Blog

LTI Welcomes Shawn Nicholas as Financial Controller
May 17, 2022
LTI, Inc., a leading manufacturer and designer of modular and custom serving counters, fabrication, and advanced serving technologies, recently hired Shawn Nicholas to serve as Financial Controller for the organization. Shawn will transition to assume the responsibilities previously overseen by Mike Moody, Chief Financial Officer for LTI, who is retiring from the organization this year. […]
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Nobody in Foodservice and E&S is Gouging Anybody with Prices
May 4, 2022
April 15, 2022 from the Robin Ashton Report News, Data, Analysis and Commentary from Robin Ashton I’m starting to hear some rumblings I don’t like at all. And I’m going to do my best to put a stop to it right now. There is some talk down the E&S channels, all the way to buyers, […]
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Getting to know LTI serving counter options: An explainer
April 21, 2022
LTI knows that choosing and designing a serving counter can be a challenging process, with a lot on the line — so to speak — to ensure you’re ready to meet the needs of your customers. Whether you’re building a new school cafeteria, refurbishing a hospital dining area or outfitting a corporate eatery, LTI has […]
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LTI welcomes Mary Sauer as VisionDesign coordinator
March 15, 2022
LTI, Inc., a leading manufacturer of modular and custom serving counters, fabrication, and advanced serving technologies, has hired industry veteran Mary Sauer as VisionDesign coordinator. In this role, Sauer supports customers, reps, consultants and dealers with the implementation of VisionDesign interior décor projects. “Mary’s commitment to people and to service aligns perfectly with LTI’s dedication […]
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6 actionable ideas to get more students eating school breakfast
March 8, 2022
Breakfast is a critical meal for students, helping to jump start their brains and bodies for the day ahead. Kids who skip breakfast will feel tried, restless and irritable and may experience an energy slump by mid-morning. And those who eat breakfast tend to feel, behave and perform better in school, according to research. Despite […]
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Support allergen safety all the way through the serving line
February 28, 2022
Food allergies have been on the rise in the U.S. for years, posing intense challenges for people to protect themselves from the very food they eat. As foodservice operations have worked to meet the needs of diners with allergies, a slate of guidelines and best practices have developed around allergy-safe serving. Most of those processes […]
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Longtime LTI employee honored with William E. Casey Leadership Award
February 7, 2022
LTI drafting manager Matt McEwen was awarded the William E. Casey Leadership Award in recognition of his commitment to leadership and LTI values. The William E. Casey Leadership Award, named in honor of the former company president and CEO who led LTI from 1994-2007, recognizes an LTI team member who embodies leadership qualities and models […]
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TempestAir™ Cold Wells Available in 12-unit Drop-ins
January 24, 2022
As operators expand their serving operations, they may find themselves in the following situation: An increased number of customers has forced a business to make a decision: offer more of the same food or widen the selection of menu items. Regardless of the chosen path to success, the current number of cold well drop-ins won’t […]
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Customization for chains is becoming harder to find, but not at LTI
January 15, 2022
Whatever happened to manufacturers taking on equipment customization? It seems fewer and fewer companies are willing to take on projects that require building to specs that are outside of their capabilities. Today, fewer manufacturers are taking on projects that require customization simply because their engineering systems include pre-set limitations for the work they can do. […]
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Helix Solutions Group Repeats as LTI Rep of the Year
January 13, 2022
LTI, Inc. has named Helix Solutions Group its 2021 Rep of the Year for the second consecutive year. “Helix had another undeniably fantastic year, demonstrating creativity and determination that drove them to achieve their targeted sales goal and lead the field in sales volume,” said Mike Purcell, LTI vice president of sales and marketing. “We […]
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LTI Names Plastikos, Inc. Supplier of the Year
January 13, 2022
LTI, Inc. was pleased to recently award 2021 Supplier of the Year honors to Plastikos, Inc. Plastikos, Inc. has been a critical LTI partner for nearly 40 years. “This past year was an extraordinary year for our company. The way the Plastikos team handled the supply issues facing our industry was second to none,” said […]
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Support expanding c-store dining with smart equipment choices
January 12, 2022
Prepared foods are playing an increasing role in the business operation — and bottom line — of many convenience stores. According to the State of the Industry report from NACS, the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, prepared food is the largest gross profit driver for c-stores. Foodservice generated 34.5% of in-store gross profit dollar […]
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Ask these 4 questions to determine what your cafeteria remodel needs are
January 5, 2022
When it’s time for a school cafeteria renovation, planners tend to start by thinking about the equipment they need or want. But the best results might actually come from approaching the project from a different perspective. Instead of starting with the equipment, start with the need. First, set a goal for the renovation. For many […]
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Support full facility sustainability with smart serving line design
December 14, 2021
Compostable packaging. LED bulbs. Recycling. Reducing food waste. There are many visible — and often publicly promoted — ways that dining operations enact and foster sustainability initiatives. Pursuing these daily efforts is important, but for best effect, they should be paired with a holistic look at the entire operation. The big physical pieces in any […]
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10 ideas for using QuickSwitch Ceran glass shelves in any serving line
November 29, 2021
Temperature-controlled glass shelves are becoming a commonly used serving tool in everything from cafes and restaurants to schools, hotels, supermarket delis and more. They provide a simple and appealing serving space, allowing food to be both readily visible to diners and also easily served. Ceran glass shelves from LTI take this convenience a step further […]
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LTI announces new partnership with Mirk Group
November 10, 2021
LTI is pleased to announce our new partnership with the Mirk Group who will serve as our manufacturers’ representative in Illinois. “LTI is excited to partner with Mirk Group. Nick was brought up in this business alongside his father, and he is expanding on that experience in new and exciting ways,” said Mike Purcell, LTI’s […]
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Lunch in the classroom: How schools can plan for and support remote serving demands
September 8, 2021
Even as the Covid-19 Delta variant threatens school populations in many parts of the country, most schools are opening their doors to a full complement of students for the first time in more than a year. Increasing distance between people and decreasing density in crowded spaces continues to be a recommended Covid-19 mitigation strategy, and […]
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LTI announces three new partnerships and extends sales reach to Canada
August 25, 2021
LTI, Inc. is proud to announce partnerships with three new manufacturers’ rep groups: 4 Star Reps, J. Wilson Marketing and W.D. Colledge Co. These groups will cover various regions across North America: 4 Star Reps in certain areas of Delaware, southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania; J. Wilson in Upstate New York; and W.D. Colledge […]
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Solving the problem of long lines in school cafeterias
August 23, 2021
See ideas for how to address long lines at the serving counter during lunch with this efficiency-boosting article. Learn more!
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Going mobile: Grab and go breakfast carts boost participation, improve student experience
August 8, 2021
Your mom always told you that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, and to some extent she was right. Research bears out that breakfast is a crucial meal for K-12 students, boosting school performance and overall wellness. But for a number of reasons, student populations are often underserved when it comes to […]
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School is back! What school nutrition leaders need to know for the return of students
August 3, 2021
The start of the 2021-22 school year is looking much different than the conclusion of the year before. Many school districts are moving away from the online or hybrid models that dominated the 2020-21 school year — including the nation’s largest school district, which announced in May that its 1.1 million students would return to […]
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Why the consultant’s job shouldn’t end at the counter’s edge | The case for cafeterias
July 29, 2021
In most K-12 kitchen construction or renovation projects, foodservice consultants are an integral design team leader — but their role typically ends at the serving counter’s edge, where an architect or designer steps in to direct the visual elements of the cafeteria space. But it doesn’t have to be that way. And maybe it shouldn’t. […]
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Rescuing schools post-pandemic: Ideas for using American Rescue Plan relief funds to support K-12 meal programs
June 17, 2021
School districts across the U.S. are poised to receive millions in funds from the recently enacted American Rescue Plan (ARP), which provides $122 billion to help K-12 schools reopen, operate safely, and support student health and learning. The anticipated uses and needs are as varied as schools themselves, but many may seek to catch up […]
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What you need to know about the stainless steel situation and what you can do about it
June 14, 2021
Stainless steel shortage. The phrase alone can induce stress in the heart of any manufacturer. Unfortunately, it’s a reality in today’s market that is having wide-ranging impact on manufacturers and operators alike. Surviving — and even thriving — will take some creative adaptation. What’s going on What’s going on with stainless steel and other critical […]
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LTI Donation Supports Breakfast at School Program
June 13, 2021
The school lunch specialists at LTI recently donated a Grab ‘N Go cart to a New Jersey public school, helping support convenient access to healthy school meals. The Grab ‘N Go Lite cart was offered as a prize during the From the Show Floor virtual show, presented by NxtGen Innovators and the New York School […]
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LTI Promotes Matt McEwen to Drafting Manager
May 27, 2021
LTI is delighted to announce the recent promotion of industry veteran Matt McEwen to drafting manager. In this role, McEwen oversees the critical department that works closely with LTI customers to design the custom serving solutions that meet their needs. McEwen’s leadership is particularly critical in partnering with consultants, helping to identify and craft the […]
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BRUSHING UP ON A BUDGET: 3 IMPACTFUL WAYS TO UPDATE A CAFETERIA WITHOUT A FULL RENOVATION
May 26, 2021
It’s a tale replicated countless times across non-commercial dining. Old, deteriorating equipment is limping along. It breaks and is costly to diagnose and repair. It’s limited in what it can do and a struggle to keep looking clean after years of use and abuse. In addition, diners are drawn to the newer, flashier restaurant down […]
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4 reasons restaurants may not want a general contractor to build the front-serve counter
May 11, 2021
In many restaurant construction projects, building the front-serve counter — the literal front line of the restaurant experience — falls to the general contractor. What results is often a wall constructed like any other stick-built interior wall, with holes drilled in the wood framing to make way for electrical, water or gas lines. It’s functional […]
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How embracing flexibility helped this university’s dining program meet its mission even during the pandemic
April 21, 2021
When students began returning to in-person classes at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall of 2020, the leaders of the dining program knew they had challenges ahead of them. Coronavirus-related issues of safety, hygiene and crowd control were added to responsibilities that already included making appealing and nutritious food, keeping menus interesting, and […]
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LTI’s Autumn Davis named Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year
April 6, 2021
Autumn Davis, LTI’s marketing and communications specialist, was named the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. The award was presented during the organization’s annual gala on March 27. Davis has been a vocal advocate for the Clayton County Chamber over the past year, supporting its mission to promote business growth and enhance […]
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LTI Gives Away Grab ‘N Go Lite Mobile Cart
March 17, 2021
Congratulations to Erica Shaffer from Bridgeton Public Schools in NJ for winning this Grab ‘N Go Lite Cart! LTI recently sponsored the From the Show Floor virtual show presented by NxtGen Innovators and New York School Nutrition Association (NYSNA). Attendees participated in incentive games to learn more about all things K-12. A winner from each […]
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LTI Shares the Love with Mundy’s Mill Middle School
February 18, 2021
As part of our ongoing commitment to community involvement, LTI continues to partner with Mundy’s Mill Middle School in Jonesboro to provide support for students in need. Most recently, the team at LTI joined together to “share the [Valentine’s Day] love” with students and staff at the school. This included delivering new backpacks full of […]
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Supporting the no-dining-room restaurant of the future
February 17, 2021
Source: Burger King Dining out has changed dramatically over the past year, and some of these changes may be here to stay. More than half of adults say takeout or delivery food is “essential to the way they live,” and 68% of customers say they are more likely to purchase takeout or delivery food than […]
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Get the best, longest use from your serving equipment by choosing these design and construction features
January 28, 2021
When the shiny new kitchen equipment first rolls off the delivery truck, it’s easy to forget that it’ll one day need maintenance. But both routine upkeep and periodic repairs are part of the realities of ownership for almost everything, so it’s best to plan for them in advance. The easiest way to keep maintenance and […]
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LTI announces partnership with The Fischer Group
January 12, 2021
LTI has partnered with The Fischer Group to serve as manufacturers’ representative across southern California and southern Nevada, including the Los Angeles metro area and Las Vegas. “LTI is excited to join with such a well-respected outfit as The Fischer Group and to develop a partnership with people who share a commitment to core values […]
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LTI recognizes Luci McDuffie and United Community Bank as Supplier of the Year
January 5, 2021
LTI was pleased to recognize United Community Bank commercial lender Luci McDuffie as Supplier of the Year. Luci was presented with the Supplier of the Year award for her commitment to supporting LTI, particularly amid the challenges of 2020. “Beyond just partnering with us from a banking standpoint, Luci sought to truly understand our business […]
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LTI Names Helix Solutions Group Rep of the Year
January 4, 2021
LTI was proud to recently recognize Helix Solutions Group as Rep of the Year for 2020. Helix Solutions Group, organized in 2018 and based in Fairlawn, Ohio, was honored for their extraordinary determination to succeed during an extremely difficult year for the foodservice industry. “Helix partners Neal Hix and Greg Oplinger were focused and dedicated. […]
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LTI announces partnership with ECHO Food Service Marketing
December 11, 2020
LTI, Inc. is pleased to announce its partnership with ECHO Food Service Marketing to serve as manufacturers’ representative for Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and western Tennessee. ECHO’s foodservice specialists have a combined 100 years of industry experience and are committed to meeting the needs of all foodservice operators across their four-state region. “LTI is excited to […]
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Paints and signs and booths, oh my! Boost cafeteria performance with low-budget updates
December 9, 2020
School budgets across the country are facing potentially steep cuts for the coming year. While cutting back on non-academic services like dining can seem like an easy target, doing so can actually hurt meal participation and program finances in both the short and long runs. But there are ways to walk the fine line between […]
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3 ways consultants can help support new and changing K-12 feeding needs
November 20, 2020
The impact of COVID-19 on K-12 schools has been dramatic. From virtual learning to socially distanced classrooms, the changes have been pervasive and have left almost no aspect of the education system untouched, including the cafeteria. Feeding in K-12 schools has faced significant challenges to keep students well fed, whether they are learning in school […]
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Novel as the new normal | College and university dining in the COVID era
November 16, 2020
With the fall semester underway for most U.S. colleges and universities, schools have made dramatic changes to the way they teach, house and feed students in the hope of protecting campus communities from COVID-19. Unfortunately, colleges have become coronavirus hot spots in many states. The New York Times’ ongoing case tracker notes more than 252,000 […]
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LTI launches CrystalClear food shields
November 4, 2020
Jonesboro, GA – November 3, 2020 – LTI, Inc., a leading manufacturer of serving counters and technology, has introduced a new line of modern, tempered glass food shields that pair with its industry-leading counters. CrystalClear food shields are made of tempered 3/8-inch glass with penciled edges and bumped corners. These durable shields are available for […]
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LTI partners with local school to support student needs
October 21, 2020
As part of its ongoing commitment to community involvement, LTI Inc. has partnered with Mundy’s Mill Middle School to provide support for students in need, including a recent donation of more than 350 back-to-school items. Needed items such as backpacks, school supplies, toiletries and comfortable socks were donated by LTI team members and delivered to […]
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Expecting the unexpected: Planning for flexibility in a post-pandemic world
October 1, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has taught every facet of the food serving world that the way things have been done is likely not the way they will always be done. Whether from pandemic or natural catastrophe or economic or cultural forces or circumstances unforeseen or unimagined, massive disruption may strike again and demand adaptation. Expecting the […]
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New Dual-Temp Hot/Cold ExpressLine from LTI expands mobile and remote serving options
September 22, 2020
LTI, Inc., a leading manufacturer of serving counters and technology, has expanded its line of compact, mobile serving counters with the new Dual-Temp HOT/COLD ExpressLine Compact. The Dual-Temp Hot/Cold ExpressLine serves as two units in one, offering two bays for hot foods and two bays for cold foods. This offering makes it possible for schools, […]
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LTI is transforming college dining halls across the country
September 9, 2020
Whether you’re serving students by the hundreds or thousands, LTI has the ideal serving line solution for you. We’ve been manufacturing custom serverys for C&Us for many years. Read through our Case Studies and see how we’re helping some of your peers change the way they serve food. We encourage you to talk to your […]
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Grab-A-Bag Carts are a back-to-school must
September 4, 2020
Whether you’ve started back to school or are planning your back-to-school food serving strategy, LTI’s Grab-A-Bag carts are a must. These mobile carts can easily be a part of your feeding plan whether you’re serving in the classroom, hallway or the cafeteria. They’re ideal for serving up to 250 snacks and meals – especially when […]
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K-12 feeding in the COVID era: 4 options and how to prepare for them
July 8, 2020
K-12 schools across the country are carefully considering how to resume instruction for the coming 2020-21 school year while protecting students and families from COVID-19. How to feed students during the school day is one of many complex factors being weighed. There are currently four commonly discussed feeding options, each of which has inherent advantages […]
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LTI ExpressLine and new ExpressLine Compact support mobile serving
June 18, 2020
LTI, Inc. is proud to offer expanded availability of ExpressLine and to introduce ExpressLine Compact. Both mobile serving solutions are ideal for all types of dining operations where traditional serving may be suspended or limited for months to come. ExpressLine counters offer both heated and refrigerated bays where wire baskets hold pre-packaged menu items. Sliding […]
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Phantom rising: Ghost kitchens may take a leading role in post-COVID restaurant industry
June 5, 2020
COVID-19 turned many a restaurant into a ghost town nearly overnight as states quickly moved to limit the spread of the virus in public gathering spots. And while those restrictions are being gradually eased, there’s expected to be long-term impact to the restaurant industry. The innovations and adaptations that allowed many operations to stay afloat […]
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Feeding during COVID-19 and beyond: Three A’s of equipment to support changing operations now and in the future
June 3, 2020
Today’s feeding needs have been dramatically altered by COVID-19 and the various restrictions on everyday activity and movement that accompany efforts to protect the public health. Despite the challenges, there are adaptations operators can implement to be more efficient and effective in the current situation and to prepare for a future when serving and dining […]
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Will delivery and takeout be the new norm? Here’s how to get your kitchen ready
May 29, 2020
Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant industry was already experiencing a steady and growing rise in the popularity of meal delivery and takeout. With the arrival of COVID-19 and the public restrictions imposed to try to slow its spread — including a nearly nationwide shutdown of in-person dining — many restaurants turned to off-premises […]
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Customization is becoming harder to find, but not at LTI
April 15, 2020
Whatever happened to manufacturers taking on equipment customization? It seems fewer and fewer companies are willing to take on projects that require building to specs that are outside of their capabilities. Today, fewer manufacturers are taking on projects that require customization simply because their engineering systems include pre-set limitations for the work they can do. […]
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Expand off-premise dining options with POPS
April 14, 2020
Off-premises serving can be fraught with logistical challenges. Restaurants and caterers want to create desirable menus that can be displayed and served in a safe, appealing environment. Facilities want foodservice operations to be convenient and streamlined. A new tool from LTI can help. The Platform for Off-Premise Serving (POPS) is a self-supported, mobile servery that […]
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Patented QuickSwitch technology revolutionizes the way food is served
March 23, 2020
LTI’s patented QuickSwitch technology continues to revolutionize the way food is served at hospitals, universities, QSRs, supermarkets and corporate dining areas across the country. Due to the technological advances it offers, operators love the menu flexibility QuickSwitch provides them. Each food well is independently controlled, so you can serve hot, cold and frozen foods side […]
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3 ways LTI equipment helps foodservice operations reduce food waste
March 20, 2020
With today’s increasing food costs, operators are seeking ways to mitigate food waste. At the end of 2018, the National Restaurant Association conducted a survey on restaurant trends. The survey revealed that more than three in four restaurant operators said that they had increased tracking of food waste and planned to devote more resources to […]
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Why are Pop-Ups Popping up Everywhere?
March 16, 2020
As they say, variety is the spice of life – but it’s also quickly becoming the spice of corporate dining. Pop-up serveries are gaining popularity. The younger corporate workforce is loving them for their speed and variety. Businesses are choosing them over more traditional cafeteria settings due to their small square footage, low cost of […]
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Growing a business through vertical serving and merchandising
February 27, 2020
In any servery, space comes at a premium. Lateral space for counters and equipment fills up fast to accommodate serving trays, drop-ins, heated or cooled surfaces and space for merchandising. So, what happens when there’s no more room at counter height? It’s time to start moving upward. When there’s more product to display and serve […]
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Improve your menu flexibility and merchandising with LTI technology
February 27, 2020
LTI’s patented QuickSwitch and TempestAir drop-in wells offer benefits that create an opportunity for unlimited menu flexibility, plus better product display Foodservice directors, managers and chefs are always focused on improving two basic concepts — increasing their menu options and finding better ways to display those options in order to serve more and decrease waste. […]
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6 Ideas for the K-12 Foodservice Industry from UMass Dining
February 26, 2020
The K-12 learning environment is meant to prepare students for their college and university experience. To best prepare those students, K-12 schools will typically follow the trends set by colleges and universities. However, it’s not only the classroom curriculum, learning technologies and teaching methods of colleges that shape the K-12 experience. Colleges and universities have […]
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LTI Sponsors Future of Serving in K-12 Symposium
February 13, 2020
LTI was very pleased to be one of the sponsors of The Future of Serving in K-12 Symposium hosted in Jacksonville, Florida February 11 and 12, 2020. The program was designed to educate and engage foodservice professionals in all aspects of servery and dining room design and renovation. Participants learned firsthand how a system of […]
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LTI Names Its Supplier and Sales Rep of the Year
January 23, 2020
LTI, Inc. has recently named 330 Electronics its 2019 Supplier of the Year and Southern Food Equipment Reps its Sales Rep of the Year. 330 Electronics, headquartered in Buckner, Kentucky, has supplied LTI with electronic digital controls for the manufacturing of foodservice serving equipment since 2010. Southern Food Equipment Reps has represented the LTI brand […]
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Understanding Stainless Steel Grades for Foodservice Applications
January 10, 2020
Stainless steel is as much a part of the foodservice world as food itself. From refrigeration and heating to holding and serving, stainless steel is everywhere in foodservice equipment. The reason is simple: it’s corrosion resistant and it’s safe. However, despite the “stainless” moniker not all stainless steel is created equal or completely corrosion proof. […]
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TempestAir™ Cold Wells Now Available in 12-unit Drop-ins
January 8, 2020
As operators expand their serving operations, they may find themselves in the following situation: An increased number of customers has forced a business to make a decision: offer more of the same food or widen the selection of menu items. Regardless of the chosen path to success, the current number of cold well drop-ins won’t […]
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5 Areas of Focus When Upscaling a High School Cafeteria
December 19, 2019
High schools are feeling the pressure more than ever to keep students on campus and buying food at school. With delivery through services like Grubhub, Uber Eats and Doordash, in addition to the endless number of off-campus retail choices – students are at no loss for dining options. It’s no secret that to combat these […]
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LTI announces the release of newly-revised ThermalWell food heating technology
December 10, 2019
(December 10, 2019) – LTI, Inc. has announced the release of their newly revised ThermalWell food heating technology. The new drop-in heating system improves on its industry-leading low-wattage use with an even more efficient method of heating. By incorporating low-wattage silicon heating pads on the bottom and side walls of the pan, LTI’s drop-ins keep […]
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Customization is becoming harder to find, but not at LTI
November 19, 2019
Whatever happened to manufacturers taking on equipment customization? It seems fewer and fewer companies are willing to take on projects that require building to specs that are outside of their capabilities. If you’re a foodservice operator and this is what you’re feeling, you aren’t necessarily wrong. Fewer manufacturers are taking on projects that require customization […]
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LTI Partners with Elevation Foodservice Reps
October 30, 2019
LTI, Inc. recently partnered with Elevation Foodservice Reps to serve as a manufacturers’ representative for the Rocky Mountain states of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Arizona and West Texas. Elevation is led by Rich O’Brien and Tyler Clement who have more than 40 combined years of foodservice equipment sales experience. Their team of […]
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Why You Need Great Signage and How You Can Get It for Free
October 21, 2019
Most foodservice operators realize the necessity of signage in their servery. However, many aren’t aware of what makes that signage “good.” There’s a lot that goes into making signage effective – more than just making pretty signs that hang in the serving area. Truth be told, there’s a fair amount of strategy involved. Understanding materials, […]
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Not all hot wells are built equal
October 9, 2019
The days of using old calrod technology and mechanical controls are in the rearview mirror for a few manufacturers in the marketplace. Other ways of heating can include rope style heaters, silicone heating pads and induction; however, induction hot food display counters require the purchase of special pans to make the system work and comes […]
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Unsure about modular serving counters? This is your FAQ
October 3, 2019
Foodservice operators have two choices when it comes to installing new serving counters: custom one-piece counters or modular counters. If it was only that simple. Any operator who has gone through the process of installing or renovating serving counters knows the vast number of decisions surrounding counter design. It’s almost easier for those with a […]
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LTI Announces Passing of Board Chairman Bill Casey
August 7, 2019
LTI has announced that its Chairman of the Board, William E. (Bill) Casey, passed away on July 24, 2019, at the age of 77. Bill had served as Chairman since 2008 after leading the company as president and CEO from 1994 to 2007. Bill was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and moved to the Metro […]
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How to Offer Serving Customization
July 23, 2019
The demand for meal customization is at the top of every food serving and restaurant trend list for 2019 and will continue to be for years to come. And while non-commercial operators are very much aware that this is their customers’ want, the question of how to implement customized serving is still all too common. […]
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University of Maine Hilltop Commons
July 12, 2019
LTI was selected as the fabricator by the University of Maine to play a major role in the renovation of the university’s Hilltop Commons. The scope of the project includes a complete refresh of the resident dining hall while not undergoing a total demolition — a decision based on fiscal responsibility. The main counters in […]
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Why You Should Attend Our Next FSCI Education Session
July 12, 2019
Not all continuing education hours are created equal. Let’s face it, some of those hours are simply more beneficial and practical than others. Providing relevant, real-world education is exactly what we aim to provide at our FSCI education sessions here at LTI. During this past quarter, we hosted foodservice consultants from around the country. Over […]
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Consultant Design Drawings and the Importance of Details
June 21, 2019
Foodservice consultants are entrusted with creating a vision for their clients. The closer they can come to replicating that vision in real life, the better their business will do. However, turning vision into reality is no small matter. When we receive a foodservice project design package from a consultant — typically including the foodservice design […]
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Serving Counter Design Tips to Help Meet Budget
June 13, 2019
Which comes first: The design or the budget? For many foodservice operators who are tasked with renovating or building out a new dining hall, cafeteria or restaurant, it can be a real “chicken-or-the-egg scenario.” Since each option is capable of defining the other, it may seem like there is no wrong way to approach a […]
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Better Serving Counters are Possible Because of Our Better Laser Cutter
June 6, 2019
When you promise customers a product that delivers precision, quality and timeliness, it’s in your business’s best interest to follow through on those promises. As a manufacturer, it becomes much easier to produce a product with these characteristics when you have the right tools for the job. In our case, having our own laser cutting […]
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Peter Kiriakos Joins LTI as VP of Chain Accounts
May 22, 2019
LTI, Inc. has named Peter Kiriakos its new Vice President of Chain Accounts. Kiriakos will be responsible for growing LTI’s footprint in the chain account and convenient store verticals, which will support a portion of the business’s strategic initiatives. Kiriakos joins LTI with 20 years of diverse work history in both the private and public […]
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15 Ways to Make Your Convenience Stores Shine
May 9, 2019
From gas stations to college and university student centers, check out these tips for making your convenience stores stand out. Source: Foodservice Director Magazine
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Plumbing and Electrical Design Tips to Help Meet Budget
May 2, 2019
Whether you’re considering new construction or a facility renovation, the array of costs can be great. With the number of design, material and equipment options, decisions regarding utilities can often be based on what recommendations buyers are given first. Buyers know if they are going to try to save money, they shouldn’t try to do […]
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LTI Hosts FCSI Educator Provider Program
April 25, 2019
LTI has been supporting Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) for many years and believes in their mission to provide educational programs for FCSI members. On April 23 and 24, we hosted 13 consultants for an FCSI Educator Provider Program in Jonesboro, Georgia. Consultants heard from several foodservice professionals who shared experiences ranging from facts about […]
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LTI Hosts Building Dedication in Celebration of New Headquarters
April 18, 2019
On April 11, LTI celebrated its new headquarters with more than 400 employees, customers, local officials, sales representatives, friends and family. The keynote address was delivered by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, who commended the company for its decision to remain in Clayton County. “It takes a different level of satisfaction for a company with […]
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High-quality 3D Renderings Are Worth the Investment
April 16, 2019
What is this project going to look like? It’s a common and completely legitimate question to ask if you are building a brand new servery or in the early stages of renovating one. Understanding what the final product will look like can go a long way in building confidence that this major investment is the […]
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9 Food and Food Serving Trends on the Rise in 2019
April 1, 2019
Operators are always interested in the foods and serving styles that are taking over the commercial and non-commercial food world. With that in mind, we’ve put together nine trends that are leading the industry into 2020. From speed and convenience to flavor diversity and food sharing, these are the trends consumers are flocking to. Retail-like […]
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Calling all Consultants: LTI to Host FCSI-Americas Educator Event
March 28, 2019
For foodservice consultants interested in an updated industry education through LTI, we’ll be hosting a two-day FCSI educator program. Based on polling feedback from many FCSI members, we have put together an agenda focused covering the interests of those members. Our past programs have received outstanding evaluation results and reviews. Beginning Tuesday, April 23, and […]
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Tips for Using a Student Panel In C&U Dining Hall Projects
March 21, 2019
When creating a new college or university servery, the whole focus is building a dining area that caters to the students. Recently, we spoke with Jennifer Rohn, an associate principal at FOODLINES in Lincoln, Nebraska and an FCSI member. Her past experiences include using student panels to gain insight on what should be included in […]
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Understanding Your Renovation Timeline: “How long will this take?”
February 28, 2019
It’s a question we’re all too familiar with. It’s also a question that doesn’t come with a simple answer. The reality of building out or renovating a cafeteria, food court or dining hall, is that there are a lot of steps. The process can be broken down into five stages and those that have stuck […]
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What We Heard at NAFEM
February 18, 2019
Just last week, at the 2019 NAFEM Show, we introduced our FlexLine modular line of serving counters and our ThermalWell heating technology. This year we wanted to do more than just get feedback on these new products — we also wanted to share that feedback with the public. We want to show that we listen […]
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LTI Welcomes Helix Solutions Group
February 12, 2019
LTI is pleased to announce Helix Solutions Group has been appointed as manufacturers’ representatives for IN, KY, MI and OH. The newly-formed group’s principals are Neal Hix and Greg Oplinger who have almost 40 years combined of foodservice equipment sales experience.Their depth of knowledge, excellent follow-through and creative thinking will benefit not only LTI, but […]
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Deciding Between Modular and One-piece Custom Serving Counters
January 19, 2019
Both modular and one-piece custom counters can work in a variety of applications. Check out this article in Foodservice Director to learn about the differences and how to decide which is best for you.
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2018 at LTI: A Year in Review
January 11, 2019
Over the 71 years in business, each year has brought us new and exciting events, growth and changes, and 2018 was no exception. From tradeshows and symposiums, new product designs, large project installations to one giant relocation project, the past year has been a model of what makes LTI an industry leader in manufacturing and […]
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LTI Welcomes Product Manager, Chance Hunt
January 9, 2019
LTI is pleased to welcome Chance Hunt as our new Product Manager. Chance will play an integral role in product development and the introduction of existing products to new markets and industries. He will work very closely with the sales, R&D, marketing and other teams to ensure LTI’s product lines are developed and positioned to meet […]
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LTI Partners with F.E.A. to Represent in CA and NV
November 27, 2018
LTI recently partnered with Foodservice Equipment Agents (F.E.A.), a foodservice equipment representative, located in Anaheim, California. The partnership will help further expand LTI’s product and service offerings in the California and Nevada markets. In addition to selling foodservice equipment for several major brands, F.E.A. provides assistance in design and equipment testing and has certifications with […]
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A Short But Definitive Food Retail Serving FAQ: Creating a More Retail Environment in a Non-Commercial Foodservice Program
November 7, 2018
For operators looking for insights and ideas on how to make their serving programs more effective, we always recommend looking at the food retail industry. Since the top brands in this category tend to be at the forefront of food trends and technology, they offer great examples for many serving best practices. Here are a […]
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Clayton County Looking to Build Economic Development Mojo
November 1, 2018
Check out this article about Clayton County on the front page of the AJC. LTI is super excited to be a part of our county’s growth and economic development. Kudos to all the forward-thinking leaders in Clayton County! https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt–politics/clayton-county-looking-build-economic-development-mojo/QDFKYjyM0sIZUhI3oyMjFO/
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Brent Myers Joins LTI as Director of Human Resources
October 24, 2018
Today LTI, Inc. announces Brent Myers as Human Resources Director, responsible for leading the overall direction of Human Resources for the company. He has more than 30 years of experience leading and developing programs to support strategic initiatives involving employee retention, talent acquisition, and human resource process automation. Brent has worked for healthcare, retail, and […]
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Ted Arnold Appointed to Director of Customer Support
October 18, 2018
LTI is pleased to announce Ted Arnold has been appointed Director of Customer Support. This newly-formed position is essential to support LTI’s continual growth and the need to provide exceptional service to our customers. Ted will oversee daily operations relating to the needs of our customers, working closely with the team to provide guidance and […]
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K-12 Serving Line Designs For Speed
October 17, 2018
The K-12 lunch period is a concept that is just about as old as schools themselves. Yet, many schools have not found a way to optimize the 30-minute stampede that is the lunch line. As most schools National School Lunch Programs’ are self-sustaining, one would think there would be more of a priority placed on […]
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LTI Hosts FCSI C&U Symposium in Athens, GA
October 16, 2018
Last week, LTI hosted 17 consultants and presenters for a Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) College and University Symposium at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens. Kicking off the event was a student panel who let the audience know what they’re looking for in dining services. Valuable feedback from the three students, Menna Abo-Elhamd, […]
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Fig Tree Cafe Opens, Part of Revitalization in Clayton County
September 20, 2018
LTI congratulates the Fig Tree Cafe on opening its doors this week! Several key businessmen and women in the community (including LTI President & CEO, Ben Casey, and COO, Barbara Lane) gathered at the Fig Tree Café in support of their new venture. “We’ve been located here in Clayton County for over 70 years, and […]
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Progress Update on LTI’s New Headquarters
August 21, 2018
LTI’s new headquarters is looking dramatically different these days – especially the interior. The team is meeting often to ensure everything is going according to plan [literally] – and it is, thanks to FCL Builders and our other great partners. This week’s progress includes completing exterior paint, installing drywall in the office, wood shop and grinding area, […]
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Grand Prize Mobile Cart Awarded to Stillwater School District in Oklahoma
August 15, 2018
Congratulations to Stillwater Public Schools in Oklahoma! Krista Neal, Child Nutrition Director, was the lucky winner of LTI’s grand prize Fresh ‘N Ready Food Bar at the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference (SNA ANC) in Las Vegas in July. Stillwater School District took delivery of the mobile cart – right in time for school to start […]
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University of Alabama’s Lakeside Dining Hall Renovation
August 9, 2018
LTI and Pace and Associates are quite honored to have partnered with the University of Alabama’s Dining Services to provide all the serving counters – both upstairs and downstairs – at Lakeside Dining Hall. Kristina Patridge, Director of University Dining Services says, “The most impressive thing about the new Lakeside Dining Hall is the variety […]
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LTI Partners with Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace
August 8, 2018
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace in East Meadow, NY and Ramsey, NJ took delivery of their new LTI equipment this week. We’re so pleased to have partnered with them on the design, build and installation of this project. Check out this radius counter; the lower level is a 4-well hot on one side and a 4-well QuickSwitch […]
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LTI is On the Move at Brown Elementary School in Clayton County
July 31, 2018
LTI employees along with local partners, including Charles Pace and Associates, Staples and Bobby Gassmann, rang in the new school year by donating 997 much-needed supplies to the students and staff of Brown Elementary School. Items ranged from glue sticks and uniforms – to everything in between that K-5 students need this year. Team […]
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New Headquarters Facility Takes Shape
July 23, 2018
LTI’s new headquarters facility, which is situated on the corner of Bill Casey Pkwy. (formerly Old Poston Rd.) and Tara Blvd., is on track to be complete by the end of 2018. The building will consist of 156,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space and 16,500 sq. ft. of office space. As of mid-July, the building was enclosed […]
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What Makes LTI’s Grab ‘N Go Carts So Great?
May 29, 2018
We’re glad you asked! LTI’s carts are fundamentally different than other mobile carts in the market. One key difference is they’re made of hand-laid molded fiberglass and stainless steel. This makes them incredibly durable, outlasting any plastic or laminated unit out there. Our carts have been designed as seamless units, making them super easy to […]
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Tim Braun Joins LTI as Western Regional Sales Manager
April 27, 2018
LTI is pleased to announce Tim Braun has joined our team as Western Regional Sales Manager. He will be responsible for sales in our territories west of the Mississippi. Most recently, Tim was Territory Manager for Chrane Foodservice Solutions in Irving, TX, where he was responsible for sales across multiple market segments, focusing primarily on […]
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LTI Nominated for Georgia Manufacturer of the Year
April 16, 2018
Hundreds of Georgia manufacturers came together on Thursday, April 12 for the Governor’s Awards Luncheon at the Georgia International Convention Center. Atlanta Technical College nominated LTI for the Georgia Manufacturer of the Year Award. Although it was such an honor to have been nominated, congrats goes to Metcam, Nibco and Pratt & Whitney for winning […]
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LTI Breaks Ground for New Headquarters in Jonesboro
March 16, 2018
Clayton News Daily came out for LTI’s Groundbreaking Ceremony and covered the story. Check it out!
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Aerotropolis Atlanta Recognizes LTI for Breaking Ground on New Facility
March 13, 2018
LTI is a member of Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance, which is a non-profit membership organization and a coalition of business and community leaders – united in its commitment to making Aerotropolis Atlanta a world-class destination for business, connectivity, and living. Since its formation in 2014, the Aerotropolis Atlanta Alliance has been the driving force behind the revitalization […]
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LTI is On the Move – Breaking Ground on a New Headquarters Facility
March 12, 2018
LTI hosted its Groundbreaking Ceremony on Thursday, March 8, 2018. A very special thank you to Mayor Joy Day, Chairman Jeff Turner and City Manager Ricky L. Clark, Jr. for being a part of this historic day – AND to the City of Jonesboro for unveiling the greatest surprise of re-naming the street of our new […]
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LTI, Inc. Plans Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Headquarters Facility
February 13, 2018
JONESBORO, GA (Feb. 13, 2018) Today LTI, Inc. announces plans for a groundbreaking ceremony to be held at its new headquarters building on Thurs., Mar. 8 at 2:30 p.m. (Formal invitations will be sent.) The new facility, which is situated on the corner of Old Poston Rd. and Tara Blvd., will have 156,000 sq. ft. […]
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LTI Annexed into the City of Jonesboro
December 21, 2017
LTI was recently annexed into the City of Jonesboro. Get the details at http://www.ajc.com/news/local/low-temp-industries-annexed-into-city-jonesboro/ivihZ73wov5ES7EMIue5gK/
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Team LTI Makes Christmas Merrier for Clayton County Families
December 20, 2017
LTI’s employees came together to sponsor 21 children from Clayton County elementary schools, Lee Street and Arnold, with hopes of making Christmas a little brighter for several families in need. Team LTI purchased coats for every child sponsored – plus hats, gloves, games, dolls and tons of toys! LTI has been a part of Clayton County […]
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LTI Major Part of Renovation at University of Maine’s Bear’s Den
December 2, 2017
LTI is honored to be a major part of the renovation of the University of Maine’s Bear’s Den. The finished product resulted in a stunning dining area with improved flow and function. Read all the details in this Foodservice Equipment Reports article.
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LTI Partners with Eaton Marketing & Associates to Renovate Several Florida School Cafeterias
October 12, 2017
LTI partnered with Eaton Marketing & Associates to renovate several school cafeterias in Florida this summer, including Westside Elementary School, Fox Chapel Middle School, Central High School and Brooksville Elementary School. Get the full story here.
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LTI Hosts FCSI K-12 Symposium
October 3, 2017
LTI has been a longtime supporter of Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) and its mission to provide educational programs and initiatives for its partners. Last week, we hosted 12 consultants for an Educator Provider Symposium with a concentration on K-12 foodservice. Consultants toured our factory, where they were able to see many pieces of custom […]
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LTI Announces Mike Moody as Incoming CFO
August 28, 2017
Today LTI, Inc. announces Mike Moody as CFO, replacing Rick Priegel who is set to retire at the end of 2017. Mike will be responsible for leading the overall financial direction of the 70-year-old family owned and operated company. Mike has more than 30 years of multifaceted experience, with 12 of those in the commercial […]
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LTI Participates in NACUFS National Conference in Nashville
July 25, 2017
In July, LTI participated in the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) National Conference in Nashville. The NACUFS organization has supported the college and university foodservice market since 1958 by providing its members with the programs and resources they need to excel, from benchmarking and best practices to educational programming and professional […]
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SNA ANC in Atlanta is a Success
July 20, 2017
LTI was pleased to be a part of the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference (SNA ANC) in our hometown of Atlanta July 10-12. The conference drew 7,000 attendees who were able to visit more than 850 booths made up of 300 companies to learn about the latest products and trends in the foodservice industry. […]
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LTI Participates in Legislative Action Conference
April 6, 2017
Willis Smith, LTI’s Education Sales Specialist, along with many others, “Charged the (Capitol) Hill” this week in support of healthy, affordable school nutrition programs at the Legislative Action Conference (LAC). It was a great opportunity to meet and interact with several representatives, including Congressman Drew Ferguson (shown above). Participants were able to personally visit with […]
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NAFEM SHOW SUCCESS FOR LTI
February 21, 2017
LTI was pleased to be an exhibitor at the 2017 NAFEM Show in Orlando February 9-11. It was a great opportunity to not only show our newest technology but also to explore the latest trends in the world of foodservice equipment and supplies. We had lots of interest around our equipment and serving technologies displayed […]
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LTI Names Rep and Dealer of the Year
February 16, 2017
LTI is pleased to announce BWA, Inc. has been awarded Rep of the Year for 2016. Brad Waller and his team are located in Mansfield, Texas and serve Oklahoma and Texas territories. They’ve represented LTI for more than 10 years. “Although Texas is a big state with a lots of opportunity, it is a very […]
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LTI Names UGA Food Services Industry Partner of the Year for 2016
February 6, 2017
This past week, LTI announced UGA Food Services as its Industry Partner of the Year for 2016. LTI and UGA, along with LTI’s GA representative, Pace & Associates, have been business partners for more than a decade. Through this longstanding relationship, LTI has had the privilege of building and installing several large new projects, including […]
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LTI Presents Innovative Solutions Session in Orlando
January 24, 2017
January 22-24, 2017, operators and industry partners joined together at SNA’s School Nutrition Industry Conference (SNIC) in Orlando, FL. More than 500 attendees of the conference explored the theme, “imagination + knowledge = INNOVATION” as it related to school nutrition and foodservice. LTI hosted a one-hour Innovative Solution Session where we shared how our innovative […]
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Warm for the Holidays: Clayton Donates 214 Coats
January 4, 2017
JONESBORO — Members of the Clayton County community will feel a little warmer this holiday season. The Clayton County Police Department and Chief Michael Register, in conjunction with Clayton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jeff Turner and Low Temp Industries teamed up together to distribute gently-worn coats and jackets to members of the community. The […]
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LTI Partners with Clayton County for Coat Drive
November 29, 2016
LTI is teaming up with the Clayton County Police Department and Chairman Jeffrey E. Turner for the Clayton County Warm Coats Community Initiative. Through December 9, we’re collecting new and/or gently worn coats to benefit those in need within the County. Any and all sizes are accepted. If you’d like to participate, there are several […]
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Albany High School Opens Doors to New Cafeteria
October 31, 2016
Albany High School introduced their new beautiful cafeteria to the students on Friday, and it was a grand event as the band played and the choir sang! LTI is happy to have been a part of it; we built the counters, designed the graphics and lighted station signs and provided the digital menu management systems […]
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LTI Hosts FCSI Educator Program
October 7, 2016
LTI was honored to host eight foodservice consultants this week for FCSI Educator Program. We toured UGA’s Bolton Hall and Bulldog Café to see the various serving counters LTI provided in those dining facilities. We spent time at Plastikos learning how fiberglass molds and sheet material is made. We ended with an LTI factory tour […]
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Get Social with LTI
September 6, 2016
Connect with LTI on our social platforms, and stay current and informed of news, events and product updates. Don’t wait – we’ve made it simple. Just click on the links below to join now: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTube
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School Projects Get Finishing Touches
August 16, 2016
LTI rep group, Eaton Marketing, was able to assist Citrus Elementary School with a remodel including brand new cafeteria serving lines this summer. The biggest concern in schools is getting every child through the lunch line with enough time to eat. Now the serving lines are big enough to serve more than one child at a time.
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Rockdale County Schools Revamps Lunches
August 10, 2016
LTI and Charles Pace & Associates are proud to have played a part in helping Rockdale County High School encourage students to eat healthier. We recently began phase one of renovating the cafeteria, designing and installing all new serving lines in the new food court. We’d like to thank Peggy Lawrence and Rockdale County schools […]
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Success in San Antonio
July 25, 2016
LTI is proud to have been a part of the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference (SNA ANC) school show in San Antonio July 10-13. Our premier location, combined with beautifully-designed equipment, helped generate lots of visitors and interest at our booth. Each side of the booth was intentionally designed to showcase two very different […]
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LTI Proudly Supports SNA Conferences Nationwide
June 30, 2016
Along with our partner reps, the LTI team proudly exhibits at and supports many state School Nutrition Association (SNA) conferences across the country. These state associations have 10,000’s of members, and along with SNA, a national nonprofit of 56,000 members, have a mission to provide high-quality, low-cost meals to students across the country. LTI sponsors […]
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Offer the Ultimate Convenience of a Grab ‘N Go Cart
June 16, 2016
LTI’s multi-purpose Grab ‘N Go carts offer quick access to customers when they’re on-the-go.
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We’re Looking for Talent
June 13, 2016
We’re seeking incredibly talented individuals to be a part of LTI. Our team is like family – we work hard together and genuinely care for one another. Want to be a part of our exciting, growing organization? Learn more about our culture and open positions.
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LTI Announces Additional Resource to Support Organization Growth
May 18, 2016
Jonesboro, GA, May 18, 2016 – LTI, one of the country’s premier foodservice equipment manufacturers and custom fabricators, is pleased to announce the addition of Autumn Davis as Marketing and Communications Specialist. In this role, Autumn will support LTI’s VP of Sales, Mike Purcell and his team with a primary focus on customer communication. “As […]
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