Don’t sacrifice innovation on equipment substitutionsDon’t sacrifice innovation on equipment substitutions

The recent National Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers show in Orlando, Fla., introduced several unique and innovative features on a variety of foodservice equipment offerings. While some of these features may have been intended to differentiate products from competitors, others add unique solutions that can solve problems for many owners and operators.

However, concerns were raised by attendees and exhibitors that these features may be forgotten during the evaluation process when equipment is put out to bid.  

With the rise of buying groups and other volume discount programs, there is a strong incentive for kitchen equipment dealers or online discounters to substitute alternate models or brands that offer deep price cuts to secur...