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.
What It Actually Takes to Build a Commercial Kitchen
What It Actually Takes to Build a Commercial Kitchen Walk into any restaurant, casino, hotel, or arena and order a meal, and you’re seeing the finished product of an industry most people never think about. Behind that line — the one turning out plates in minutes flat,…
Top 5 Walk-In Cooler Spec Mistakes Every Commercial Kitchen Should Avoid
Top 5 Walk-In Cooler Spec Mistakes Every Commercial Kitchen Should Avoid Walk-in coolers are one of the most significant equipment investments in any foodservice build-out — and one of the most frequently mis-specified. Unlike a range or a mixer, a walk-in cooler…
Roles & Responsibilities in Commercial Kitchen Design/Build
Roles & Responsibilities in Commercial Kitchen Design/Build A commercial kitchen project has a lot of moving parts – equipment lead times, MEP coordination, health department sign-offs, and a dozen subcontractors all working toward a single opening date. When…
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.
Facility Design Success – School Nutrition Magazine Contribution
Facility Design Success – School Nutrition Magazine Article Contribution with Luke Green In the dynamic world of school construction and renovation, designing efficient and functional foodservice spaces is a critical challenge. While architects juggle various…
Developing a Solid Design-Build Strategy
Developing a Solid Design-Build Strategy – FEDA News & Views Magazine Article Contribution Are you looking to enhance your design-build strategy and achieve successful project outcomes? Look no further than the Spring 2023 issue of FEDA News & Views Magazine,…
Improving Architect/Client Communication with Rapids
Improving Architect/Client Communication with Rapids When it comes to projects like kitchen design, communication and trust between everyone involved is essential for success. Each new project is a massive undertaking, with a lot of moving parts and invested parties….
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.
Rapids Proudly Sponsors Inaugural Relish the Region Tasting Event
Rapids Proudly Sponsors Inaugural Relish the Region Tasting Event On April 30, Rapids was thrilled to serve as a Full Plate Sponsor of Relish the Region – a brand-new event hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance celebrating the culinary talent and beverage…
Rapids Helps Spark Nechus’ Dream at NewBo City Market
Rapids Helps Spark Nechus’ Dream at NewBo City Market We’re proud to share some exciting news from NewBo City Market – one of its newest vendors, Nechus South American Food, has officially opened its doors, and Rapids was honored to play a role in making it happen. As…
National Restaurant Association Show 2025 Highlights
National Restaurant Association Show 2025 Highlights Our team from Rapids had the opportunity to attend the National Restaurant Association Show 2025—the world’s most influential showcase of foodservice innovation. Held in Chicago, this massive event brings together…
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!
Hunter Bell – DEEM Winner June 2026
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment June 2026 Hunter Bell Account Manager Nominator: Tyson Schultz For: Cultivating Community “Hunter went above and beyond to help his customer out at Reach For Your Potential. Hunter made a site visit to ensure that all items were…
Austin Kirchmann – DEEM Winner May 2026
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment May 2026 Austin Kirchmann Warehouse Specialist Nominator: Jeff Menster For: Embracing Accountability “Last week a truck driver had a delivery for us and he was running late. Austin gets off work at 5PM. The driver said he would be…
Jari Lea White – DEEM Winner April 2026
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment April 2026 Jari Lea White Project Coordinator Nominator: Kip Opheim For: Embracing Accountability “She’s only been here a little over a month, and it’s only been a couple of weeks where she’s been tasked with acting in her full…
Troy Little – DEEM Winner February 2026
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment February 2026 Troy Little Vice President of Sales Nominator: Eric Schmitt For: Embracing Accountability “Early on a Wednesday morning our test kitchen was found to have a backed up drain beneath our cooking line. That backed up…
Steve West – DEEM Winner January 2026
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment January 2026 Steve West Business Development Lead Nominator: Margarita Vazquez-Vail For: Innovating Tenaciously “I want to take a moment to recognize Steve. Last week, I assisted a customer who was in the initial stages of…
Yvonne Paup – DEEM Winner December 2025
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment December 2025 Yvonne Paup Account Manager E-commerce Nominator: Hilary Supple For: Cultivating Community “This holiday party was my first time being a part of the Culture Committee. I can say without a doubt that Yvonne’s…
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