwifi.com or call 866-265-7575, ext. 701.

The Power of Five: Dial Offers Superior Performance, Value

The Dial Corporation, A Henkel Company, the manufacturer of America’s No.1 antibacterial soap brand, touts many products that consumers trust everyday for their homes and families and are preferred seven times more than their competition in commercial markets. The Power of 5—Dial®, Dial Complete® foaming hand soap, Soft Scrub® household cleaner, Renuzit® air fresheners and Boraxo® heavy duty hand cleaner—best represents the brand’s superiority in performance and value, which accounts for approximately one-half of patrons reporting a more favorable opinion of a business that offers a reliable consumer brand. Listed below is additional information about each product.

Dial Liquid and Dial Complete Foaming Hand Soaps
No.1 brands of antibacterial liquid and foaming hand soaps:

• Superior Germ Kill—Activated Triclosan™ technology provides 25 times better germ kill than other antibacterial soaps.
• Superior Mildness—Hypoallergenic formula is 25 percent milder than other antibacterial soaps. Soothing skin conditioners, like aloe and glycerin, leave skin soft and refreshed.
• Superior Cost Management—Cost-effective versus Bag-In-Box, with a controlled dispensing system that allows for easy adjustment of dosage. Saves labor costs and represents an everyday savings versus the competition.

Soft Scrub Household Cleaner
No.1 brand of abrasive cleanser

• Removes soap scum, grease, dirt, and mold and mildew stains.
• Multi-purpose formula protects surfaces and rinses clean so you use less water.
• Deep Clean does the work of three products, helping to save time, labor, and expense, and Soft Scrub with Bleach boasts a 99.9 percent germ kill rate.

Renuzit Air Fresheners
No.1 brand of non-electric air freshener

• Super Odor Neutralizer with three uses—air, fabric, carpet—that eliminates the toughest odors, such as tobacco smoke, bathroom and pet odors.
• Superior Odor Neutralization Elimination Technology features “cage-like” neutralizers that bond with malodorous substances and render them odorless.
• Ready-to-use formula means no mixing needed and has a fresh, clean, long-lasting, consumer-preferred fragrance.
• 32 ounce. trigger is equivalent to four aerosol cans and saves up to 35 percent versus Glade® aerosol can.

Boraxo Orange Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner
Since 1894, a hands-on heavy duty hand cleaner favorite

• Superior cleaning versus Gojo®, up to 174 percent and represents an everyday savings versus the competition.
• Formulated to be biodegradable with patented natural cornmeal scrubbers (U.S. patent 5661119) and orange oil for deep cleaning.
• Dry skin formula protects hands.
• Boraxo® Bar lasts 30 percent longer than the industry leader.

In A Smarting Economy, The Smart Go Shopping!

The mortgage crisis. A wobbly Wall Street. Spiraling gas prices and healthcare costs. Rising unemployment. The list of economic pressures affecting consumers today seems endless. And the more pressure consumers feel, the more inclined they are to trade down when dining out—or to opt out of dining out entirely.

Does it seem like a bad time to spend money on new equipment? To the contrary. In fact, in a smarting economy, smart operators should go shopping for tools to cut costs and differentiate themselves from the competition, according to foodservice equipment leader Frymaster, LLC.

Take fryers, for example. Rather than buying an inexpensive fryer to save in the short term, Frymaster reports that it makes more sense to buy a high efficiency, ENERGY STAR^® fryer—especially one that offers substantial savings over its life span. And it’s eligible for a new tax break, to boot.

“There’s much more to the cost equation than just up-front cost,” says Frymaster’s Brenda Fried, Vice President of Marketing. “For example, a fryer is actually idle more than it is cooking, so the idle rate of a fryer is a critical consideration in your fryer purchase. Additionally, if you look at the cost to operate the equipment over its life span, in the long run a higher-end fryer saves money.”

Frymaster’s award-winning high efficiency Protector^® fryer offers substantial oil, energy and labor savings over the competition. The Protector’s 30-pound frypot takes 40 percent less oil to fill than a traditional 50-pound frypot. Yet it delivers the same volume of high-quality fried foods as the larger fryer. The Protector’s high technology features, including automatic oil replenishment, computerized controls and built-in filtration system, can also extend oil life by up to four weeks—while also reducing labor demands.

With less oil to fill and longer oil life, the Protector can generate 35-50 percent annual savings in oil costs, according to research commissioned by Frymaster.

Meanwhile, the Protector also offers substantial energy savings. It leads the industry in energy efficiency, earning top or near top of class ratings from the federal ENERGY STAR program (depending upon model, gas or electric). Its energy savings, combined with less oil to dispose of over the long-term, appeal to the green-minded and bottom line-watching operator alike.

In all, the Protector can save a typical operator $4,500 or more per year per pot, according to Frymaster, when compared to non-energy efficient fryers. And that’s before federal energy efficiency tax breaks, adds Fried. She reports that the Economic Stimulus Act passed earlier this year allows companies making new equipment purchases beginning in 2008 to take advantage of a special depreciation allowance, bringing additional savings.

“The Protector’s cost savings can actually help operators underwrite the transition to healthier, but higher-cost, trans fat-free oils,” notes Fried. That translates into both a healthier bottom line for operators, and healthier prepared foods for consumers.

“Everyone benefits from those economics,” she says.

For more information about the Protector or other Frymaster products, visit www.frymaster.com. For more information about Enodis and its large portfolio of premium food equipment brands, visit www.enodis.com.

ESP Delivers Custom Rails, Food Shields Without the Custom Price

When it comes to bar foot rails, food shields, glass racks and other hospitality products, restaurant chains and others in the hospitality industry face a kind of Catch-22. Off-the-shelf products are easy to find, but often don’t fit the space requirements or design vision of the facility. Custom products do—but are usually hard to get, expensive and require long lead times to fabricate.

Fortunately, there’s a solution: ESP Metal Crafts. The company can fabricate bar fixtures, fixed and portable food shields, and other products in any size or configuration to meet your needs...with fast turnaround, and without the typical high cost of custom work.

How? ESP Metal Crafts fabricates brass and stainless steel components in a variety of custom bends and mitres. By using these fundamental shapes, the company is able to easily customize its products to meet precise specifications.

 “When you work with us, you’re working directly with the manufacturer,” explains Ed Grano, Jr., third-generation fabricator and owner. “Major restaurants, hotels and transportation hubs all around the country are learning that makes a big difference. We work directly with our clients to craft products that meet their precise needs. Plus, we deliver much faster and at a lower cost.”
ESP is known for fabricating exceptionally high-quality items. The company uses real brass and stainless steel materials. All-welded—never glued—construction stands up to high-traffic environments year after year.

The company specializes in working with interior designers and architects to bring their vision to reality. ESP offers the widest choice of elegant finishes in the industry, including distinctive, exclusive satin, polished and antique copper finishes, antique brass, bronze or nickel, oil rubbed bronze and more..plus more than 22 powder-coated color finishes!
When time is critical for a build-out or grand opening, ESP is the vendor to choose. Many hospitality suppliers take three to four weeks to deliver a typical order. ESP can usually ship most orders in just seven to 10 days.

Of course, the company also offers an extensive catalog of beautifully crafted standard products, including both staff-service and self-service food shields, bar glass racks and service rails, partitions, stair and divider rails, its exclusive and flexible Quik-Rail™ for pedestrian traffic control, gates and components. For a complete catalog and current price list, call 718-381-2443, email sales@espmetalcrafts.com or visit www.espmetalcrafts.com.

LG's Commercial A/C Series Brings Efficiency, Lower Noise

New to the U.S. lodging market as of June this year, LG Electronics’ MULTI V commercial air conditioning series builds on the company’s position as one of the world’s largest suppliers of commercial and residential air conditioners. The MULTI V combines cutting-edge technology and the ultimate in flexibility to deliver innovative comfort solutions that meet the needs of a variety of commercial applications.

“Hoteliers and guests alike will appreciate that they can adjust the temperature in any environment for optimum conditions regardless of season or space,” says Steve Schmitt, Director, Commercial Air Conditioning, LG Electronics USA.

Cost-Effective, Energy-Efficient
Featuring industry-leading efficiency, the MULTI V uses a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heat recovery system that makes it possible to operate cooling and heating simultaneously with only one outdoor unit. Schmitt said this unique technology makes for a cost-effective choice for hotels looking to reduce energy outputs. “With improved air flow innovations, the models offer industry leading low noise levels, providing a more pleasant and convenient indoor environment,” he adds.

The new MULTI V series offers the commercial heating and cooling industry a package of high energy efficiency with easy zoning across rooms. VRF technology satisfies hotels that are looking to cut down on their energy consumption while the easy heating and cooling adjustments in the rooms ensure guest happiness and comfort. With this system, hoteliers also have the added benefit of not having to worry about heating or cooling unoccupied rooms.  

Flexible Installation Options
The LG MULTI V also features a broad range of indoor unit options to suit a variety of installation preferences, including the Inverter Mirror series. This product is wall hung and has several attractive mirror front panel options. For hoteliers looking for air conditioning units that also double as a design element, the MUTLI V is easily connected to the Inverter Mirror for a modern take on heating and cooling.
Multi V systems are custom designed using serially arranged refrigerant pipes to connect to a single outdoor unit with the option to also connect to others. This efficient system offers outstanding energy savings, with a wide variety of different types of indoor units.

The MULTI V System is especially suitable for hotels and other buildings where space-specific heating/cooling control is essential. LG’s outdoor units also incorporate a modular design that can easily be scaled to suit the needs of a particular building—from high-rise buildings, high-end hotels and luxury resort facilities to commercial buildings and condominium projects.

Full Line of Suspended Washer Extractors Offer Quality Advantanges

Milnor’s new suspended washer-extractors boost washroom production, save overtime costs and conserve floorspace because fewer machines are needed. These X-Series models increase productivity through larger cylinders that allow a superior finished wash quality than in other machines. They handle load capacities ranging from 60 to170 pounds.

The 30022 X8J suspended washer-extractor has a capacity of 60 pounds; the 36026 X8J handles loads of 100 pounds; the 42026 X7J has a capacity of 140 pounds; and the 42032 X7J handles loads of 170 pounds.

These machines feature a unique, two-point inverted suspension system to control vibration and out-of-balance conditions. The system also helps produce consistent, repeatable high-speed extracts of 300 G-forces. Six speeds allow a variety of fabrics to be processed. The machines use an inverter drive that provides all speeds from just one single-speed motor.

The cylinder’s larger perforated area allows better wash quality, better rinsing and better extraction. Cylinder ribs are high and provide excellent lifting. Pre-programmed wash formulas are easy to select through user-friendly controls. Microprocessors also allow for formula modification.

For more information, contact a Milnor dealer or Pellerin Milnor Corporation, write to P.O. Box 400, Kenner, La., 70063-0400, call 800-469-8780, fax: 504-468-3094 or visit www.milnor.com.

Xlerator Hand Dryers 'Green' Restrooms

The industry standard hand dryer, which dries hands three times faster than traditional dryers, is now in use at the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Platinum headquarters.

The present demand for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for building projects is so high that the U.S. Green Building Council has expanded significantly in recent years. As a result, they decided to build new headquarters that would embody the founding principles of the organization. Their new 22,000-square-foot commercial interior earns the coveted Platinum rating.

To further the project, Excel Dryer Inc. donated their high speed, energy efficient XLERATOR® hand dryers. Unlike conventional hand dryers, which average 30 to 45 seconds of drying time, Excel Dryer’s XLERATOR hand dryer completely dries hands three times faster (in 10-15 seconds) and uses 80 percent less energy than conventional hand dryers. XLERATOR also delivers a 95 percent cost savings when compared to paper towels, is the first hand dryer to achieve GreenSpec® approval and helps facilities qualify for LEED credits.

“The XLERATOR, with its new patented technology, was a natural choice for us,” says Katz. “We wanted dryers that would limit paper towel use and minimize energy consumption, but we also wanted them to work quickly and thoroughly. Not many hand dryers can make that claim.”

Five years after its official launch, the XLERATOR's speed, effectiveness and proven performance have made it the new industry standard by which other hand dryers are judged. The XLERATOR is more user-friendly than recently introduced “Trough-Style” dryers and completely hands-free: there is no risk of touching a potentially unclean surface while drying hands. Unlike the newer models that require users to insert and remove their hands, the XLERATOR is intuitive and does not require instruction. Priced at less than half of the cost of trough-style models and virtually maintenance-free, the XLERATOR is easier for facility managers to install and maintain in their restrooms.

“As a USGBC member, we’re proud of the fact that the XLERATOR hand dryer helps facilities qualify for LEED credits,” says Denis Gagnon, President of Excel Dryer. “Having the dryers in place at the very organization that helps others decrease their environmental footprint is a terrific vote of confidence for our product.”

Each of the USGBC’s restrooms includes an XLERATOR as well as water-free urinals, dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in water use.

About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is the nation’s leading nonprofit of corporations, builders, universities, and government agencies working together to transform the built environment through green building practices. The Council developed the LEED Green Building Rating System™ and hosts Greenbuild, the industry’s largest annual green building conference and expo. Founded in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 10,000 member companies and organizations, and a network of over 70 local chapters, affiliates and organizing groups. For more information about the USGBC, visit www.usgbc.org or call 800-795-1747.

About Excel Dryer, Inc.
Excel Dryer, Inc. manufactures the industry's finest quality hand dryers and hair dryers, including the ‘new industry standard’ XLERATOR hand dryer. For more than 43 years, Excel's full line of American-made products has provided cost-effective hand dryers and hair dryers for schools, hospitals, airports, service stations, correctional facilities, restaurants, stadiums, movie theaters, health clubs, office buildings, factories, hotels and many other commercial facilities. For more information about the XLERATOR, visit www.exceldryer.com or call 413-525-4531.

Advanced Way-Finding Tech from LG Debuts

LG Electronics, in partnership with Kristel Displays, is launching two new HD LCD touch screen monitors engaging guests in various settings such as hospitality and lodging surroundings. Available in 32 and 42-inch class sizes*, these advanced interactive digital signage displays bring modern technology to the fingertips of hotel guests.

LG’s touch screen monitors provide the ability to access unique programming options such as real-time news casts, interactive way-finding technologies and online customer service. For hotels looking to provide guests with an extra level of service, LG’s unique displays bring the added value of interactivity coupled with access to a wide variety of information.

The latest integrated 3M™ dispersive signal touch (DST) screen, with fast, accurate touch response, is perfect for guests to receive information in a timely fashion. For hotel reservations, directions or general hotel information, these monitors can provide content with a simple touch to the screen.
These models contain on-screen-display and remote control lock-out, optional hidden speakers, information display for serial number, and an HDMI™ input. Super IPS viewing angle of 178 degrees and 1366 x768 (WXGA) display resolution that enables the content to be viewed on these screens at almost any angle.

Guests will benefit from the inclusion of LG’s exclusive XD Engine® technology in these high-end touch screen monitors. This technology takes low-resolution analog signals and transforms them to near high-definition levels providing consumers with an enhanced overall picture quality and viewing experience. Six distinct processes further improve brightness, enhance detail and deliver more accurate color and noise reduction, a combination that delivers film-like resolution.

With a three year limited warranty on parts and labor this touch screen makes an ideal fit for lodging and hospitality environments that are looking to provide a modern feel with interactivity. Providing access to personalized content in a sleek matte black framed LCD engages patrons and encourages a user-friendly environment. 

*M3202T-BA 32-inch Class/31.5” diagonal
*M4212T-BA 42-inch Class/42.0” diagonal