Further Delays….must be figured into future shipments into the USA. WSJ 5/6/2022

This article in today’s WSJ further supports the issue that I have been talking about. What I have called COVID-SHIPMENT-DELAYS are not clearing up soon. It continues to look like this mess will take several years to work out. Going back to NORMAL? Today is our Normal. We must all plan in accordance and continue to move forward. This article provides great insight into this world-wide issue. Start making plans today for 2023 inventory.

Increased congestion is a concern when export hubs such as Shanghai resume full shipments and companies look to build inventories

Export volumes from the Port of Shanghai have fallen by as much as 30% since March.Photo: Ding Ting/Xinhua/Zuma Press

By Costas ParisMay. 6, 2022 5:33 am ET

Western ports are bracing for increased congestion when China eventually lifts stringent Covid-19 restrictions in major cities, which could come just as many importers start to load up for the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons.

Import gateways such as California’s Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, which handle more than a third of all containers coming into the U.S., are still inundated with uncollected cargo more than two years into the pandemic.

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TriMark Settlement

This just released last week. News for your review.

Cooking Up Trouble: Record $48.5 Million Settlement in Foodservice Equipment Government Contracting Fraud Case

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Improperly obtaining contracts that are meant for service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses—and concealing it—is not a recipe for success in government contracting.  The United States Department of Justice settled a case against a foodservice and restaurant equipment supplier.  Under the terms of the settlement, the contractor paid $48.5 million, the “largest-ever False Claims Act recovery based on allegations of small business fraud,” of which $21.6 million is restitution.  Additionally, a former executive who managed the foodservice company’s government contracts, was fined $100,000 as an individual civil penalty. The whistleblower was a company called Fox Unlimited Enterprises, LLP.  For reporting government contracting fraud, the relator received 22.5% of the settlement, just over $10.9 million.

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Episode 22, Cold Plate Carts – How they Work

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Ice Cream Scoop Mobile Cold Plate Truck – Designed by George Dunlap and the team at C. Nelson Mfg.

Cold plate carts are a must if you plan on going to outdoor events without electric power. Cold Plate carts by C. Nelson will last a long time once they are frozen. This Podcast explains how they work. Take a few minutes and listen. I am always at your service, call me anytime. George Dunlap

Jameel Burkett, a great conversation with, about his love & passion of the Foodservice – Distribution Industry, Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies.

Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supply – Toledo, OH

I had the pleasure to be introduced to Jameel Burkett with Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies, by a long time friend and Industry smart guy, Dennis Byrne with Byrne & Associates. Jameell has an exciting story; his beginning with his family business, COVID, and the remaking of the Foodservice/Distribution business. Jameel is a driven leader with vision and customer service focus. Kick back and listen to Jameel talk about his story I know you will enjoy.

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Ice Cream Recalls hurt everyone – The latest, Baskin-Robbins & Turkey Hill.

Ice Cream recalls hurt the Industry in general but seem to draw attention to the large operations, all operators need to be aware of keeping our shops and equipment sanity. The below read is helpful for us all to understand the financial cost of such a recall. It can happen to you; what are your doing to stay ahead of such a costly issue?

Guilty Eats
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 13: Anthony “Spice” Adams teams up with Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins to celebrate the launch of the brands’ newest treat, the Affogato, in Chicago, Illinois on March 13, 2019. An Affogato is an Italian delicacy that includes hot espresso poured over cool vanilla ice cream and will be served in Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins combo stores nationwide. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Baskin-Robbins)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 13: Anthony “Spice” Adams teams up with Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins to celebrate the launch of the brands’ newest treat, the Affogato, in Chicago, Illinois on March 13, 2019. An Affogato is an Italian delicacy that includes hot espresso poured over cool vanilla ice cream and will be served in Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins combo stores nationwide. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for Baskin-Robbins)

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Mitchell’s Ice Cream Cleveland,OH to Unveil Rotunda Scoop Shop inside Heinen’s Downtown.

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream, 18832 Westwood Dr, Strongsville, OH, USA, 44136

Going back to 2002 and earlier, I had the pleasure to serve Mike Mitchell and his team at Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream at their, then, one shop. Today Mitchell’s Ice Cream is one of Cleveland, Ohio’s favorites. Mitchell’s hard work and attention to serving the customer with great tasting and quality designed ice creams are one of their keys to success. The below article is about Mitchell’s teaming with with Heinen’s in their downtown Cleveland, OH store. Good read.

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Pierre’s Ice Cream – sold to Ohio Processors

Pierre’s Ice Cream, Cleveland, OH since 1932

Pierre’s Ice Cream sold to Ohio Processors, announced last week. I had the pleasure to meet the Roth Family when I started in the Retail Ice Cream Industry back in the early 80’s. At that time they were the legend of Cleveland. Over time the market grew and others developed awesome marketing programs and later left Pierre’s behind. Ohio Processors is a well established and successful Ohio dairy operation and will give the market something to watch. Below is an article about the Roth family and the journey of Pierre’s Ice Cream.

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Kari Seher, founder, of Melt Ice Creams – Customer Spotlight.

Melt Ice Cream Push Cart
Melt Ice Creams Dip Cabinet, BD series by C. Nelson.

During my years at C. Nelson Mfg., Co. I had the pleasure to talk and meet with many great ice cream shop operators across the World. Kari Seher of Melt Ice Creams, was one of the most exciting and driven young ladies I have talked to. If you have time and desire to learn Kari Seher’s story; it is exciting. 4/19/2022

MELT ICE CREAMS – Ice Cream Truck
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Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream – Bi-Rite Creamery

Looking to set your self apart from the competition? Even soft-serve shops can do this, yes mix into your quality ice cream mix and run through your soft-serve machine. Bi-Rite stands apart from the rest.

Homemade Salted Caramel by Bi-Rite Creamery of San Francisco, CA

Call today and let’s make great ice cream flavors together!

C. Nelson vs. Excellence Dipping Cabinets which is best? It Depends. Episode 21

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SHOW NOTES:

C. Nelson Mfg., Co builds one of the best cabinets in the world. I have had the pleasure to work with the Smith family, owners of C. Nelson, for over 40 Years. I have designed, installed, serviced, and scooped from these awesome cabinets. They are built to last.

Excellence Industries is a world class importer of value priced cabinets. I have had the opportunity to work with Excellence for over 15 years and have found the Excellence dipping cabinet to be a satisfactory alternative when availability is key. The Excellence is not the same cabinet as the ones built in the USA, but, it is a cabinet that will allow you to start scooping ice cream today, and under today’s economic craziness that works for many.