21Blox restaurant launches to help talented chefs through the pandemic
A brand new and innovative concept is launching to help chefs get back on their feet after the pandemic.
A brand new and innovative concept is launching to help chefs get back on their feet after the pandemic. 21Blox is a restaurant that empowers talented chefs by providing them with a well-managed platform to launch their new culinary concepts. The business has opened their applications this week for chefs to register their interest in getting involved.
Typically, a week is divided into 21 mealtime blocks; 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners. This is the basis of the concept, giving the inspiration for the name, 21Blox. Through a shared economy, chefs will be able to take control of set blocks each week, serving their own menus, launching their own concepts and introducing their brand. It will give them the opportunity to showcase their talents and make a profit, whilst the industry is recovering from the pandemic.
The pandemic has hit the hospitality industry hard, with constant closures and uncertainty. It’s going to take a long time for chefs to recover from this and recoup the lost time, profits and creative opportunities they have missed out on. 21Blox is offering professionals a helping hand to get back into business and doing what they are passionate about.
21Blox is an easier route into restaurant ownership. Usually there is an entire year’s operating costs required for start-ups, which is raised through venture capital, loans and other avenues. During the current economic climate now is simply not a realistic time for chefs to be starting their own restaurants independently. 21Blox’s mission is to offer an affordable platform for talented chefs, making them more attractive to future employers and investors.
The concept was developed by Tracy Kohl, a yacht chef who planned to retire later this year. However, when the pandemic hit, she wanted to find a way of investing in passionate and talented chefs who are looking to launch their own brand. She is now dedicated to reducing the risks, stresses and financial burden of restaurant ownership and empower those who have a passion for hospitality.
Founder, Tracy Kohl says “The art of being a chef seems to be slowly eroding away by an uncertain economy, disappearing employment opportunities, and developments in AI. Restaurants could soon suffer the same fate as high street retail. We aren’t ready to see independents become instinct. They should be able to expand organically like the big competitors are able to do financially. We want to be able to help talented chefs make their dreams of owning an independent restaurant a reality”.
To register their interest, all chefs need to do is input their details on the online form on the 21Blox website.
Kimberly-Clark Professional – Project 360˚
Washrooms reflect hygiene standards in foodservice 78% say condition of washroom shows how much a restaurant or café cares
During the first full Coronavirus lockdown which began in March, the foodservice industry reinvented itself with new contact-free delivery and takeaways models. As lockdown eased, cafés, pubs and restaurants reopened with social distancing and hygiene at the top of the agenda. Now as England goes into its second lockdown and many must again close or revert to takeaway service only, should food service outlets start to prepare to reassure customers of their safety when they return?
A survey about how Covid-19 has affected perceptions of cleanliness and hygiene in the foodservice industry, conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Kimberly-Clark Professional™, shows that confidence was low in the early stages of businesses getting back to work after the first lockdown and that priorities have changed for business owners. The survey revealed that 80% of consumers are now more aware of hygiene practices when outside the home* because of the pandemic.
The survey showed that over three-quarters of respondents (78%) think the condition of a washroom in a restaurant is a reflection on how much the establishment cares about its customers/visitors*. Meanwhile, only 46% of respondents feel safe visiting a restaurant*, and 86% would avoid a location if they didn’t think it was Covid-secure*.
“We want to support foodservice businesses to embed the right hygiene practices and protocols by using the correct product solutions. We can help to change the behaviour of their customers and employees, by promoting the importance of good hand hygiene and surface wiping which are key factors in reducing the spread of germ transmission,” says Olena Neznal, Vice President, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ EMEA.
“Only foodservice businesses which win the confidence of their employees and customers will thrive and from this research it is clear that hygiene is now top of the agenda.” adds Neznal. “With this second lockdown, food businesses in England have the opportunity to put the right protocols in place and get ready to welcome back customers.”
According to the research, over two-thirds of respondents (69%) thought that the kitchen is the most important area to improve hygiene levels. 62% showed concern about using the toilets in restaurants, which is often the first or last place visited in a facility therefore critical in creating the right impression. Over three-quarters (77%) thought the washroom is a reflection of the establishment’s image, while 76% thought the condition of the washroom is a reflection of the hygiene standards for the rest of the establishment.
Illustrating the heightened awareness of hygiene and safety, when asked about the most important factors when considering if a restaurant is safe to return to: 68% wanted social distancing enforcement; 65% wanted the provision of hand sanitiser at key points; 64% wanted the provision of hygienic hand washing and toilet facilities; 61% wanted to see that a washroom is clean; and 57% wanted cleaning and disinfecting procedures clearly communicated.
“Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has a long history of partnering with and supporting the foodservice industry, so these findings are crucial in guiding our ability to ensure we offer the best advice and solutions now and for the future,” says Neznal. “There are no shortcuts to workplace hygiene – we need to cover every angle.”
360˚ Hygiene & Protection programme
Kimberly-Clark Professional™ has introduced the 360˚ Hygiene & Protection programme to help foodservice businesses get back on their feet and restore confidence.
Kimberly-Clark Professional™ offers specific foodservice facility support through considering need areas, and tools to assess your facility and identify germ hotspots. Hotspots are objects such as catering equipment, dishwashers, sink fixtures, food preparation surfaces, and door handles that are touched by many throughout the day and need frequent surface cleaning and disinfection to help break the chain in germ transmission.
The next step is implementing cleaning and disinfecting protocols and introducing the correct hand hygiene and surface wiping solutions. Finally, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ promotes hygienic workplace practices by providing communication tools to help create awareness, which is a vital and important part of making people feel safe.
Kimberly-Clark Professional™ is offering a free no obligation Virtual Hygiene Walk – bookable through the microsite https://home.kcprofessional.com/UK_PR_TTNS_0920 – to review a facility and provide expert guidance on cleaning and hygiene protocols, recommending the right product solutions to tackle key hygiene hotspots. We have produced an in-depth guide for the food service industry https://home.kcprofessional.com/UK_PR_Food_1120 to show the most appropriate products and solutions.
“Reassuring customers and employees with visible hygiene actions has never been more important for a foodservice business’ survival,” says Neznal. “Kimberly-Clark Professional™ is the expert in workplace hygiene and is championing the need for hygiene to take centre-stage.”
The clean stay guest experience
What you can expect during your stay…
What you can expect during your stay:
1 - PRE-ARRIVAL MESSAGING
You will receive pre- arrival communications with your reservation details and an explanation of the CleanStay programme.
2 - CONTACTLESS & ENHANCED CHECK-IN
Honors members can use Digital Check- In and Digital Key through the Hilton Honors app to bypass the front desk and go straight to your room. Non-Honors guests will notice enhanced cleaning and hygiene standards at the front desk.
3 - LOBBY SEATING, SIGNAGE & ENHANCED CLEANING
As you walk through the lobby, you’ll notice that seating has been arranged to accommodate social distancing. You will see our team members cleaning and disinfecting the lobby more frequently. Signage encouraging social distancing and explaining the CleanStay programme will also be placed throughout the lobby.
4 - ELEVATOR CLEANING & SANITATION STATION
As you approach the elevator, you will see a hand sanitising and disinfecting station for added peace of mind. Additionally, you’ll notice that elevators are being cleaned more frequently, with disinfecting wipes available for your use.
5 - GESTURES OF HOSPITALITY
Along the way, you may encounter team members welcoming you and demonstrating hospitality while staying respectful of social distancing.
6 - CLEANSTAY ROOM SEAL
As you approach your room, you’ll see
that it has been sealed by housekeeping after deep cleaning and disinfection. The seal confirms no one has accessed the room since being cleaned.
7 - DEEP-CLEANED ROOM
As you move through your room, you will see a clean top of bed that has been washed at high temperature after every stay (a long established Hilton standard), messaging on mirror clings that outlines extra cleaning and disinfection for “high- touch areas,” a sealed TV remote control and disinfecting wipes. You will also notice that printed collateral and materials have been removed from the room.
8 - FOOD & BEVERAGE EXPERIENCE
For meals and beverages, you will experience seating arranged to accommodate social distancing, order from sanitised (or single- use) menus, and notice special attention to cleanliness and hygiene. Certain of our hotel brands will feature to-go breakfast offerings to minimize contact. If you order room service, you will experience contactless delivery, with orders and single-use serviceware placed outside your door
9 - Fitness Center
When you visit the fitness center, you will notice that the equipment has been arranged to accommodate social distancing. You’ll also see increased availability of disinfectant wipes with signage on proper use.
10 - CONTACTLESS CHECK-OUT
When it’s time to check-out, you can do so either directly through the Hilton Honors app or simply by calling the front desk.
11 - HOTEL SHUTTLE
If you use the hotel shuttle, you will see disinfectant wipes and communications that outline the frequency of shuttle interior hot- spot disinfection and cleaning by the driver.