Ice machines tend to fail at the worst possible time. A rush is in full swing, staff reach for ice, and the bin is empty because the unit is down for cleaning or waiting on a repair. What looks like a small hiccup snowballs into longer ticket times, frustrated customers, and staff scrambling to make do. Behind the scenes, it’s often the same culprits: hard-to-clean interiors, clogged filters, or design flaws that make simple service jobs drag on for hours

In Florida, seafood practically sells itself. From fresh-caught Gulf shrimp to snapper and scallops, operators have access to a seafood bounty that’s the envy of much of the country. Showcasing that freshness isn’t just a way to entice customers; it is a sales strategy. When done right, a beautiful seafood display builds trust, increases perceived quality, and drives impulse purchases. But it also brings some challenges.