They called it Operation Milkshake. Brian Dailey was on a mission, enlisting the team at Singer Equipment Company to find the perfect milkshake glass for The Chocolatier at Chocolatetown, which opened this summer.
“We wanted the modern glassware to complement those only-in-Hershey elements with a nod to our history,” says Dailey, Managing Director of The Downtown Restaurant Group overseeing The Chocolatier.
After much review, the result was sweet relief, and a trifecta of Americana: milkshakes, Hershey chocolate and Libbey glassware.
“Working alongside Libbey on this project was a great experience,” says Jacqueline Leifholt, Sales Support Specialist who works with Hershey at Singer. “They knew how big it was and how important it was to get Hershey what they needed for such a special restaurant.”
Finding the perfect product is always joyous. It’s no surprise that the opening of The Chocolatier by Hershey is bringing smiles to lots of faces this summer. The restaurant is like no other, with a suite of customized tabletop and furniture made just for Hershey.
“Our tabletop team at Singer is unmatched,” says Rick Snyder, Senior Account Executive at Singer. “There aren’t a lot of companies who have a consultative service at the level we offer.”
Elite Global Solutions melamine boards and Frieling fondue pots host an impressive chocolate presentation, while G.E.T. Enterprises‘ custom fabricated Ferris wheel is sure to turn heads whenever it leaves the kitchen. A custom Lodge cast iron skillet shaped like a Hershey Kiss is a true feat of both engineering and design, fabricated in the heart of Tennessee. The wooden tables themselves are also made to order in America.
“There’s nothing more American than Hershey,” says Tanya Spaulding, Principal of Shea, the design firm enlisted on the new opening. “It’s a business that’s influenced by the whole world, but distinctly American, created by one of early century leaders. This project became a storytelling exercise. There was such a rich history to draw inspiration from.”
Hershey’s specialty has always been in the art of crafting original experiences. Its roots can be traced to 1880, when Milton Hershey founded the Lancaster Caramel Company, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Chocolatetown is an ode to Mr. Hershey’s journey, and his story is painted throughout the new space. Like everything executed by the Hershey team, nostalgia is key but keeping things current was equally important when planning for this $150 million expansion. When designing the space, no stone was left unturned. The opening of Chocolatetown represents the largest capital investment in Hershey Entertainment & Resorts history.
Throughout Hershey’s saga of becoming an American foodservice powerhouse (the brand’s resume is boastful: chocolate manufacturer, amusement parks, schools, hotels, a stadium and more), Hershey selected a locally trusted supplier, Singer, as its partner. Singer and Hershey have been growing together ever since.
“Partnership means something very specific to Hersheypark,” says Dailey. “The Singer team truly embodies our idea of a partner by not only delivering world class products, but more importantly delivering world class service. These food and beverage spaces began in 2019 and are greeting guests for the first time in 2021 and never once in that 2-year journey did Singer’s commitment to supporting our project waiver. We were confident that they would deliver on our supply needs while remaining true to our Fun to Table concept – and that they did!”
The industry is faced with an underlined moment of reflection. Now more than ever, consumers are quickly realizing the importance of sourcing sustainably, thoughtfully and locally. American-made products are having their moment in the sun. At Singer, this is not just a trend. We remain committed to ensuring our partners are set up for lasting success. It’s why we’re trusted for generations.
Learn more today by emailing marketing@singerequipment.com.
