Stafford Intermediate School Cafeteria Renovation
Manahawkin, New Jersey
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Stafford Intermediate School is located in Manahawkin, NJ. The Stafford Intermediate School building is home to 600 5th and 6th grade students. Due to recent enrollment increases and the desire to improve outdated facilities for students, Lourdes La Guardia, School Business Administrator, and her team decided it was time to make some major improvements to the cafeteria. La Guardia met at length with several companies about the project and ultimately chose Succession Reps to partner with to get things moving on this transformation.
Replacement of aged equipment, improved lighting and overall enhanced appearance were a few goals high on the wish list. Mission accomplished. The renovation was completed successfully, resulting in a modern, welcoming space that was “well worth the investment.” The project included new serving lines, kitchen decor, and paint, with La Guardia noting the transformation was “fabulous” and a “night and day” difference from the previous institutional look. By implementing Two-Tier QuickSwitch Glass technology, the cafeteria can now alternate seamlessly between hot and cold food configurations. This versatile setup completely transforms the serving line while enhancing the visual freshness and overall appeal of the meals.
The project was motivated by increase in student population, the desire for a more appealing environment for students and adapting to shifts in the community. La Guardia added, “As demographics of our area change, we felt the need to offer more sophisticated meal options and a beautiful dining space to attract students to want to eat in the cafeteria. Our kids deserve better.”
On average, approximately 60% of students participate in the school lunch program, and the school hopes to increase that with this renovation coupled with some other incentives. La Guardia has received lots of positive student and parent feedback about the new cafeteria, many noting the pride felt about the modern design of the cafeteria.
She further explained that while the investment took longer than expected, it wasn’t due to challenges but rather her need for a thorough assessment and determination of potential equipment capabilities, the streamlining effect to enhance the lunch line, long term demands and functionality then finally targeting specific comprehensive information about the selected equipment before making the final decision to purchase. She wanted detailed specifications about the equipment’s capabilities and quality to make a very informed decision.
“Durability and longevity are very important to us. I want the equipment to look just as good 10 years from now as it does today,” added La Guardia. “I am confident that we have taken the right steps and chosen the right partners in accomplishing and safeguarding our district’s cafeteria investment; all by by asking challenging questions, and ensuring every dollar stands the test of time and delivers lasting value.”
