Foodservice Information & Resources
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned foodservice industry veteran, our goal at KaTom is to help you find the right equipment for your business. We know you're busy, so we've done all of the legwork for you.
Buying Guides & Advice
Outfit your ghost kitchen with the right equipment for delivery success. Find essentials for each cuisine type, save space, and boost efficiency with KaTom.
Dunkin’ relies on advanced coffee machines to brew smooth, rich coffee. Explore the equipment behind its famous hot and iced coffee.
Papa Johns pizza ovens ensure even baking and a crispy crust. Explore the pizza-making technology that delivers their signature taste and texture.
Explore the complete guide to commercial meat grinders. Compare sizes, types, plate charts, and top-rated brands to find the best fit for your kitchen.
What espresso machine does Starbucks use? Explore the high-tech coffee equipment behind their rich, bold espresso shots and handcrafted beverages.
Burger King's broilers give their burgers that signature flame-grilled taste. Learn how their high-tech broilers create juicy, flavorful burgers.
Starbucks uses top-tier blenders for their Frappuccinos and more. Find out which machines power their smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended drinks
McDonald's fryers ensure crispy, golden fries and nuggets. Discover the technology behind their deep fryers and how they maintain perfect consistency.
Discover the machines behind Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats. Learn how their Blizzard maker creates thick, creamy, and perfectly blended frozen desserts.
Learn how to use a santoku knife, what it's best for, and the difference between a santoku vs. chef knife in both professional and home kitchens.
Discover the best commercial slushie machines for small businesses and high-volume operations. Compare top brands, and find the perfect frozen drink maker.
Learn the key differences between a santoku and chef knife. Find out which knife works best for slicing, chopping, or mincing in home and commercial kitchens.
Explore the different types of Japanese chef knives and their specialized uses to learn which blade suits your cooking style—plus tips on selection.
Discover different types of water dispensers, from countertop to freestanding, and find the best fit for your business with top brands at KaTom.
Wondering if you can buy a fountain drink machine? Discover the different types of soda fountains & key considerations for choosing the best one for your needs.
Brand Knowledge
Outfit your ghost kitchen with the right equipment for delivery success. Find essentials for each cuisine type, save space, and boost efficiency with KaTom.
Dunkin’ relies on advanced coffee machines to brew smooth, rich coffee. Explore the equipment behind its famous hot and iced coffee.
Papa Johns pizza ovens ensure even baking and a crispy crust. Explore the pizza-making technology that delivers their signature taste and texture.
Explore the complete guide to commercial meat grinders. Compare sizes, types, plate charts, and top-rated brands to find the best fit for your kitchen.
What espresso machine does Starbucks use? Explore the high-tech coffee equipment behind their rich, bold espresso shots and handcrafted beverages.
Burger King's broilers give their burgers that signature flame-grilled taste. Learn how their high-tech broilers create juicy, flavorful burgers.
Starbucks uses top-tier blenders for their Frappuccinos and more. Find out which machines power their smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended drinks
McDonald's fryers ensure crispy, golden fries and nuggets. Discover the technology behind their deep fryers and how they maintain perfect consistency.
Discover the machines behind Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats. Learn how their Blizzard maker creates thick, creamy, and perfectly blended frozen desserts.
Discover the best commercial slushie machines for small businesses and high-volume operations. Compare top brands, and find the perfect frozen drink maker.
Discover different types of water dispensers, from countertop to freestanding, and find the best fit for your business with top brands at KaTom.
Learn how to troubleshoot and relight your Vulcan oven pilot light, including FAQ on commercial oven pilot lights.
Pizza Hut ovens roll out an ideal mix of speed, food quality, and efficiency. Learn about the technology behind these conveyor pizza ovens.
Panera Bread's ovens bring millions of fresh baked goods to customers each year. Learn the secret behind Panera's ovens and how they can help your business.
How does McDonald's prepare its food so quickly? Learn about the technology behind their convection, combi, and bun toasting ovens at KaTom.
Current Events & Food Trends
Outfit your ghost kitchen with the right equipment for delivery success. Find essentials for each cuisine type, save space, and boost efficiency with KaTom.
Learn the key differences between a santoku and chef knife. Find out which knife works best for slicing, chopping, or mincing in home and commercial kitchens.
Foodservice workers struggle with mental health. KaTom highlights The Burnt Chef Project's work to overcome the stigma and hardship of restaurant burnout.
Looking for cheaper restaurant equipment? Find discounted scratch and dent appliances from leading brands at KaTom.
Keep your team hydrated with the best office water dispenser. Compare types, features, and key benefits to find the right fit for your workspace.
Learn how to bolster your establishment's food safety plan with our breakdown of the seven HACCP principles and sample HACCP plan
Learn all about food safety management for restaurants and the best health practices that keep your operation free from common food hazards.
A unique ice shape offered by some commercial ice makers, bullet ice has several foodservice uses, like elevating drink presentation.
Discover top gifts for chefs at KaTom, featuring quality tools and gadgets that inspire culinary creativity for both home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Discover the best gift ideas for bakers at KaTom, featuring high-quality tools and accessories that elevate the craft of both professional & home bakers.
Discover the perfect gift ideas for restaurant owners, from practical tools to unique decor, that will elevate their business and personal style.
Commercial flake ice has many uses in the foodservice industry: from packaging to presentation. See how flake ice can benefit your establishment.
Naming new menu items in your restaurant can be tricky. Tackle this challenge, learn helpful tips, and avoid common pitfalls with KaTom's advice.
Whether you prefer your turkey fried, smoked, or stuffed and roasted, KaTom covers all the information you need to safely prepare a moist, delicious bird.
The 100,000 Opportunities Initiative matched opportunity youth with sustainable employment. KaTom covers how the foodservice industry drove the project.
Industry Information
Foodservice workers struggle with mental health. KaTom highlights The Burnt Chef Project's work to overcome the stigma and hardship of restaurant burnout.
Looking for cheaper restaurant equipment? Find discounted scratch and dent appliances from leading brands at KaTom.
Foodservice warehouses require numerous permits to operate. Learn about the required and optional permits needed to license your operation.
Learn how to bolster your establishment's food safety plan with our breakdown of the seven HACCP principles and sample HACCP plan
Learn all about food safety management for restaurants and the best health practices that keep your operation free from common food hazards.
High-quality tabletop supplies from World Tableware and Syracuse China will now be produced under one brand: Libbey. Learn more about the rebranding here.
Building the right bar can make or break a business. Expert bar designer Troy Clarke tells KaTom how the Krowne ambassador program & BarFlex 3D can help.
Commercial ice machines may be marketed as ADA compliant or ADA certified, which can be confusing. Learn more about ADA-compliant ice makers at KaTom.
Restaurateurs are concerned about bans on natural gas, while environmentalists advocate for legislation. Learn more about natural gas bans at KaTom.
With more than 70 years in the foodservice industry, Server has produced innovative portion control and point-of-use equipment for quick-service restaurants.
FIFO – or "first in, first out" – is a food storage system that maintains the quality of ingredients in cold and dry storage. Learn more about it at KaTom.
KaTom discusses food truck tips for operators and explores how the trend changed the food service industry.
Learn how to mix business with politics in the foodservice industry and how to improve relations with your local community from KaTom.
KaTom offers five tips on how operators can increase alcohol sales and grow a profitable beverage service in restaurants and bars.
Nutrition labeling requirements have evolved in recent years. KaTom covers the facts on FDA rules for restaurant nutrition information.
Interview Spotlights
Foodservice workers struggle with mental health. KaTom highlights The Burnt Chef Project's work to overcome the stigma and hardship of restaurant burnout.
Three years ago, Henny Penny and Gregg Brickman teamed up. KaTom covers how he's used his expertise to guide chefs and operators to success.
Building the right bar can make or break a business. Expert bar designer Troy Clarke tells KaTom how the Krowne ambassador program & BarFlex 3D can help.
Take a look behind the bar in KaTom's closeup with cocktail specialist Zach Calfee, who has a background in molecular gastronomy.
How hectic is it to prep for game day? Is it possible to serve 20 events in a day? What's it like to cater the Olympics? Terri Franks tells us all about it.
Jennifer Dyer of Courthouse Donuts shares what inspired her to open a build-your-own-donut concept and gives advice to aspiring shop owners.
KaTom catches up with international mixologist Bad Birdy. Thirsty for more? Learn where she'll be next and get your own taste of the action.
Andrew Smucker of Sweet Smucker Donuts shares his experiences as a food truck operator bringing glazed donuts to East Tennessee.
Executive chef and cooking class hero David Pinckney gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a country club tastemaker.
Chef Peter Dale shares the eclectic experiences that have shaped his perspective on food, from growing up in Georgia to training in Madrid.
Chef Christopher Pease of Echo Bistro and Wine Bar shares his passion for food and lessons he's learned during his career.
Blue Slip Winery's monthly food truck park that includes a dozen or so food trucks and live music draws thousands of hungry attendees.
The National Register of Historic Places includes famous diners that exist today as nostalgic destinations thanks to ambitious new owners.
We spoke with Jeff Ross about food preservation's role in history and culture, and how preserved foods are part of a healthy diet.
Feeding America's new app MealConnect is helping restaurants partner with hunger relief organizations that can distribute their excess food.
Use and Maintenance Advice
Starbucks uses top-tier blenders for their Frappuccinos and more. Find out which machines power their smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended drinks
McDonald's fryers ensure crispy, golden fries and nuggets. Discover the technology behind their deep fryers and how they maintain perfect consistency.
Discover the machines behind Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats. Learn how their Blizzard maker creates thick, creamy, and perfectly blended frozen desserts.
Learn how to use a santoku knife, what it's best for, and the difference between a santoku vs. chef knife in both professional and home kitchens.
Discover the different types of beer tap systems and which kind will work best for your bar or brewery design.
Keep your team hydrated with the best office water dispenser. Compare types, features, and key benefits to find the right fit for your workspace.
Keep your water cooler in top shape with our easy 6-step guide to cleaning. Ensure fresh, clean water every time with simple, effective maintenance tips.
Learn how to clean a slushie machine with our quick guide. Follow the steps for proper cleaning, sanitizing, & maintenance to keep your machine in top condition.
Discover different types of water dispensers, from countertop to freestanding, and find the best fit for your business with top brands at KaTom.
Learn how to use a slushie machine to craft perfectly smooth frozen treats. Follow KaTom’s step-by-step guide for refreshing, delicious results every time.
Learn all about food safety management for restaurants and the best health practices that keep your operation free from common food hazards.
Learn how to troubleshoot and relight your Vulcan oven pilot light, including FAQ on commercial oven pilot lights.
Having a hard time cleaning your restaurant? Use our printable restaurant cleaning checklist as a guide for front and back-of-house cleaning.
Discover how to safely relight the pilot light on your Southbend oven and keep your appliance running smoothly. Follow these expert tips for quick and easy maintenance.
Dealing with a noisy fridge? KaTom’s troubleshooting guide helps you identify & fix buzzing, rattling, or clicking sounds for quieter, smoother operation.
Products & Technology
Outfit your ghost kitchen with the right equipment for delivery success. Find essentials for each cuisine type, save space, and boost efficiency with KaTom.
Dunkin’ relies on advanced coffee machines to brew smooth, rich coffee. Explore the equipment behind its famous hot and iced coffee.
Papa Johns pizza ovens ensure even baking and a crispy crust. Explore the pizza-making technology that delivers their signature taste and texture.
Explore the complete guide to commercial meat grinders. Compare sizes, types, plate charts, and top-rated brands to find the best fit for your kitchen.
What espresso machine does Starbucks use? Explore the high-tech coffee equipment behind their rich, bold espresso shots and handcrafted beverages.
Burger King's broilers give their burgers that signature flame-grilled taste. Learn how their high-tech broilers create juicy, flavorful burgers.
Starbucks uses top-tier blenders for their Frappuccinos and more. Find out which machines power their smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended drinks
McDonald's fryers ensure crispy, golden fries and nuggets. Discover the technology behind their deep fryers and how they maintain perfect consistency.
Discover the machines behind Dairy Queen’s Blizzard treats. Learn how their Blizzard maker creates thick, creamy, and perfectly blended frozen desserts.
Learn how to use a santoku knife, what it's best for, and the difference between a santoku vs. chef knife in both professional and home kitchens.
Discover the best commercial slushie machines for small businesses and high-volume operations. Compare top brands, and find the perfect frozen drink maker.
Learn the key differences between a santoku and chef knife. Find out which knife works best for slicing, chopping, or mincing in home and commercial kitchens.
Explore the different types of Japanese chef knives and their specialized uses to learn which blade suits your cooking style—plus tips on selection.
Discover the different types of beer tap systems and which kind will work best for your bar or brewery design.
Looking for cheaper restaurant equipment? Find discounted scratch and dent appliances from leading brands at KaTom.
How To
Planning to open a ramen shop? Find out what equipment you need, how to set up your space, and get tips for serving up success from day one.
Learn all about food safety management for restaurants and the best health practices that keep your operation free from common food hazards.
Learn how to choose your restaurant booths using this guide. Explore the various booth dimensions and types of booths that best suit your restaurant.
Dealing with a noisy fridge? KaTom’s troubleshooting guide helps you identify & fix buzzing, rattling, or clicking sounds for quieter, smoother operation.
Trying to move a bulky fridge? Discover the best tips and tricks on how to move a refrigerator with KaTom’s guide to ensure you are moving your fridge safely.
From planning to execution, learn the top tricks and best methods for commercial kitchen layout from KaTom's Design and Build team.
Learn how to design your food truck layout using this guide. Get ideas for food truck floor plans and tips for maximizing space while ensuring food safety.
Learn how to install an ice maker water line with KaTom's step-by-step guide. Get expert tips for a smooth installation & ensure your ice maker works perfectly.
Ice Maker Not Working? Fix It Fast! Learn how to reset your ice maker and troubleshoot common problems. Restore ice production with our easy guide.
Learn how to clean and maintain your countertop ice maker or portable ice maker with this step-by-step guide powered by the experts at KaTom.
Whether you prefer your turkey fried, smoked, or stuffed and roasted, KaTom covers all the information you need to safely prepare a moist, delicious bird.
Learn how to install casters on a reach-in with this helpful installation video and step-by-step instructions from the team at KaTom.
Nutrition labeling requirements have evolved in recent years. KaTom covers the facts on FDA rules for restaurant nutrition information.
Learn about getting an Illinois food handler certificate. Chicago restaurants require this training; join KaTom as we cover all the details.
Restaurants can build positive relationships with customers by responding appropriately to social media criticism and comments.
Start-up Guides
Planning to open a ramen shop? Find out what equipment you need, how to set up your space, and get tips for serving up success from day one.
Opening a gluten-free restaurant is simple when you follow these six steps.
Considering starting a slushie business? From essential set-up and product selection to branding and other key factors, read our tips to get started!
Opening a coffee shop can be a rewarding venture. This guide will help you get started with a solid plan and necessary products.
Every undertaking starts with a plan and restaurants are no exception. Learn the six essential steps to create your restaurant business plan
From planning to execution, learn the top tricks and best methods for commercial kitchen layout from KaTom's Design and Build team.
Learn how to design your food truck layout using this guide. Get ideas for food truck floor plans and tips for maximizing space while ensuring food safety.
Which licenses and permits are needed to open a restaurant? Learn how much they cost and where to obtain them with KaTom Restaurant Supply.
How much does it cost to open a restaurant? On average, startup costs range from $75,000 to $250,000. Learn about each expense at KaTom Restaurant Supply.
Opening a Mexican restaurant? Check out KaTom's quick guide to outfitting a Mexican restaurant to ensure you get everything you need.
Explore cold brew coffee with KaTom's guide, from its history and origin to tips for making and serving it in your cafe or restaurant.
Running a charcuterie business can be a lucrative prospect. KaTom covers tips and tricks for adding charcuterie to your restaurant menu.
Opening a bar can be an exciting but difficult business venture. Join KaTom as we walk you through the process of how to open a bar.
Even nontraditional coffee spots like convenience stores can offer gourmet coffee with the right brewers. Find the best coffee maker for any business here.
Thinking of starting an ice cream parlor? Read our guide to creating a concept, making the best profit, and finding the right equipment.
Case Studies
KaTom Helps Roma Table outfit their operation for Italian dining and a welcoming atmosphere in Sevierville, Tenn.
KaTom Restaurant Supply and Sweet n' Sassy food truck bring soul food to East Tennessee.
Learn how KaTom partnered with the Knoxville Smokies baseball team to design and install equipment for their new downtown stadium.
KaTom continues a decades-long relationship to help DŌ Scratch Made Pizza and Pasta owner bring authentic Italian concept to downtown Sevierville.
KaTom helps Taco Ranch owners equip and open their first restaurant, bringing a new, unique concept to Pigeon Forge.
KaTom Restaurant Supply outfits various Kern's vendors in historic Knoxville dining hall.
KaTom helps Foxcroft Wine Co. open its sixth location, bringing thousands of wines, handmade food, and a vibrant community to Raleigh, N.C.
KaTom Restaurant Supply and Maryville College revitalize Downtown Maryville building with new learning and gathering space.
KaTom Restaurant Supply and UTK Dining join forces to usher in a new chapter of on-campus foodservice
KaTom Restaurant Supply helps transform historic Kern's Bakery into Kern's Food Hall—a new dining, retail, and event space invigorating South Knoxville.
KaTom helps Chattanooga favorite Aretha Frankensteins bring unique breakfast concept to South Knoxville location.
Aaron Thompson and Jessica King are bringing French fine dining to downtown Knoxville, as KaTom outfits two kitchens and a bar for new concept Lilou.
KaTom Restaurant Supply helps further Southern Craft's expansion process as the local barbecue favorite opens the doors of its Greeneville location.
Kitchen renovations can be tricky at the best of times. Learn how team KaTom helped a growing church streamline the process and ensure a successful rebuild.
KaTom helped Zoo Knoxville revamp its animal feeding program, installing a new walk-in cooler and freezer as the zoo continues its conservation mission.