The PanGards Holiday Advantage
As the holiday season approaches, foodservice teams across restaurants, senior living communities, and institutional kitchens are getting ready for the seasonal spike in demand for classic dishes like roasted turkey and ham. But preparing large quantities of food during the holidays often means working with limited staff, tight schedules, and strict food safety standards.
Now is a good time to consider not only what we’re serving, but how we’re getting it done.
The Realities of Holiday Roasting
According to the USDA’s July 2025 Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook, turkey production is down and prices are up due to limited supply, the ongoing impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)[1], and other market factors. Still, demand remains strong, especially around Thanksgiving.
In contrast, chicken production is rising, driven by heavier bird weights, with only modest price increases. Pork production, including ham, is also up, thanks to improved litter rates and larger carcass sizes – though hog prices have climbed 8.1% over 2024[2].
While turkey will continue to be a staple of holiday menus, the combination of higher costs and greater availability of chicken and ham may prompt some kitchens to diversify their offerings. Regardless of what’s being served, foodservice operations must still meet high-volume demand efficiently, with limited staff and tight timelines.
A Practical Tool for Busy Kitchens: PanGards Ovenable Roasting Bags (ORBs)
PanGards ORBs are a simple solution that can help kitchens manage high-volume roasting more easily. These roasting bags help reduce prep and cleanup time, keep meats moist during cooking, and support smoother kitchen operations during busy periods.
Here’s how they help:
- Less Hands-On Time: Roasting meats in ORBs keeps them moist reducing the need for basting or constant checking. This is especially helpful when staff is limited.
- Faster Workflow: You can roast, rest, and move the meat in the same bag, which cuts down on extra steps.
- Cleaner Ovens: The bags help keep oven interiors cleaner, reducing the need for frequent cleanings between batches.
- Juice Retention: The bags collect natural juices, which can be used for gravies or sauces without extra prep.
- Easier Cleanup: Once the food is done, remove the bag and sanitize the pan, saving time on scrubbing and soaking of burnt-on mess.
Keeping Costs Down Without Sacrificing Quality
In today’s kitchens, managing costs is more important than ever. PanGards ORBs offer a straightforward way to reduce equipment wear, labor time, and cleanup without affecting the final result. They’re especially useful in places like senior living communities, where residents expect meals that feel familiar and well-prepared, but where the kitchen staff is often working with limited time and resources.
In Summary
Holiday meals matter to the people we serve – but preparing them is no small task. With tools like PanGards Ovenable Roasting Bags, kitchens can handle larger volumes with less stress and more consistency.
Good food doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be prepared with the right tools and a little planning.
Holiday volume is coming. Is your kitchen ready? Start planning now.
[1] USDA, Economic Research Service, Turkey Sector: Background & Statistics, 1/1/2025.