Automatic_Merchandiser_October-November_2020 - 34

grinders for coffee and true espresso
and refrigerated milk that can be
foamed for cappuccinos. It's controlled
by a mobile app that allows users to
use their smartphones, Apple Watches,
and/or Siri to meet their exact taste, or
by a touchscreen display.
Corporate Essentials has also
been advising clients to convert
to several "micro" break rooms
to facilitate social distancing. To
offer an added layer of protection,
locations can opt to apply continually self-cleaning "NanoSeptic" film
to shared touchpoints, including
cabinets and door handles, coffee machines and elevator buttons,
which provides an added revenue
stream for Corporate Essentials.
Another COVID-focused solution
Corporate Essentials is offering is filtration technology that reduces bacteria,
viruses, mold and fungi in the air and
on surfaces up to 2,000 square feet.
Kleinman has invested in the systems
for his own facility to safely bring his
employees back.
These new sanitizing services complement Corporate Essentials' conceptto-finish break room design service.
It starts with analyzing the office size,
space and volume, and then working
with the location to choose the best
appliances, products and furniture to
fill the break room in the best possible
way to create an inviting space.
WHAT'S COOKING?

In spring 2018, Corporate Essentials
acquired Brooklyn, NY-based fullservice caterer Martin + Fitch and
installed a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen to expand its offerings
to provide a full range of premium
fresh food solutions to appeal to every
office. Martin + Fitch co-founder
Maura Martin, who has cooked for
four of the last five U.S. presidents and
provided catering services for many
of New York City's rich and famous,
came aboard as executive chef.

Kleinman held an open house in the Corporate Essentials break room pre-COVID-19,
hosting customers in this inviting space.
Emily Jed

Debbie Azzolina works in the kitchen.
Emily Jed

Pre-pandemic, company culture
was a growing focus among employers, and providing one or more free,
on-site meals on a daily basis and even
hosting weekly Friday happy hours
had become a norm among companies
competing for top talent.
"We did not make this move to
simply add catering as another service
we offer," Kleinman remarked. "We
did this to disrupt foodservice in
the workplace. This unprecedented
premium workplace food offering
provides a new tool to companies who
understand that by fueling their workplace culture they can further inspire
their workforce."

Automatic Merchandiser * October/November 2020

While remote working and social
distancing have dealt a blow to its
food business, Corporate Essentials has found new demand for
individually curated meals to keep
employees on-site and minimize
their risk of exposure to the virus
and has gotten creative to cater to
new demands.
PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH

Kleinman made a substantial investment in remodeling his own space
in 2016 to practice what he preaches,
complete with a pool table and lounge
furniture and swanky vibe to foster
collaboration and downtime.

Automatic_Merchandiser_October-November_2020

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