Lifespace Sets the Table for Culinary Experience

Fresh salmon was on the menu along with lemongrass chicken salad and, for dessert, grilled peaches and hand-rolled chocolate truffles.

The recent presentation by Thomas Cuisine Management, the new dining service provider for Lifespace Communities, had the taste and appearance of a five-star restaurant rather than a retirement community, says Jeanne Bleakley, a resident of Claridge Court in Prairie Village, Kansas.

“Actually, it was far above restaurant food,” Bleakley says. “We’ve always had good food here, so we were a little resistant to change. But I think we are going to enjoy Thomas Cuisine being here.”

Two years ago, Lifespace CEO Sloan Bentley decided to upgrade the quality of the dining experience for residents.

“She thought we were not providing the level of service our residents deserve,” says Ann Walsh, Lifespace senior vice president of operations.

Nationally, more senior living communities are realizing the dining experience is key to resident satisfaction and a competitive edge in attracting new residents.

Meals are about much more than food, says Walsh.

“It’s also a chance to socialize with other residents,” Walsh says. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships and enjoy a pleasant dining experience.”

Bleakley can attest to this.

“I love going to our dining room,” she says. “It’s a very attractive room. It’s social and people are wonderful. If I’ve missed the news, people will tell me. It’s a delightful time.”

The dining upgrade now underway will change the way food is prepared and how it is acquired, with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown produce. Residents will even be able to place special orders for dishes that are not on that day’s menu.

“We are redefining the dining experience,” Walsh says. “Food service, preparation and presentation will be the focus going forward.”

In September, Thomas Cuisine launched a “gradual transition” that will extend to all 12 Lifespace campuses, says Kathleen Haggerty, Thomas Cuisine district manager.

“From now until June of next year, we will be moving through each of the communities, looking at their menus, and providing them processes, recipes, and different menu options,” she says.

The company will also hold open houses at all the communities. The Claridge Court open house is where Bleakley and other residents received a taste of the new food on the way.

Chefs from Thomas Cuisine will provide support and training to their colleagues in the kitchens at the Lifespace campuses, Haggerty says.

“They will be on-site during the transition to help train chefs on different cooking techniques and to help with efficiency in the kitchens,” she says.

The theme in all the kitchens will be “fresh and made from scratch,” Haggerty says.

Thomas Cuisine’s philosophy is that “food is part of the healing process, part of nurturing your body, giving it the right fuel.” The company also focuses on food safety and “front of the house” service, Haggerty adds.

It has embraced the Ritz-Carlton philosophy of superb customer service that is also incorporated in the Living Lifespace program.

“We have our annual meeting coming up for all of Thomas Cuisine employees and the keynote speaker is from Ritz-Carlton,” Haggerty says.

Thomas Cuisine prides itself on constant improvement based on customer feedback, Haggerty says.

“We’ll have a system in place in each of the communities that will allow the residents to comment on what they like and don’t like,” she says.

When her friends visit Bleakley at Claridge Court, some already ask, “Is this a hotel?”

The culinary and dining upgrade will make it feel even more like one, Bleakley says.

“Thomas Cuisine will be a treasure,” she says. “We are very blessed to be here.”

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