Ingleside at King Farm Transforms Culinary Experience and Enhances Team Morale
Voluntary turnover decreased from 45% in 2023 to 34.4% in 2024
Food quality and variety improvements boosted resident happiness
Higher team morale led to better collaboration and productivity
Ingleside at King Farm, senior living community in Rockville MD, partnered with Unidine dining and hospitality to elevate their dining experience and improve overall dining team morale. This collaboration has not only transformed the quality of food but has also cultivated an improved culture, enhancing the overall community experience at Ingleside.
Kenya Bryant, Executive Director, and Kevilin Prah, Independent Living Administrator, both at Ingleside, share how Unidine’s partnership has led to improved dining experiences, stronger team collaboration, and a more connected community.
Ingleside at King Farm recognized the need to improve their dining services to better align with their mission of providing high-quality, personalized care. The quality and variety of the food, as well as the overall dining experience, were crucial aspects. They sought a partner who could not only provide excellent meals but also foster a strong, supportive environment for the dining staff.
We saw an opportunity to bring in a partner who could improve the dining experience for our residents and empower our team. Unidine’s leadership and industry expertise have been key to making that happen. They’ve really integrated here.
Kenya Bryant
Executive Director | Ingleside at King Farm
By focusing on enhancing the culinary experience, introducing skilled dining personnel, and leveraging new technologies to streamline services, Unidine effectively filled the gaps that Ingleside was facing. “The quality and variety of the food improved drastically in terms of taste and presentation,” says Kevlin Prah. “As a result, residents are happier, and the team is more energized and collaborative.”
Unidine invested in the development and training of the dining team, ensuring they felt supported and empowered. This emphasis on professional growth has resulted in a more motivated and cohesive team at Ingleside.
The appointment of Dining Director, Teddy Demessie, marked a pivotal moment in this transformation. His leadership revitalized the food program, introducing innovative standards for service, food quality, and team development. By fostering teamwork, mentoring staff, and creating an environment where all team members could thrive, Teddy significantly improved the dining experience.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of Teddy’s leadership was the substantial reduction in staff turnover. During Teddy’s first year, he helped significantly reduce voluntary turnover by 23.6%, and it continues to decrease. This transformation highlights the positive impact of Teddy’s leadership on both team dynamics and staff retention.
“Our turnover numbers speak volumes,” says Kenya Bryant. “Teddy has been instrumental in creating a positive, supportive environment that encourages our dining staff to stay and grow within the team. This improvement in turnover not only reflects the changing culture but also enhances the quality of both the food and the team experience.”
The partnership with Unidine has created a ripple effect throughout the community. The staff feels supported and valued, which in turn enhances the experience for residents. “Our dining and kitchen staff really feel like they’re coming to a place where they can grow and advance in their careers,” says Kenya Bryant.
The improved morale among the dining team has led to better collaboration, higher engagement, and a sense of pride in their work. “The morale of the team has improved—there’s a lot of collaboration among the team members,” Kevilin continues. “It shows the dedication and hard work of our team and the strong partnership with Unidine.”
Ingleside’s motto is “Better Together,” and this partnership exemplifies that philosophy. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, Unidine has helped strengthen the bond between the dining team and residents, creating a more positive atmosphere throughout the community.
Unidine has come in to ensure that our residents and team members feel like they’re truly part of this community. It’s not just about food—it’s about creating a culture where everyone is invested in each other’s success.
Kevilin Prah
Independent Living Administrator | Ingleside at King Farms
By focusing on empowering staff and enhancing the dining experience, Ingleside at King Farm has created a thriving dining program. Their decision to partner with Unidine showcases how a strategic, integrated approach to dining services can drive operational excellence and boost team engagement, which in turn benefits resident well-being, staff morale and community experience.
