Foodservice Industry Insights
Insights & Innovations
Learn how our tailored foodservice solutions have helped clients overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and exceed expectations. These success stories demonstrate our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver results.
Commercial Refrigeration Through the Years: A Timeline of Innovation
Commercial Refrigeration Through the Years: A Timeline of Innovation Refrigeration has come a long way since the first experiments with artificial cooling. From early mechanical inventions to the sophisticated, energy-efficient systems used in today’s commercial...
Restaurant Floor Plan Design: What to Know Before You Start
Restaurant Floor Plan Design: What to Know Before You Start Creating an effective restaurant floor plan is one of the most important steps in developing a successful foodservice operation. A well-designed layout supports efficiency, enhances the guest experience, and...
Rethinking Gas Safety in Commercial Kitchens
Rethinking Gas Safety in Commercial Kitchens For years, gas connectors have quietly done their job behind the scenes - often overlooked until something goes wrong. But as kitchens become more complex and technology-driven, attention to gas safety is once again at the...
Research & Reports
In our restaurant research and reports, we explore advancements in kitchen equipment, automation, and smart technologies that streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Our expert insights help you integrate these tools seamlessly into your business.
Smallwares Requirements for a 200-Seat Buffet
Ensure your buffet is fully functional with a fairly comprehensive list of all of the smallwares you will need. To order these smallwares, all you have to do is call our knowledgeable sales team at 800-899-6610 or browse our website to find everything you need.
Smallwares Requirements for a 100-Seat Restaurant
Purchasing smallwares for your 100-seat restaurant can be a stressful hassle you just don’t have time for – simplify the process using this fairly comprehensive list of items needed for the different areas of your restaurant
Smallwares Requirements for a 75-Seat Deli
Take the stress out of smallwares purchasing for your 75-seat deli – just use this fairly comprehensive list to make sure you have just about everything you need to start off. For your convenience, we also sell these smallwares!
News & Announcements
Delve into Rapids’ collaborations with top publications, celebrate our industry honors, and share our involvement in community and industry events. Discover our joint ventures with leading magazines and websites, showcasing innovative ideas and cutting-edge knowledge. We proudly highlight our awards that recognize excellence in the foodservice sector.
The 2018 RapidsCares Eastern Iowa Donation Goes to…Café 361!
Each year, Rapids Contract donates 5% of the proceeds from our Volition line to an organization that improves the lives of those in our community. Our 2018 Cedar Rapids branch recipient is Café 361.
Experience the Best of Vollrath at the Vollrath Experience Tour!
Find out what makes Vollrath a top vendor in the foodservice industry by attending the Vollrath Experience Tour on Thursday, May 17th, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm. Their mobile showroom will be parked at Rapids Contract (6201 S Gateway Dr. in Marion, IA).
Rapids/FEDA President Joe Schmitt: Why Are Foodservice Dealers Important?
When facing the obstacles posed by the rapidly-changing foodservice industry on your business, it can be easy to turn your focus inward and start immediately looking for answers. However, by skipping over the query and going straight to the solution, you may be overlooking vital components.
DEEM Winners
Our mission statement here at Rapids is to “Deliver Excellence in Every Moment.” In order to do that, we have four company values that every employee strives to emulate in every interaction with customers (both internal and external) that serve as “pillars” to our mission statement, holding it up and ensuring we can provide a superior experience. See all of our previous winners that were nominated by their coworkers!
Jason Wutzke – DEEM Winner September 2021
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment September 2021 Jason Wutzke Warehouse Supervisor In charge of the warehouse of the Rapids Wholesale Marion facility and its staff. He supervises the inventory, making sure items are stocked and they reach their destinations on...
Kathy Trca – DEEM Winner July 2020
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment July 2020 Kathy Trca Inside Sales Representative Nominator: Joe Schmitt For: Putting the Customer First "Kathy stepped up this week to help on many fronts. Staffing was short in the balance of this department, and Kathy worked...
Luke Green – DEEM Winner June 2020
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment June 2020 Luke Green Contract & Design Specialist Nominator: Chris Simerda For: Being a Problem Solver "Luke assisted me late in the day on a Friday to help me get a last min quote out to a customer. I appreciate that he took the...
Shelby Stark – DEEM Winner May 2020
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment March 2018 Shelby Stark Service Coordinator/Dispatcher Nominator: Chris Gansen For: Being a Problem Solver "She has been willing to take charge on our new inventory organization, and is leading the conversion efforts to change our...
Kyle Brewer – DEEM Winner April 2020
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment April 2020 Kyle Brewer Project Coordinator & Design Specialist Nominator: Luke Green For: Being Personally Accountable "Kyle has been working on several of my projects recently where Architects have changed wall dimensions at the...
Chris Simerda – DEEM Winner March 2020
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment March 2020 Chris Simerda Contract & Design Specialist Nominator: Jason Wacker For: Putting the Customer First "Chris arrived to job site on last Thursday too find the kitchen in complete disarray. They were supposed to be...
LET'S FIND YOUR SOLUTION
Rapids Contract & Design serves the United States with locations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Our experts are ready to assist with your foodservice needs—contact us for support, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM CST.
or call (800) 899-6604