| Q: |
Why would I
bring in an outside food service management company versus doing
it myself? |
| A: |
There are many reasons to consider. It allows you to focus on your core mission: providing for the health and welfare of your patients, guests and staff. Outsourcing might save you money. Unidine’s procurement capabilities and proven operational systems and procedures improve efficiencies and reduce cost. Our hospitality training programs improve service and our culinary expertise creates a restaurant dining experience. All of this improves patient and guest satisfaction and can increase cafeteria revenues. With Unidine, your dining services can even become a marketing differentiator. Hospital food can be great food. |
| Q: |
What makes you different from the bigger/other dining services providers out there? |
| A: |
Every food service management company says it’s different. Unidine really is. First, we’re exclusively focused on food and dining management services unlike any of the mega providers. Second, we’re management and culinary experts; partners who will work with you to create a customized dining experience designed to your specifications. We create memorable dining experiences for your patients and guests while maximizing quality and minimizing cost. Third, we’re a fresh food company serving meals made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients. The result is more innovation and creativity in your kitchen, healthier options on your menu and better financial results for you. |
| Q: |
How can I “deinstitutionalize” my cafeteria? |
| A: |
While all hospitals focus on patient satisfaction, many overlook their own cafeterias. Unidine believes your cafeteria should be run more like a restaurant – a destination for staff, patient families and guests. First we start with food. We create meals from scratch using the freshest ingredients. Then we take our retail dining expertise to enhance the ambience and atmosphere. Then we conduct preference surveys to determine the best program that suits your staff and guests. The result? We transform your cafeteria into a café, creating an experience rather than just a convenience. |
| Q: |
How can you guarantee
the cost of my food service operation? |
| A: |
For many hospitals,
we enter into a contractual agreement in which we guarantee
the cost of the food service operation. Because we work so closely
with you from the outset to develop a program customized to
your facility, our knowledge and expertise allow us to effectively
budget your needs and therefore produce the desired result.
|
| Q: |
How will I keep control of my dining operation if you’re running it? |
| A: |
You will maintain the same level of control you have always had. Our dining service director will work closely with you, just as any other member of your leadership team. You will interface with him/her on a daily basis and in regularly scheduled meetings. Our philosophy is to become one with your culture – to respect your mission, your values and your patients, staff and guests. |
| Q: |
Once you are here will your senior people disappear? |
| A: |
No! Unidine’s focus and structure ensure that you have access and frequent contact with the senior leadership team. We are a nimble and flexible company that provides a high-touch client approach. This is just one of the many ways we differ favorably from our competitors. |
| Q: |
Our organization has a number of diversity initiatives, including vendor selection. How does Unidine handle diversity programs? |
| A: |
Unidine Corporation and City Fresh Foods, Inc., have been strategic partners since 2006 when Unidine purchased a 49 percent stake. City Fresh Foods is a nationally recognized, minority-owned food service company that was ranked by Inc. magazine as one of the "Top Urban Businesses" in the country in 2002, 2003 and 2005. The strategic partnership between Unidine and City Fresh Foods provides joint management of on-site food and dining services to clients in the education, senior services, government and business dining markets. |
| Q: |
We have a number of on-site and after hours catered events? How would you support them? |
| A: |
For your day-to-day catering – and office refreshment – needs, our on-site dining services can handle everything from continental breakfasts to business lunches to cocktail receptions. The need and expense of hiring an outside caterer is eliminated which can reduce your subsidy. For your special events or off-premise catering needs, Celebrations Gourmet Catering, Unidine’s wholly-owned social and corporate catering company, can provide you with upscale, high-end catering and event planning. |
