Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1037828
Summer 2018 65 There's a common thread among the equipment solutions Server Products lists as trending on its website, says President Kristin Falkner, referring to three prominently displayed products that are currently drawing heavy interest from its quick- service base. For one, The EZ-Topper warm- ing dispenser, CerealServ, and ConserveWell heated utensil holder are all representative of the Wisconsin-based manufacturer's core. Starting with its first invention, the industry's first automatic butter warmer and dispenser, most of its products are rooted in portion control and the preservation of food quality. "When you're controlling the portion of anything you serve, you're making sure you're maintain- ing a certain flavor profile and controlling your waste, which helps to control your costs. That's key for our operators," says Falkner, the third generation of Wikisburgs to run the family busi- ness. Her grandfather, an engineer, started Server in 1949 after a friend referred him to a customer who wanted to put butter on popcorn and sell it in movie theaters. Ever since, counter-top-sized smallwares, like the trending ConserveWell, has been the manufacturer's niche. It's served the company well—so to speak—during a persistent lull in restaurant traffic that's affected several food- service segments for the past two years. Quick service is one of the bright spots, according to consumer trends research firm NPD. If it had not been for a 1 percent increase in visits in 2017, a bump primarily driven by chain activity, traffic would have declined, reported the research firm earlier this year. Thus far, Server's brand has been impervious to the dips because of its niche and the cycle of events often triggered by shifts in appetite and consumer spending. "We're very fortunate that when the trends change, a lot of those quick- service restaurants look for new menu items to re-engage their customers," says Falkner. "That's a good fit for us because it's relatively inexpen- sive to invest in smallwares to update your menu. Maybe an operator is only offering a choco- late shake and wants to add a salted caramel. Purchasing an extra pump is a low-cost invest- ment." KRISTIN FALKNER Server Products "There are several indicators that suggest the next generation of consumers are looking for adventure in their eating." By Stacy Ward, Editor in Chief stacy@feda.com