GRAB ‘N GO SUSHI at Princeton. Sushi is a natural grab ‘n go item, due to its portability, appeal and healthfulness.

Lawn

Lynne Ometer, MS, MHA, RD
Director, Food & Nutrition Services
Emory Hospitals
Atlanta, GA

“At Crawford-Long Hospital, we put our milk containers, bottled smoothies, strawberry dessert cups, pre-packaged puddings and gelatin, and small cups of applesauce in a round refrigerated unit (see photo page 52).

“Stocking these types of items is labor saving, although we do also have a lot of house-made grab ‘n go selections. The strawberry dessert cups have been popular for years. My staff says a lot of older people always buy the pudding cups and gelatin cups. These items are easy to stock and convenient for people to pick up and to literally ‘grab and go.’

“In general, my advice for grab ‘n go is that like anything, merchandising has a lot to do with it. In terms of food that you package yourself, the more attractive you can make it look, the better.”

“Grab ‘n go items should look upscale and fresh. Handwritten labels won't do as well as professionally done printed labels. It's all about image, so put that effort into merchandising.

“Consistency is very important, also. Each package of a certain item should look the same — have the same look, same amount and same presentation. Otherwise, people will be picking up each package, trying to get the best one.

“And of course there's the basics: carefully date, rotate, and keep everything fresh.”