2026 FEDA Annual Executive Leadership Conference FEATURED SUPPLIER PRESENTATION
RATIONAL’s support ecosystem helps operators improve consistency, address labor challenges, and maximize return on investment.
Can you explain how CustomerCarePlus ensures that operators get the most out of their cooking systems? Ryan Elsen, vice president of street sales: CustomerCarePlus refl ects our belief that the relationship doesn’t end at the time of sale — it strengthens and elevates post-installation and continues to build well beyond, as we partner with our customers to maximize long-term performance and return on investment (ROI).
It is a comprehensive approach that supports the operator throughout the entire lifecycle of the equipment. RATIONAL continues to add value through ConnectedCooking, where software updates and ongoing enhancements are provided automatically at no cost. That platform also gives operators real-time visibility, recipe management, and HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) documentation in one place. In addition, we proactively support onboarding through ChefAssist, ensuring each customer receives structured, hands-on guidance post- installation so their team is fully equipped to adopt and utilize the system from day one. At its core, CustomerCarePlus is about ensuring customers are never left to fi gure things out on their own. When the system is fully supported and properly utilized, it drives consistency, maximizes uptime, and ultimately delivers stronger returns on their investment.
What types of customer issues or requests are most commonly handled through ChefLine, and how has that service evolved in recent years?
ChefLine gives operators direct access to experienced RATIONAL chefs 365 days a year, at no cost, which is an unmatched level of support in our industry. Most interactions are highly practical, with operators looking for guidance on cooking paths, menu execution, or optimizing performance for specifi c applications. As labor challenges and turnover have become more signifi cant across foodservice, ChefLine has evolved into an essential resource for maintaining consistency regardless of who is in the kitchen on a given day. It allows operators to quickly bridge knowledge gaps, respond to real-time challenges, and maintain the same level of quality and effi ciency their business depends on.
How does RATIONAL Chef Assist, your custom customer training program, help operators maximize ROI and address labor or consistency challenges in commercial kitchens? RATIONAL Chef Assist plays a critical role in helping operators unlock the full value of their investment. While the economics of our equipment are compelling on their own, the greatest impact comes from how effectively the system is utilized. Our hands-on training ensures operators understand how to leverage intelligent cooking paths, overnight cooking, production planning, and automated cleaning. More importantly, it helps them shift from simply using the equipment to fully integrating it into their operation. From a labor standpoint, this is a
signifi cant advantage. When the system carries the technical expertise, kitchens become less dependent on individual skill levels. New staff can get up to speed faster, experienced teams can operate more effi ciently, and consistency across shifts becomes much easier to maintain.
RYAN ELSEN
VICE PRESIDENT OF STREET SALES RATIONAL USA
SESSION INFORMATION
Opening General Session Featured Supplier Presentation RATIONAL USA
Sept. 16, 10:45-10:50 a.m.
That’s where we see ROI compound over time: through better utilization, stronger performance, and more consistent results.
What are some ways RATIONAL works with distributors to provide post-sale support to operators? How can distributors better support these programs? Our dealer partners play a critical role in the overall customer experience, as they are often the fi rst point of contact with the operator. We view them as a direct extension of RATIONAL and CustomerCarePlus. We support this through dealer training on our full aftercare offerings, coordination with our certifi ed RATIONAL Service Partner network for installation and service, and ensuring access to the appropriate cleaning products, parts, and accessories. Where dealers can elevate the experience even further is in the handoff. Ensuring units are registered in ConnectedCooking at installation, introducing ChefLine from day one, and proactively scheduling the customer’s onboarding training, including ChefAssist, are all key steps.
When those elements are positioned as part of the overall solution, not just the equipment, the customer’s fi rst 90 days are signifi cantly stronger. That sets the foundation for long-term satisfaction, stronger adoption, and ultimately a better outcome for everyone involved.
Summer 2026 37
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
