Sponsored By

Cura offers 24/7 grab and go to hospitals

Lunch Box automated solution provides freshly prepared meals while the café is closed.

Mike Buzalka, Executive Features Editor

November 14, 2023

2 Min Read
FoodService Director logo in a gray background | FoodService Director

Cura Hospitality recently debuted its new Lunch Box automated food and beverage solution at several hospital locations, including TidalHealth in Delaware and the Fulton County Medical Center (FCMC) in Pennsylvania. The units expand the availability of freshly prepared grab and go meal offerings while providing hospital staff and visitors with a convenient culinary experience throughout the entire day.

“We wanted to do something special for our employees at the ICare Lounge, especially for those who are working or visiting the hospital when the cafe is closed,” said Michael Straley, the executive director of the Foundation at FCMC at the ribbon cutting on November 8th. “This was truly a team effort with Cura Hospitality, our dining partner, who collaborated with us on identifying the best technology and cooler as an optimal and flexible 24/7 automated solution for on-the-go meals. The Lunch Box is an excellent add-on that creates more convenient food options for hospital staff and visitors alike.”

Lunch_Box_at_Fulton_County_Medical_Center_two.png

Customers can purchase regular grab-and-go items, as well as food they would normally get in the café prepared by the Cura dining staff with a simple credit or debit card swipe

The Lunch Box enables customers to purchase regular grab-and-go items, as well as food prepared by the Cura dining staff  that they would normally get in the café with a simple credit or debit card swipe. “Customers can purchase freshly made salads and wraps, homemade soups, lasagna, roast beef, chicken tenders, buffalo wings, mac & cheese and dessert selections,” explains Cura Hospitality General Manager Lou DeMaio.  “A microwave is positioned next to The Lunch Box cooler, where customers can conveniently reheat their meals with the instructions provided.”

Related:5 tech things: Towson University debuts new 24/7 store

Customers can view the current inventory of The Lunch Box via a website, so they know exactly what is available and how many, allowing for quicker purchasing decisions. 

“Considering most employees only have 30 minutes for their lunch break, this new option will save them a ton of time,” DeMaio notes.

The Lunch Box cooler also allows the Cura team to monitor the inventory through an app. 

“It provides us with real-time information on what has been purchased, what needs to be restocked, and feedback from customers so we can provide the best on-the-go dining experience,” DeMaio says.

Plans for future additions include dinner for two, more hot meals, and holiday desserts.

About the Author

Mike Buzalka

Executive Features Editor, Food Management

Mike Buzalka is executive features editor for Food Management and contributing editor to Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News. On Food Management, Mike has lead responsibility for compiling the annual Top 50 Contract Management Companies as well as the K-12, College, Hospital and Senior Dining Power Players listings. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Literature from John Carroll University. Before joining Food Management in 1998, he served as for eight years as assistant editor and then editor of Foodservice Distributor magazine. Mike’s personal interests range from local sports such as the Cleveland Indians and Browns to classic and modern literature, history and politics.

Mike Buzalka’s areas of expertise include operations, innovation and technology topics in onsite foodservice industry markets like K-12 Schools, Higher Education, Healthcare and Business & Industry.

Mike Buzalka’s experience:

Executive Features Editor, Food Management magazine (2010-present)

Contributing Editor, Restaurant Hospitality, Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News (2016-present)

Associate Editor, Food Management magazine (1998-2010)

Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1997-1998)

Assistant Editor, Foodservice Distributor magazine (1989-1997)

 

Subscribe to FoodService Director Newsletters
Get the foodservice industry news and insights you need for success, right in your inbox.