Food service programs in the nation’s hospitals remain challenging as facility managers and occupants alike navigate the new pandemic dynamics within facilities, including social distancing requirements and cleaning and sanitization expectations, while still providing enticing food and generating revenue. For one Pennsylvania health system, one strategy puts chocolate front and center.

The sweet-toothed customers came out to play at Holy Redeemer Health System in Meadowbrook, Pa., where a chocolate station popped up and sweetened the customer experience, according to Food Management. The facilities have offered dessert stations in the past but never a complete station dedicated to chocolate.

A display of all the treats let customers see what was available, and the staff prepares each treat to order. They filled dark chocolate shells with fruit and topping cupcakes and cheesecake with dark chocolate chunks, peanut butter cups, flavored syrups and cream toppings.

Fancy touches such as swirls and designs on plates helped increase revenue and drive average price per transaction.

The event brought about a revenue boost. Holy Redeemer’s chocolate station made up 4.56 percent of the day’s revenue and increased average price per transaction from $5.03 to $5.59.

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