Senior dining is evolving beyond traditional assisted living meals, mirroring a transformation seen in college cafeterias.
Just as universities realized that offering diverse, appealing food options could encourage students to dine on campus—and boost revenue—today’s seniors are demanding variety and flexibility. They no longer want to eat in the same dining area or follow a rigid schedule.
This shift has created a need for a fresh approach to senior dining, where multiple venues, personalized menus, and restaurant-quality experiences cater to their desire for choice, socialization, and culinary exploration.
As the landscape of senior dining and living continues to evolve, the introduction of Restaura, a new dining service company co-founded by industry veterans Richard Schenkel and Joseph Cuticelli, promises to transform the way food is experienced in senior living communities.
The duo, both seasoned leaders with decades of experience in the senior dining sector, bring a bold, innovative approach to meet the ever-changing expectations of today’s seniors.
Restaura’s launch couldn’t come at a more opportune time. Senior living communities are grappling with the challenge of serving a demographic that values not only nutrition but a dining experience that reflects their active and vibrant lifestyles.
According to Schenkel, the firm’s President & COO, “The traditional model for senior dining has grown outdated, and it’s clear that today’s seniors expect much more than institutionalized, one-size-fits-all meals.”
Schenkel and Cuticelli both recognized the significant gaps in the current senior dining model. Schenkel, who has led several successful ventures in the senior dining space, reflected on this shift.
“When we first started discussing Restaura, it became apparent that seniors today want more control, choice, and transparency in their dining experience. They are more health-conscious, more connected to food trends, and they demand higher-quality ingredients.”
Cuticelli, Restaura’s CEO added, “It’s not just about food anymore—it’s about creating an experience. Our seniors are discerning consumers who want fresh, local, and nutritionally balanced meals, delivered with the same quality they’d expect in any top restaurant.”
This shift has presented a unique challenge for senior dining operators. Traditionally, many communities have relied on fixed menus, limited choices, and a somewhat rigid approach to meal services. This formula no longer appeals to a generation of seniors who are healthier and more engaged in their wellness journeys than ever before.
“The days of offering a few rotating dishes are over,” Cuticelli explained. “Today’s seniors want variety, and they want to be able to customize their meals based on their dietary needs and preferences.”
To meet these demands, Restaura has built its model around three core pillars: freshness, technology, and a commitment to individualized service. First and foremost, freshness is at the heart of Restaura’s offerings.
The company is committed to providing scratch-made meals using local and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. “We’re bringing a restaurant-quality experience to senior living,” Schenkel said. “From farm-to-table offerings to globally inspired dishes, we’re pushing boundaries on what’s possible in senior dining.”
Beyond food quality, Restaura is investing heavily in technology to enhance the dining experience.
Cuticelli explained, “Technology is a game changer in this space. We’ve developed systems that allow residents to give real-time feedback on their meals. It’s not enough to ask once a year how the food is—we want immediate insights so we can continuously improve.”
These technological innovations don’t stop at meal feedback. Restaura is also leveraging predictive analytics to track preferences and dietary trends across its senior communities.
This allows them to offer personalized meal plans that cater to both individual preferences and health requirements, a significant improvement over the one-size-fits-all approach many communities still use. “Our goal is to make the dining experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible,” Cuticelli noted.
“Seniors should feel like they are dining at their favorite restaurant every day, with options that meet their specific needs.”
The modern senior is more concerned with health and wellness than previous generations. Many are focused on longevity, disease prevention, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Schenkel and Cuticelli are keenly aware of this, which is why Restaura places a strong emphasis on health-conscious meal options.
The company plans to offer menus that align with specific health goals, such as heart-healthy diets, low-sodium options, and meals designed for diabetic management.
“Food is a critical component of health,” Schenkel remarked. “We’re working with nutritionists and chefs to create meals that don’t just taste good but actively contribute to our residents’ well-being.”
Cuticelli added, “The days of over-processed, nutrient-poor meals are over. We’re focusing on whole, fresh ingredients and tailoring our menus to promote long-term health.”
Restaura also differentiates itself through its people-first approach. Schenkel and Cuticelli are determined to create a company culture where employees feel valued and invested in the success of the business. They believe this will translate into better service for residents.
“We want our employees to take pride in what they’re doing and feel like they’re part of something bigger,” Schenkel said.
“That’s why we’ve introduced an employee ownership program. Every team member will have a stake in the company, which we believe will foster a deeper commitment to delivering exceptional service.” This unique ownership model is rare in the senior dining sector and is expected to set Restaura apart from its competitors.
“When employees feel like they have a real role in the company’s success, it shows in their work,” Cuticelli stated. “We’re creating a culture that values innovation, teamwork, and above all, the well-being of our residents.”
Restaura’s vision extends beyond its initial launch. Schenkel and Cuticelli have ambitious plans for growth, aiming to become a national leader in senior dining services. They are currently in discussions with several senior living communities across the country and are poised to expand rapidly over the next few years.
“We see a huge opportunity to scale Restaura nationally,” Schenkel said. “The need for high-quality, health-conscious senior dining services is only going to grow as the baby boomer generation ages.”
Cuticelli echoed this sentiment, adding, “We’re just getting started. Our goal is to revolutionize the senior dining experience across the country. This is only the beginning of what we believe will be a transformative journey for senior living.”
As Restaura enters the senior dining market, its innovative approach, focus on quality, and commitment to redefining the dining experience for seniors set it up for long-term success. Seniors, their families, and communities alike can look forward to a fresh, exciting dining alternative.
“We have a tremendous advantage as we launch this month. Senior dining is all we do, it is our passion and singular focus,” Cuticelli concluded.
Learn more at Restaura’s website.
