Reservations are suggested for the 300-seat dining room, especially on weekends. For one thing, dining services at most retirement communities are closed to the public. Its 265-seat Crystal Dining Room draws business from tourists, locals and guests of the residents. On a busy day, the kitchen serves up to 500 covers, says Al Slickers, director of hospitality services. Earning raves from travel guides increases business during the winter, helping to compensate for the seasonal nature of the location and ebb and flow of visitors.
Slickers also relies on a mix of buffet and table services.
To attract long-term employees, the company offers a solid benefits package, plus a liberal vacation policy. Finding qualified chefs is not as difficult as hiring kitchen help and servers. Chefs are drawn to the noncommercial sector by great benefits and reasonable hours. Shell Point has no structured meal plan, which distinguishes its foodservice from that of many active adult communities. But special diets are offered, as are skilled care and assisted living services.