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 InnovationRefrigeration 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 StartCreating 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 KitchensFor 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.
Tips on Preparing Your Nor-Lake Equipment for an Extended Shutdown
If you’ve had to make the difficult decision to turn off your Nor-Lake refrigeration equipment while the nation handles the fallout from COVID-19, we know you have a lot on your plate. We want to help take one worry off your chest – the following tips should help ensure that, when you are able to do so, restarting your refrigeration system is problem-free. These tips come directly from Nor-Lake, so you can rest assured they incorporate best practices for your equipment.
Advancing Foodservice Industry Interests in Congress
Rapids regularly strives to go above and beyond for members of the foodservice industry, working hard to further advancements that can help the industry as a whole. Alongside other members of FEDA, Rapids owners Joe and Geri Schmitt traveled to Washington in late September to promote initiatives designed to improve our economy.
Online Ordering & Delivery | The Off-Premise Dining Trend
Takeout and delivery has only gotten more complicated since the rise of online ordering and companies that focus solely on food delivery. Off-premise dining – an option that used to be limited by whether or not the restaurant had the ability to offer it – is now a benefit most restaurants can readily bestow, especially if they are located in bigger cities.
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.
Joe Schmitt Honored with 2020 FER Industry Service Award
Joe Schmitt Honored with 2020 FER Industry Service AwardFoodservice Equipment Reports (FER) annually recognizes “individuals who have made substantial, career-long contributions to the [foodservice] industry” through Industry Service Awards. This year, Rapids'...
Rapids Attends FE&S Tour the Trends 2019
Rapids Attends FE&S Tour the Trends 2019apids' Design Specialists Luke Green and Teran Melton took part in Foodservice Equipment & Supplies very first Tour the Trends, an event designed to illuminate...
FE&S September 2019 Facility Design of the Month: Café 655
September 2019 Facility Design Project of the Month: Café 655!The design project for Principal Financial Group - Café 655 managed to achieve two goals that, initially, may seem at odds with one another: (1) use 1/4 the space of the old café and (2) increase staff...
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!
Jenna Carstens – DEEM Winner January 2023
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment January 2023Jenna Carstens Graphic DesignerNominator: Tanya For: Being a Problem Solver "Although I am not in her department I notice how flexible Jenna is with her time. Whether regarding the catalog, supporting the sales team,...
Joey Labosky – DEEM Winner December 2022
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment December 2022Joey Lebosky Product & Pricing AnalystNominator: Paul Adams For: Putting the Customer First "Sadly, it has taken me far too long to acknowledge Joey and the excellent job he has been doing learning our systems and...
Allen Beyer – DEEM Winner November 2022
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment November 2022Allen Beyer EstimatorNominator: Kip Opheim For: Being Personally Accountable "Allen has shown an interest and desire in wanting to ensure we have our processes very well-defined. He's recently noted a couple of...
Travis Nissen – DEEM Winner October 2022
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment October 2022Travis Nissen Star TechnicianNominator: Dennis Snyder For: Being a Problem Solver "Travis has been a leader on the cold side of Star Food Equipment and has shown true leader ship ability through his willingness to help...
Paul Adams – DEEM Winner September 2022
Delivering Excellence in Every MomentSeptember 2022Paul Adams Executive Director of Marketing, Ecommerce & Retail SolutionsNominator: Darrin Birkicht For: Minding His Ping "In the short time I have worked here, almost everyone seems so nice. However Paul seems to...
Kaltuma Ahmed – DEEM Winner August 2022
Delivering Excellence in Every Moment August 2022Kaltuma Ahmed Retail Store Sales AssociateNominator: Tony Mills For: Putting the Customer First "The owner of Coney Island in St Paul called to let me know that Kaltuma was a delight to work with in the store." LET'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