The team at PMR Is excited to announce the opening of our new test kitchen in Memphis, Tennessee. Let’s look at what led us to this decision and how it will help us work more closely with our customers to help them with their foodservice needs.
Now that we cover nine states (Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle) and three MAFSI territories, we knew it was time to expand beyond our test kitchen in our
The decision to create the test kitchen in Memphis also matches seamlessly with PMR's overall strategic goals. Memphis, known for its central location and robust logistics infrastructure, provides an ideal hub for serving surrounding states.
This location facilitates efficient customer service and positions PMR to potentially utilize Memphis as a distribution center in the future.
“The PMR Memphis test kitchen is a wonderful showpiece for all the best-in-class manufacturers that we represent,” said PMR Principal Matt Henson.
With its adaptable layout, our test kitchen in Memphis can host both hands-on
cooking demonstrations and classroom-style instruction. A seating capacity of 25 to 30 people, the space can handle various events and training sessions. "We have classroom seating that faces the equipment for live cooking demonstrations, large screens for virtual training, and a functioning bar for social events," Henson said.
A standout feature of the kitchen is its flexibility. The space is designed to be a ‘plug and play’ environment, with movable equipment and comprehensive utilities that cater to diverse culinary testing needs. This adaptability ensures that the kitchen can evolve with changing industry requirements and customer demands.
Chef Kim Buchanan, Corporate Chef of PMR West, envisions the test kitchen as a pivotal resource for the culinary community.
"I want our Memphis Test Kitchen to be the culinary solution center of the mid-south,” Buchanan said. “We want to support the success of our foodservice operators by finding the right resources."
Whether it involves equipment training, recipe development, or other culinary needs, PMR's test kitchen is poised to be a hub of innovation and support for foodservice professionals.
In addition to these scheduled events, the kitchen will regularly host demonstrations and training sessions tailored to individual customer needs. This consistent engagement ensures that PMR remains at the forefront of culinary innovation and customer service.
The Memphis test kitchen represents a significant step in PMR's broader vision for the company's future. As the foodservice equipment industry evolves with new technologies, PMR is committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing unparalleled resources and support to its customers.
With its strategic location, innovative design, and commitment to supporting the culinary community, the Memphis test kitchen is set to become a cornerstone of PMR's service offerings and a beacon of culinary excellence in the region.