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Latest Issue of Sysco Foodie

Set Your Table: A Holiday Checklist for a Smooth, Profitable Season

Having the right ingredients is only half the battle—your equipment and supplies need to work just as hard as your team. During the holiday rush, being fully stocked isn’t just smart, it’s on trend. Operators are leaning into off-premise catering and elevated tabletop experiences, and the right tools make all the difference. That’s why we’re proud to have Edward Don & Company (DON) as your partner for equipment, disposables, and kitchen essentials.

With over 100 years of expertise, DON delivers curated solutions—from buffetware and dinnerware to flatware and glassware—designed to help you prep, serve, and impress with style, efficiency, and modern flair.

Tune Up Your Equipment

Ensure your core gear is ready for the rush:

  • Test ovens, fryers, holding cabinets, and heat lamps
  • Handle repairs or upgrades now before peak service hits

Stock Up on Smallwares & Backups

Holiday volume stretches your capacity. Be prepared with extras:

  • Tongs, ladles, scoops, and prep tools
  • Backup sets are critical for avoiding mid-shift slowdowns

Optimize Front-of-House Flow

Support your FOH team with the right tools for smooth service:

  • Signage, tray stands, dispensers, and bussing carts
  • Keep service fast, clean, and guest-ready

Refresh Disposables & Packaging

Packaging should protect, perform, and reflect your brand:

  • Tamper-evident or eco-friendly options
  • Custom-branded or heavy-duty containers built for travel

Take Early Inventory

Stay ahead of demand with a supply stock check:

  • Sheet pans, cutting boards, utensils, and mixing bowls
  • Food storage containers, sanitizers, and cleaning supplies
  • Reorder early to avoid backorders

Plan Now, Pivot Less Later

Whether you’re planning a pop-up event or expanding your catering, DON helps you plan smart, source fast, and execute with confidence. With innovative buffet layouts, statement-making dinnerware, and trend-forward tabletop pieces, you can serve every meal with style, durability, and distinction.

Elevate Catering & Tabletop Presentation

Presentation is as important as performance—especially when your guests expect more:

Buffet: Chef-driven, curated displays are in. DON’s modular systems, elevated risers, and chafing dishes let you reconfigure layouts effortlessly while creating a “wow” factor.

Dinnerware: Collections now tell a story. Mix textures, tones, and shapes to give your tables personality and depth.

Flatware: More than functional, flatware shapes the tactile and visual experience from first touch to last bite.

Glassware: From stemless wine glasses to tactile tumblers, thoughtful shapes and finishes enhance aroma, highlight flavor, and encourage social-media-worthy moments.

With the right tools, systems, and presentation, you’ll be ready not just to keep up this holiday season—but to set the standard.