The sustenance that schools provide to Florida's students shapes their growing bodies and helps to set them up for success in the classroom. School nutrition directors are always looking for new and innovative ways to provide vitamins, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and other forms of nourishment to help students reach their intellectual and physical potential. But the only way that school nutrition programs can play a role is when students buy meals.

Restaurants contend with a variety of challenges. Commercial kitchens continue to deal with supply chain issues, labor challenges, and rising food prices -- all of which impact sales. Finding opportunities to increase revenue with the right beverage program can help with these issues, as well as boost customer satisfaction. 

Consumer expectations are continuing to evolve when it comes to the beverage segment, and operators who are willing to consider new ideas can ultimately profit from these changes. As in many other areas of foodservice, lines are blurring when it comes to what defines one type of operation versus another, and the same can be said of beverages.

We might not be getting the early snowstorms and freezing weather that people in other states are experiencing. But when the temps drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time for Floridians to pull out the sweaters and start enjoying hot coffee-based beverages. And even though we experience warmer weather, customers still love a holiday-inspired drink. And with the Synesso S-Series commercial espresso maker, those drinks can be even more special. 

Florida's hotels are more crowded than ever as people travel to and across the state for both business and pleasure. For hospitality professionals, there's added pressure to cater to customers' needs without dragging down labor.