Food and Dining Management Company’s Success Fueled by Innovation and World-Class Customer Service
BOSTON (February 2, 2014) – Unidine Corporation®, a national food and dining management services company, with a culture of “Fresh Thinking,” today announced it has experienced unprecedented growth over the past five years. With sales approaching $250 million in 2014, the Company has achieved average annual growth increases of 25 percent. In the past 12 months, the company reached milestones in a number of key areas: new market entry, marquee customer partnerships, executive talent acquisition and the development and client adoption of signature programs. Building on the Company’s commitment to innovation and an exclusive focus on food and dining management, Unidine continues to solidify its role as a strategic partner in the healthcare, senior living, and corporate sectors. The first food and dining management company in the industry to commit to using fresh ingredients and from-scratch cooking, Unidine is positioned to maintain momentum in 2014. With operations in 170 facilities across 20 states and 3,000 employees, Unidine is the 17th largest foodservice management company in the nation.
“Since our inception 13 years ago, we’ve experienced incredible success which demonstrates just how hungry the market is for a fresh approach,” said Richard Schenkel, founder and CEO, Unidine Corporation. “Even with our rapid growth, especially over the past five years, we’ve been able to maintain the responsiveness, customer intimacy and creativity that have fueled our success.”
Unidine strengthened its foothold in the Northeast and Midwest with the recent addition of Presence Life Connections to its portfolio, the largest Catholic health system in the state of Illinois. In the Northeast, Unidine added New Jersey’s Shore Medical Center as a client and plans to expand operations at Tufts Health Plan’s corporate offices in Massachusetts. Across the country, Unidine expanded its footprint with client acquisitions in new markets including Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas, Christian Care Centers in Texas, and Brooks Rehabilitation in Florida.
“Presence Life Connections decided to partner with Unidine because of its similar corporate culture and commitment to quality and service excellence,” said Connie March, Presence Life Connections president and CEO. “Unidine’s fresh approach to customized culinary experiences will transform the dining experience for our residents, and deliver a program that is unique to the Presence Life Connections brand.”
“We’ve seen our employees respond positively to Unidine’s fresh menu offerings, and the use of our café has grown steadily since Unidine joined us in 2003,” said Ron Reppucci, director of real estate and support services, Tufts Health Plan. “The bar is set high for our health and wellness initiatives, and Unidine’s passion for fresh, delicious and healthy meals was a natural fit. Their partnership allows us to achieve our goals.”
To accommodate the recent growth and prepare for projected expansion, Unidine strengthened its executive leadership team with key hires. The company brought on board Karen Lyon as vice president of marketing and Janet DePiero as vice president of human resources. The company also strengthened its focus on culinary excellence with the appointment of Todd Saylor as vice president of culinary operations.
Additional 2013 highlights include the innovation and client adoption of Undine’s award-winning programs. This includes the newly-launched nutrition and wellness program OHSOGOOD®, the innovative hydration program, Hydrate for Health, and Puree With Purpose® that allows patients with dysphagia and related issues to dine with dignity. Puree With Purpose was honored as a Spirit of Innovation Award at the 2013 Long Term Care and Senior Living LINK Conference.