Richmond, VA, April 9, 2020 — Cura, a member of the Elior North America family of culinary management companies, is proud to announce a new dining services partnership with Lakewood, a Lifespire Community in Richmond, Va. The team is honored to service this vibrant and premier continuing care retirement community that is well known for its friendly culture of service excellence and hospitality. This is the second food and beverage contract that Lifespire awarded to Cura. Earlier this year, Cura was selected for its senior living dining and clinical expertise at The Chesapeake in Newport News, Va.
Residents at Lakewood will enjoy the resident-centered culinary experience, well-received at its sister community, The Chesapeake. According to David Nicholson, Cura district manager, “We are certain Cura’s personalized management style and a dedication to preparing fresh and quality food will be appreciated by Lakewood’s residents. They will experience our high level of food service and hospitality, as well as our team’s caring and nurturing culture.”
“The Lakewood family is excited about this new relationship. Our tradition of excellent food will be enhanced with this partnership. We are most impressed with the alignment of values and culture between Lakewood, a LifeSpire community, and Cura,” says Barrett Way, Lakewood’s executive director. During this challenging time, Cura has quickly transitioned the way that residents are served keeping them safe, healthy and well-nourished. “Our team immediately adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating alternative menus and delivery services. Breakfast, lunch and dinner continue to be prepared fresh focusing on regional tastes and pre-packaged in to-go containers. Servers deliver personally to all independent and assisted living residents’ doorsteps so they never have to leave the safety of their home.”
Cura’s nutritional standards throughout Lakewood will create a healthy, well-focused and most of all- delicious food experience. Cura’s fresh and made-to-order food include a wide selection of chef-inspired entrees at each meal, made-to-order options including grilled seafood and steak, oven-baked pizza, entrée salads and homemade soups. For those with special nutritional requirements, Cura provides gluten-free, allergen-friendly, vegetarian and vegan culinary options.
Through Cura’s BeWell wellness program and innovative marketing, residents will experience monthly food and seasonal promotions, in addition to encouraging personal growth and independence through hospitality-related activities and special events such as chef competitions, cooking classes, sustainable gardening, harvest days and brew clubs.
Cura’s contributions to therapeutic innovations and outstanding outcomes are also made possible by Handcrafted Delights and Puree Creations℠, which appeal to families researching optimal dining care. Handcrafted Delights revolutionizes traditional nutrient-supplementing snacks with visually appealing and tasty treats that use pantry stables and produce already available in the kitchen. Puree Creations℠ meets the challenge of adequately nourishing patients with dysphagia by preparing real foods, freshly prepared and attractively structured. Studies show that residents who participate in these programs not only increase their food consumption when they enjoy the meals they are served, but also feel a greater sense of dignity when they can rely less on medications and nutritional supplements.
Cura’s management team includes: Executive Chef Steven Perez; Interim Director of Dining Jeff Kostelnick; Registered Dietitian Darian Carter; and Assisted Director Melissa Dixson.
About Cura
Cura is a highly responsive and innovative dining services and hospitality provider dedicated to a mission of Enhancing Life Around Great Food. As part of Elior North America, the Cura team enhances peoples’ lives through culinary innovation and a commitment to providing exemplary service. Curahospitality.com
About Elior North America
Elior North America enhances people’s lives through culinary innovation and a commitment to providing exemplary service. The family of companies, with more than 20,000 team members, provides foodservice solutions and catering to more than 1,500 client accounts in five industry segments across the continental United States. Elior North America is among the top five contract foodservice companies in the United States. The company is part of the European contract catering firm Elior Group. Learn more at www.elior-na.com.
About Lakewood
The Lakewood carefree retirement community in Richmond, Va., combines cutting-edge innovation and programming with natural beauty and superior hospitality. Nestled on 128 wooded acres inside a peaceful residential neighborhood, it basks in a hometown feel that’s lush in life-enriching amenities and services. http://www.lakewoodwestend.org/
