Trade your traditional gingerbread cookies for our soft molasses cookies. With familiar seasonal flavors of cinnamon and clove, these cookies will pair perfectly with some eggnog, coquito, or kremas at your holiday celebration!
Ingredients
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Directions
1. Heat oven to 325°F 2. In large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, molasses and egg with electric mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients except granulated sugar. 3. Shape dough by rounded tablespoonfuls into 1 1/2-inch balls. Dip tops into granulated sugar. 4. On ungreased cookie sheet, place balls, sugared sides up, about 2 inches apart. 5. Bake 13 to 16 minutes or just until set and cookies appear dry. Immediately remove from cookie sheet to cooling rack.
The effects of the current labor shortage and the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry continues to present major challenges for hotel and casino operators. Many hotel owners and managers are considering new and innovative options such as outsourcing their back of the house cleaning departments. If you are considering a potential move to pivot and benefit from leveraging an integrated services provider, here are some key considerations and potential benefits to outsourcing.
Time savings that you can now devote to your core business
Heart of the house hospitality management can eliminate the existing hotel management’s role in recruiting, background employee checks, drug screening, and training expenses, all saving executives time, which can then be focused on sales, marketing and customer service.
More training and advancement opportunities for employees
Leading companies offer participation in everything from medical, dental and vision benefits, to short term disability insurance, IRAs, credit unions and discount programs with select suppliers. Beyond this, The Service Companies offers benefits like on-demand pay for Dayforce Wallet.
Plus, there can be opportunities for advancement in this fast-growing field as well as training.
Specialized knowledge and quality management and assurance programs that result in strong quality of work
The Service Companies is comprised of team members with over 30 years of experience in their particular specialty – housekeeping, public area cleaning, stewarding, supplemental staffing, window cleaning, and more. This higher degree of specialized knowledge in specific services brings automatic benefits to your department.
Some companies, like The Service Companies, guarantee certain high levels of quality. We accomplish this in large part due to our quality management and assurance programs.
Our Quality Management Program includes:
Complete documentation of the scope of work and service requirements
Quality plan including service quality measurements and metrics
Service Delivery Plan
Inventory Management
Human Resource Management
Health, Safety and Environmental Stewardship
Management Commitment
Our Quality Assurance program is built on the premise of thoroughly inspecting our work each day. Most daily inspections are field documented using a smart device and follow the agreed upon scope of work. Once completed, each inspection is time and geo stamped and forwarded to our senior leadership team. Inspections include:
Guest room inspections
VIP arrival inspections
Guest house attendant inspections
Back of house inspections
Kitchen inspections
Public area inspections
Outsourcing to a provider that commits to these can lead to a superior guest experience.
Potential cost savings
Outsourcing can result in cost savings. This depends on the responsibilities and costs assumed by your partner. One thing to keep in mind is that there will be soft costs, like turnover-related expenses, in addition to hard costs that may make outsourcing the right option for you.
In a managed or turn-key model, The Service Companies assumes these costs, to name a few:
Salaries and wages for department
Payroll taxes
Benefits
Overtime
Annual turnover costs
Cleaning supplies, excluding laundry chemicals
Housekeeping equipment repair and replacement
General liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Recruiting & training
Employee incentives, engagement and retention initiatives
Information technology, including mobile smart devices and tablets
When considering outsourcing, the greatest benefits are savings in time and money. For employees, it offers the opportunity for more job training and advancement possibilities. Plus, it can eliminate concerns and worries about the ever increasing government and workplace regulation. And finally, it can mean quality assurance.
To request more information about The Service Companies or to speak with one of our team members, submit our form to contact us.
Tired of the same old pumpkin pie every Thanksgiving? Spice up your Fall baking with this delicious cake by Chef Emily Gingery that’s sure to become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients
Pumpkin Spice Cake Layers
2 3/4 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (15 grams) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
2 teaspoons (6 grams) cinnamon
1 teaspoons (2 grams) nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) (170 grams) unsalted butter – do not soften in the microwave – I cut mine into 1/2 inch slices and place onto waxed paper on the countertop. Leave it out only 5 to 6 minutes; you do not want it to be too soft. If it does get too soft refrigerate for a few minutes.
4 large eggs
1/4 cup (54 grams) vegetable oil
1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 1/2 packages (339 grams) cream cheese (no need to soften to room temperature)
2 teaspoons (4 grams) cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (1 grams) nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger (2 grams) If clumpy, sift
6 – 6 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (or more to reach desired spreading consistency)
2 teaspoons (8 grams) vanilla extract
Directions
Pumpkin Spice Cake Layers
This recipes uses the reverse creaming method.
Preheat oven to 350°. Grease & flour three 8-inch pans.
In your mixing bowl add the dry ingredients (flour and the next seven ingredients). With the mixer on low speed, mix the dry ingredients for 30 seconds so the ingredients are well-blended. Add the pieces of butter a few slices at a time. Mix until the dry ingredients are moistened by the butter and look like coarse sand. If you pinch some of the mixture between your fingers it will stick together. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
In another bowl combine eggs, oil, pumpkin, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until well blended. Set aside.
Method is important in this recipe, so with the mixer on low speed, slowly add approximately 1/2 of the egg mixture. Increase to medium speed for 1 1/2 minutes. Scrape bottom and sides of the bowl. Add the remaining egg mixture in 2 pours, beating 20 seconds after each addition.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes, let cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out.
Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
Using your mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until well blended. Add the vanilla and spices. With the mixer on low speed gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and mix until it is a good piping consistency.
Have you considered how partnering with a trusted service provider can help you sell more rooms, improve the guest experience, and maximize revenue?
We’ve helped some of the most recognizable brands in the toughest labor markets in the country maximize efficiencies and revenue, streamline processes and better manage their most challenging departments. With over 30 years of experience, The Service Companies is your trusted integrated services partner providing unparalleled and innovative facility and hospitality services designed to ensure you deliver on your brand promise. Our integrated service offerings include:
Cleaning & Housekeeping
Food & Beverage Staffing
Facility Maintenance Services
Pandemic Support Services
Specific Partnership Services
Why us? We’re the experts.
Customized solutions for each of our unique clients
Integrated services delivered seamlessly
Ability to attract, recruit, and retain employees nationwide, even in remote locations
Best-in-class benefits offerings, including on-demand pay
Cutting-edge technology that ensures safety and service in the age of COVID-19
Strong, mutually-beneficial partnerships: transparent communication and symbiotic growth
30+ years of experience working with large luxury properties
Let us help you make 2022 your comeback year. Read our case study on how we’ve helped two 900+ room properties with their hardest to manage departments.
At The Service Companies, our employees are our greatest asset. We believe that providing our people with ample resources and opportunities for growth leads to a positive and successful work environment.
Interested in joining our team? Here are the top 10 reasons why that is a great idea.
# 1 Benefits
We take care of our people. Every day our employees work to provide our clients and their guests a high level of service. To show our appreciation for their dedication and hard work, we provide a complete benefits program to each employee.
All benefits are based on eligibility rules for each benefit and the rules of each benefit program.
# 2 Discount Programs
Get exclusive discounts when you join The Service Companies team. Our partnerships provide our employees discounts on Skechers shoes, amusement parks, hotels, entertainment, gifts and much more.
# 3 Dayforce Wallet
Employees at The Service Companies can request their pay before payday at no extra cost, thanks to our partnership with Dayforce Wallet.
Request a payout of your earnings before payday at no cost. You’ll be able to request access to your earned pay in real-time—as you earn it and as you need it
Funds can be requested on-demand through the Dayforce Wallet app and deposited directly to the Dayforce Card so it’s easy to make purchases in-store, online or pay expenses
Take control of your finances by viewing recent requests and spending transactions
Count on the reliable and secure protection of Mastercard. The Dayforce Card can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay
Get all the benefits of the payroll cards or direct deposit
# 4 Referral Bonuses
The Service Companies family is growing, and when you work with us you’ll have access to unlimited referral bonuses. Refer a friend, and receive up to a $250 bonus for every hire!*
Referral bonus is based on eligibility rules and may vary by location and business line.
# 5 Career
Start your career with The Service Companies. With locations nationwide and our commitment to internal advancement, our people have the opportunity to advance their careers and grow their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
# 6 Work in Beautiful Places
Why wouldn’t you work here?
The Service Companies operates nationwide, in some of the most beautiful locations and properties across the country.
# 7 Employee Recognition
From appreciation events to certificates, we believe in recognizing our team members who have greatly enhanced the guest experience and have made our customers shine.
# 8 Company Culture
Employee recognition, integrity, impact, and family are the foundation of our culture.
The Service Companies is a family, and we want our team to have fun, support and recognize each other, and advance through our company.
# 9 EAPEssential
When you join The Service Companies’ team, you will have access to a no-cost Employee Assistance Program to support you through whatever challenges life brings you. EAPEssential offers confidential support and consulting, 24/7.
# 10 Tuition Reimbursement
We want to invest in YOU!
The Service Companies invests in the professional development of our team members through financial assistance to cover education expenses. We will reimburse up to $500 per class with a maximum $1,000 per year in pre-approved education expenses that will help to develop your knowledge, skills and abilities, and increase your potential of being promoted and growing within The Service Companies.
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The Service Companies is a family. We support our people because we believe that working with us is more than just a job – it is a career. We are looking for new team members to uphold our mission of making our customers SHINE as guided by our core values of passion and integrity, sustainable value through innovation, and quality.
To find out more about joining the TSC family, contact our recruiting teams at (844) 441-7704 (for cleaning and housekeeping positions) or (844) 436-3091 (for food & beverage staffing positions). Or apply through our website at https://theservicecompanies.com/careers/apply/hiring-open-positions/.
Employees are integral to the success of your business. Recruiting top talent has become increasingly challenging, especially in the last few months. With a limited talent pool and a high demand, businesses must present candidates with distinctive benefits and deliver on these promises. By outsourcing to The Service Companies, clients remove the burden of attracting, recruiting and retaining quality labor for their most challenging departments, shifts and events.
The Service Companies is able to accomplish this with first-rate employee benefits, recruitment strategies, and a culture focused on employee engagement.
Attract
Competition to attract top talent can be fierce. Providing distinctive benefits for employees can help attract the best talent. At TSC, we provide:
Dayforce Wallet, enabling our employees to get paid any day they choose, at no cost to them
Award Programs
Medical and Dental Insurance
401k Program
Referral Bonuses
Discount Programs
Competitive Pay Validated by Market/Wage Surveys
Recruit
Recruiting talent in a tight labor market comes with it’s challenges. To meet the demand of our clients during a time of talent scarcity, we’ve reviewed and improved our recruitment efforts to include:
J1 and H2B Visa Programs
Job Fairs
On-the-Ground Recruitment
Social Media Posts and Advertising
Community Partnerships
Retain
Our associates are integral to our success. In order to provide our clients with the highest quality of service, we provide a strong company culture and invest in our associates by providing the following:
Referral Bonuses
Career Development
Training
TSC University
Certified Supervisor Training Program
Nationwide Job Opportunities
Company Culture and Employee Recognition
EAP Essential (Employee Assistance Program)
Confidential Emotional Support
Work-Life Solutions
Legal Guidance
Financial Resources
Online Support
Tuition Reimbursement
Operate your business with peace of mind, when you outsource and entrust your talent needs to The Service Companies. Want to learn more about how we attract, recruit and retain top talent? Contact us to learn more.
With summer in full swing, grilling and barbecues are a great way to spend time with friends and family while you enjoy the warm weather. Our chef Danny Gomez shares his grilling tips to help you safely grill this summer season. Danny has been providing exceptional food to one of our clients in the San Francisco area for the past five years.
Tip #1: Start your propane grill on high heat. Then, before grilling, turn the grill’s heat down to medium heat for 15 minutes.
Tip #2: Keep a small pan of oil and soak a clean rag in little oil to brush the grill before grilling. This helps keep food from sticking to the grill.
Tip #3: The type of food being grilled determines the grilling procedures. Marinated food (including sugar-marinated foods) must be cleaned off before grilling and grilled on low heat, which will prevent the food from charring and sticking. Any other meat or vegetables seasoned with oil, salt and pepper are fine as is.
Tip #4: If the propane grill flames up, turn off the grill and throw salt over the fire. This will ease the fire so you can resume grilling. Do not pour water on the fire – this will cause the flames to grow!
With summer travel underway there are many dynamics to consider in order to best prepare your team. Since our clients have properties in all regions of the US, preparations vary based on weather, school schedules and other factors.
Advance Planning
Advance planning is critical when it comes to added stock of supplies, your staffing plan and seasonal uniform changes.
Get an earlier start on inventorying your supplies. Since many of these may need additional budget approval and have longer lead times, you don’t want to find yourself running out of items such as cribs, rollaway beds, room linen and pool towels.
If you haven’t begun pulling your extra pool and deck furniture out of storage for an inspection and deep cleaning, it is definitely that time. Even though resort properties may have a busy pool deck all year around, it is very common to need more to accommodate the summer crowds.
As the temperatures begin to rise, it is time to determine the appropriate summer HVAC “comfort” settings with your facilities team. We want the first impression at check-in to be a comfortable and welcoming experience. In addition, determine the best placement for your window treatments. As we welcome more sunlight and warmth, keeping draperies closed a bit more will assist in cooling down the room throughout the summer.
Review your uniform par levels for departments requiring a seasonal change, to ensure your associates are looking and feeling their best.
Staffing Plan
It’s crucial to plan accordingly for the higher volume of business and important for the leaders to communicate adjustments early so associates can make arrangements outside of work as well. Extra support will be needed in rooms, public areas, and food & beverage outlets to accommodate summer travel. Some areas to consider;
More frequent public restroom checks and monitoring of high traffic areas
Providing extra support in the laundry department to expedite additional guest room, pool, and food & beverage linen demands
Accommodating additional food & beverage covers and extended outlet hours
Anticipate extended time needed in guest rooms. Since the summer season typically has higher guest counts and a longer length of stay, this usually requires additional servicing time
For our clients’ resorts and coastal properties, ideal weather conditions usually prompt later checkouts, so if the weather is cooperating schedule staff accordingly for late services. I find starting some associates an hour later helps cover the late checkouts
Since we offer transportation for team members in many markets, this period may require more frequent stops
Many of our associates have children on school breaks as well, so we try to be as accommodating as possible to allow them necessary time with their families. Sometimes a slight shift on their schedule is a big help during this period.
Setting Your Team Up for Success
Everyone should be well informed on how they can best contribute to your operation. As we know, in order to be successful with the influx of transient business you must adjust your usual agenda and methods of cleaning.
Be sure your daily pre-shift meetings include these important reminders and everyone is well-informed of the special activities and events happening at the property and surrounding areas. Keep daily events posted and copies readily available for your staff members.
Prepare all the extras for multiple guests and families; items such as extra pillows, blankets, rollaways and cribs. Many of these requests come in during the afternoon and evening hours so be sure to have them “delivery ready” and staged in convenient locations.
Be proactive by delivering extra items during regular services to accommodate multiple guests. In addition to stocking items for guest requests, there are a few to consider as part of the daily service such as; increased linen pars, soap and shampoo. Also, be sure to stock extra paper products in public area closets.
Most importantly, don’t lose sight of your repeat customers that may be visiting during this period.
For many, the influx of travel may have begun with the spring break travel but family vacations and transient business will only increase travel throughout the summer. It is important to continue discussing the unique needs of travelers during these periods.
Did you know that The Service Companies (TSC) operates on a nationwide scale? For decades, TSC has provided turnkey solutions to our valued clients across the U.S. At TSC, we are a strong team of dynamic individuals with the industry knowledge and expertise to get the job done. Whether we are working with partners in big cities or in remote locations, we offer unparalleled cleaning, staffing, facility maintenance, and pandemic support services.
What differentiates TSC:
APartnerthat Understands Your Company’s Culture
Industry Experience
Over 30 years in the business
The Full Package
Integrated turnkey solutions delivered seamlessly, offering clients a “one-stop-shop” experience.
Talent Acquisition
Our experienced Talent Acquisition team is able to hire staff nationwide, even in remote locations.
Task force to establish connections in the local community
Best-in-class benefits offerings, including on-demand pay through Dayforce Wallet.
Onboarding New Accounts
TSC has reliable, time-tested processes in place to successfully onboard new clients.
Cutting-Edge Clean Technology
Technology that ensures safety and cleanliness in the age of COVID-19
Nationwide Footprint
Below are some of the locations in which we have clients around the country, as well as the services we provide to each:
Northeast Region:
1. Mashantucket, CT
Stewarding
2. Boston, MA
Specialty Cleaning
3. New York, NY
Specialty Cleaning
Southeast Region:
1. Washington, DC
Overnight Public Area Cleaning
Kitchen Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
2. Cherokee, NC
Housekeeping
Public Area Cleaning
3. Asheville, NC
Overnight Public Area Cleaning
Kitchen Cleaning
4. Charleston, SC
Overnight Public Area Cleaning
Kitchen Cleaning
5. Atlanta, GA
Overnight Public Area Cleaning
Kitchen Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
Staffing
6. St. Simon’s Island, GA
Overnight Public Area Cleaning
Kitchen Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
7. Bradenton, FL
Housekeeping
Overnight Public Area
Kitchen Cleaning
Staffing
8. Key West, FL
Housekeeping
Public Area Cleaning
9. Orlando, FL
Staffing
Pressure Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
10. Carolina, Puerto Rico
Public Area Cleaning
Central and Gulf Region:
1. Cincinnati, OH
EVS Cleaning
Kitchen Cleaning
2. Lake Charles, LA
Housekeeping
EVS Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
Stewarding
Kitchen Cleaning
Staffing
3. Shreveport, LA
Housekeeping
EVS Cleaning
Stewarding
4. Memphis, TN
Staffing
5. Multiple Locations, TX
Specialty Cleaning
Western U.S.
1. Laughlin, NV
Housekeeping
EVS Cleaning
2. Tahoe, CA & NV
Housekeeping
EVS Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
3. Las Vegas, NV
EVS Cleaning
Specialty Cleaning
4. Jean, NV
EVS Cleaning
5. Seattle, WA
Staffing
Specialty Cleaning
6. San Francisco, CA
Staffing
Specialty Cleaning
7. Los Angeles, CA
Staffing
Engineering
Specialty Cleaning
8. Denver, CO
Specialty Cleaning
9. Multiple Locations, HI
Specialty Cleaning
To learn more about TSC’s nationwide footprint and experience serving clients in remote locations, please contact our sales team, at sales@theservicecompanies.com or fill out our form to request a free quote.
During every conversation with the leadership team at a hotel, casino or resort client exploring our various cleaning services, we are asked, “What does your property onboarding process entail? How will you ensure success for our property?” In today’s climate, when properties aim to rebound from the last year, these are important questions. Our pre-opening period lays the groundwork for a successful partnership and future success for the property.
Our pre-opening planning can begin up to a few months before we assume responsibility of a housekeeping, public area, EVS, stewarding, or overnight floor care. It includes, but is not limited to:
Transition Road Map – We’ve built a transition road map, tailored to each property, that outlines all responsibilities, tasks and processes pre- and post-opening. No matter the situation, we bridge the current staffing situation (your outgoing vendor, for instance) and offer construction clean up before a property opens its doors.
2. Recruiting Management – We work with property management to verify and finalize staffing needs. Our first-class benefits, bonuses and engagement programs are the basis for our recruitment programs and enable us to recruit compliant labor, even in tight labor markets.
3. Weekly Client Recaps – You and your property management are always in the loop. Beginning four weeks prior and continuing until four weeks after the opening, we share weekly updates on projects completed, staffing progress and our team’s focus for the coming week.
4. Tailored Processes & Procedures – Our best-in-class cleaning processes and procedures are tailored to meet and exceed your brand standards. We create inspection forms, grooming standards, and visuals (property boards), all customized to your property’s needs.
5. Training – Each employee completes a 10-day training process that includes chemical, bed bug, equipment and safety training. Refresher training continues on an ongoing basis based on a specific and predetermined interval. Employees in lead, supervisor or management roles complete the virtual Certified Supervisor Training. Property boards and brochures provide ongoing training and support to employees.
6. Equipment and Chemical Inventory and Purchasing – We will assess our client’s equipment condition, conduct an inventory and purchase new equipment based on need. Chemicals are determined based on the specific need of each cleaning process and surface. We introduce technology solutions like autonomous cleaning robots or AI sensor technology to save labor costs without sacrificing quality of service.
7. Engagement & Recognition – Our employee recognition program – in place for over 10 years – recognizes individual associates or teams for going above and beyond for our clients.
8. Corporate Support – Our clients’ support system and resources go beyond the on-site property management. Each property has a dedicated Area Senior Vice President of Operations, HR and Talent Acquisition member and a full team in Miramar, FL that supports pre- and post-opening.
If you’d like to learn more about our client onboarding process, contact our team at sales@theservicecompaies.com.
