15 Creative Food Service Week Gift Ideas Your Team Will Love

Personalized Food Service Week Gifts

When it comes to showing gratitude, nothing beats a personalized gift tailored to the recipient’s interests and passions.

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This Food Service Week, consider surprising your staff with unique and custom gifts that represent your brand in a positive and fun light.

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There are many fun ideas for personalized gifts such as custom dress socks, custom aprons and chef hats, or custom drinkware to help make your staff feel truly appreciated.

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1. Custom Socks

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You can work with sock manufacturers like us who create socks that not only look good but feel great too.

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Imagine your food service staff wearing socks designed with fun food-related patterns, your restaurant’s logo, or even their names or initials.

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We use the highest-quality materials to ensure your entire team is comfortable and has quality socks to wear for years to come.

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We also use Pantone color matching that guarantees your custom socks’ colors are spot on, making them a perfect addition to your employees’ attire.

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Ordering custom socks is a breeze. Simply follow these steps:

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1. Send your logo and colors to our design team using this form
2. We will create 5 free designs for you to choose from
3. Get your socks delivered with a 7-day turnaround and no hidden fees.

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You can expect beautiful, high-quality custom socks that your food service staff will cherish and wear proudly.

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Consider gifting your staff comfort and style this Food Service Week with custom socks from Sockrates!

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2. Personalized Aprons and Chef Hats

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A personalized apron or chef hat is not only a practical gift but also a token of appreciation that speaks volumes.

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Customizing aprons and chef hats during Food Service Week is a great way to show gratitude.

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Embroidery is a common method, with garments machine-stitched with text or designs, resulting in a professional and 3D look.

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Get creative with personalized print or embroidery featuring names, monograms, initials, or logos on Etsy.

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You can even add funny text or quotes, custom designs, or patterns reflecting the individual’s personality or interests.

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Choose from a variety of fabrics like polyester or cotton to ensure comfort and durability for your staff members.

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A personalized apron or chef hat is a gift that will be appreciated and used daily, making it an excellent choice for a Food Service Week gift.

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3. Custom Drinkware

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Custom drinkware is a fantastic way to show appreciation and make your food service staff feel special.

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Some options for custom drinkware include:

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• Custom mugs with the restaurant’s logo
• Personalized tumblers with staff members’ names or initials
• Custom water bottles featuring your establishment’s branding

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These options not only make great gifts, but they are also practical and eco-friendly.

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When creating your custom drinkware, consider using materials like stainless steel, glass, or even aluminum for durability and style.

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To keep these personalized gifts in good shape, always follow the care instructions, such as hand washing with warm soapy water for ink-based logos or checking if they’re dishwasher-safe.

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Custom drinkware is not only a thoughtful gift but also a daily reminder of your appreciation for your food service staff’s hard work.

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Celebrating Pride in Food Service Week

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According to the 2021 US Department of Labor, almost half (47.8%) of all restaurant employees are minorities and a large percent identify as LGBTQ.

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So acknowledging and celebrating diversity is essential in the food service industry.

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During Food Service Week, why not celebrate pride with pride-themed ideas and appreciation gifts that promote inclusivity and unity among your entire staff?

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Exploring the incorporation of pride-themed menu items, decorations, and team-building activities can help to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere for both your staff and customers as you celebrate pride during food service week.

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4. Pride-themed Menu Items

Adding pride-themed menu items during Food Service Week is an excellent way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community and create an inclusive dining experience.

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Delight your customers and food service employees with rainbow-inspired dishes and drinks, such as a colorful Rainbow Waffle Cake, vibrant Vegetable Skewers, or a refreshing Sangria with fruits in all colors of the rainbow.

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These festive menu ideas not only will celebrate pride and diversity but also add a vibrant touch to your food offerings!

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When planning your pride-themed menu, consider incorporating a variety of dishes that cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions.

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This will ensure that everyone, including your staff and customers, can enjoy the celebration and feel included.

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So, let your creativity shine and impress everyone with an array of colorful and inclusive menu items this Food Service Week!

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5. Pride Decorations

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Creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere is key to celebrating Pride in Food Service.

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Decorating your establishment with pride-themed items such as rainbow flags, banners, balloons, tablecloths, and centerpieces can make a great and positive impact.

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These decorations not only show your support for the LGBTQ+ community but also create a welcoming environment for your customers.

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To further enhance the inclusive atmosphere to celebrate pride, consider adding rainbow colors to your decor through:

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• Table settings
• Linens
• Curtains
• Lighting fixtures
• Dishware or utensils

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By incorporating these vibrant elements throughout your establishment, you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and create a positive dining experience for both your staff and customers.

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6. Inclusive Team-building Activities

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An inclusive and diverse team is a strong team.

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During Food Service Week, organizing team-building activities that focus on communication, trust, and collaboration can help promote unity among your staff members.

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These activities can range from group cooking competitions in schools to food tasting events, where everyone can share their culinary knowledge and learn from one another.

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Another excellent idea is to volunteer together at a local food pantry or collect donations for a nearby food bank.

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This fosters teamwork and gives your staff the opportunity to give back to the community.

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DIY Gift Ideas for Food Service Staff

Sometimes, the most heartfelt appreciation gifts are those gifts created by hand.

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If you’re looking for inspiration for budget-friendly and personalized ways to show your appreciation for your food service staff, look no further than appreciation gifts.

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We’ll delve into DIY gift ideas such as homemade treats, handwritten appreciation notes, and themed gift baskets that express your gratitude without straining your budget.

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7. Homemade Treats

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Nothing says “I appreciate you” during food service week quite like a homemade treat.

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From delicious Candied Pecans to mouth-watering baked cookies or scrumptious Almond Biscotti, the options are endless.

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The key is to choose treats that can be easily packaged and shared among your staff members.

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When preparing these homemade gifts, consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your staff to ensure everyone can enjoy your thoughtfully crafted creations.

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Package your treats in creative ways, such as gift-wrapped oatmeal canisters, burlap-lined mason jars, or even cellophane wrappers tied with a ribbon.

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Homemade treats are a delightful and personal way to show your appreciation for your food service staff’s dedication.

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8. Handwritten Notes of Appreciation

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In today’s digital world, a handwritten note of appreciation can carry significant weight.

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Taking the time to personally express your gratitude to each staff member can make a significant and positive impact in your team.

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Write a heartfelt message to convey your appreciation for their hard work and commitment during food service week.

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When writing these notes, use the recipient’s name to make it more personal and be specific about their job and what you appreciate about their work.

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Pick pen colors that make the note visually appealing and ensure your message aligns with your business’s values.

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A handwritten personalized note of appreciation is a simple yet powerful way to recognize your food service staff’s dedication.

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9. Themed Gift Baskets

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Themed gift baskets are a versatile and customizable way to show your appreciation.

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Think about your staff members’ hobbies or interests, or even their roles within the food service industry, and create a gift basket that caters to those passions.

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For instance, a chef-themed basket could include a recipe book, kitchen utensils, and spices, while a wine-themed basket could contain a selection of wines, wine accessories, and gourmet snacks.

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Personalize your gift basket further by adding a handwritten note or a food service-related item, such as a chef’s apron or a cookbook.

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And of course, you can add a special touch to these baskets with some food themed custom dress socks!

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Themed gift baskets are an excellent way to demonstrate your understanding of your staff’s individuality and passions, making them feel valued and appreciated.

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Organizing a Special Event to Honor Food Service Staff

Planning memorable events to honor your entire staff in the food service job is an excellent way to show appreciation and recognition for their hard work.

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Exploring various event ideas like potluck celebrations, awards ceremonies, and team outings can help bring your entire staff together, creating unforgettable memories.

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Let's explore a few ideas to recognize your team during food service week.

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10. Potluck Celebration

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Organizing a potluck celebration during Food Service Week is not only enjoyable but also promotes teamwork, creativity, inclusivity, and cost-effectiveness.

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To ensure a successful potluck, consider assigning different dishes to each staff member, such as casseroles, salads, and dessert gifts.

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This way, everyone contributes to the feast, and a diverse range of dishes is available for all to enjoy.

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To accommodate everyone’s dietary and nutrition needs, here are some nutrition tips for a successful potluck celebration:

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1. Ask about any food restrictions or preferences before the event.
2. Label dishes with their ingredients and allergens.
3. Encourage your staff to showcase their cooking skills and share delicious homemade dishes.
4. Foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.

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11. Awards Ceremony

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A fun awards ceremony every year is a fantastic way to recognize a job well done all year, and all the achievements and dedication of your food service staff.

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From Employee of the Month recognition to Teamwork Award, presenting these accolades not only boosts morale but also highlights the strength and unity of your team.

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To make the ceremony enjoyable for everyone, consider incorporating humor, interactive activities, and networking opportunities.

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Personalize the awards by presenting:

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• Certificates
• Plaques
• Gift cards
• Cash bonuses

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An engaging and well-planned awards ceremony leaves a lasting impression and shows your staff that their hard work is valued and appreciated.

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12. Team Outing

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A team outing tailored specifically for food service staff can be both fun and educational.

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Activities like going out to a sporting event to watch their favorite team play, or cooking classes, food festivals, and farm-to-table experiences that provide opportunities for your staff to bond over their shared passion for food and learn new skills together.

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These outings also promote collaboration, communication, and teamwork within your staff.

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Consider volunteering at a local food pantry or collecting donations for a nearby food bank as a team-building activity that gives back to the community.

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Ultimately, organizing a team outing is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and foster a supportive and unified work environment.

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Using Social Media to Showcase Staff Achievements

Social media platforms are powerful tools to recognize the accomplishments of your food service staff during Food Service Week.

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By showcasing employee achievements through employee spotlights, behind-the-scenes content, and customer testimonials, you humanize your brand, engage your audience, and give your employees the recognition they deserve.

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13. Employee Spotlights

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Using social media to feature your food service staff in employee spotlights is an excellent way to showcase their achievements and foster a sense of pride in their work.

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Some ideas for featuring your staff include:

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• Creating ‘Meet the Team’ posts
• Sharing photos of staff members in action
• Featuring interviews with your staff to share their stories and passion for food service

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These strategies can help you engage your audience and build a strong connection with your staff.

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These spotlights not only give your staff members recognition and confidence boost but also help establish a positive reputation for your company.

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The more your audience sees the faces behind your brand, the more they can connect and relate to your business.

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14. Behind-the-Scenes Content

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Sharing behind-the-scenes content on social media is a great way to recognize and show off your staff’s hard work.

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Especially when you share their job day to day experiences at the kitchen or other.

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Give your followers a glimpse into the daily operations of your establishment, from food preparation to table service.

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This content educates your audience about your business and highlights the dedication and skill of your food service staff.

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By offering an inside look at your restaurant or food service establishment, you create transparency and trust with your audience.

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Behind-the-scenes content encourages your followers to engage and interact with your business.

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15. Customer Testimonials

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Customer testimonials are a powerful way to showcase the impact your food service staff has on your patrons.

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Share reviews and praise from satisfied customers, highlighting the exceptional service and quality job your staff provides.

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Here at Sockrates, for example, we consistently receive rave reviews for our custom socks, with customers praising the speedy delivery, quality materials, the price and excellent customer service provided.

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Sharing positive feedback from customers not only boosts the morale of your food service staff but also builds credibility and trust with your audience.

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By showcasing the positive experiences of your patrons, you demonstrate the value your staff brings to your establishment.

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Summary

In conclusion, showing appreciation and recognizing your food service staff for a job well done during food service week is essential in fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

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From personalized gifts and pride-themed celebrations to DIY gift ideas and special events, there are numerous ways to express gratitude and recognize the hard work and dedication of your staff.

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Use social media platforms to showcase staff achievements further demonstrates your commitment to their success and helps humanize your brand.

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This Food Service Week, take the time to acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the individuals who make your establishment successful.

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Whether it’s a custom gift, a heartfelt note, or a team outing, show your staff that their efforts are valued and appreciated.

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After all, a happy and appreciated team is a strong and united one!

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And if you want to explore using custom socks to celebrate your staff during food service week, get started here!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you celebrate Food Service Week?

Celebrate Food Service Week by gathering your colleagues for a meal, enjoying each other's company and spicing things up during healthcare food service week with a friendly contest!

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What are food treats for staff appreciation?

Show your staff some appreciation with a variety of tasty treats - try trail mix, lollies, biscuits, fresh fruit, chocolates, gummy worms and more!

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Allowing your team to make their own trail mix is another great way to show how much you care.

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How do you celebrate National Food Service Workers Day?

Show your appreciation for your favorite food service employee with a thank you card or gift, treat yourself to a meal out, share some kind words, leave a generous tip, and invite them to join you!

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What are some unique personalized gift ideas for food service staff?

Personalized aprons, chef hats and custom drinkware make great unique gifts to recognize food service staff.

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And of course, custom socks from Sockrates are a fun, extra special touch.

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To stay updated on all the latest sock styles and the best ways to celebrate food service week this year, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.