Here at Phrozen Soft Serve one of the most frequently asked questions is regarding how to accurately predict how many guests will show up for the reception. The truth is that without an RSVP there is no surefire way, but we do have some suggestions to make a great guestimate. (See what I did there? That is a clever word that means both "guess estimate" AND "guest estimate".)

Planning a wedding is an exhilarating journey filled with decisions, from choosing the perfect venue to selecting the ideal menu. Among the myriad of details to consider, estimating the number of guests who will attend your wedding reception is paramount. Accurately gauging attendance ensures you can make informed decisions regarding venue size, catering, seating arrangements, and more. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to estimate wedding reception attendance:

  1. Create a Guest List: Start by compiling a comprehensive guest list with input from both sides of the family and your partner. Include close family members, friends, colleagues, and anyone else you wish to invite. Divide the list into categories such as immediate family, extended family, friends, and coworkers to facilitate later analysis.
  2. Consider Relationship Dynamics: Understand the dynamics of your relationships with potential guests. Are they close family members, lifelong friends, or acquaintances? People closer to you are more likely to attend, while distant relatives or casual acquaintances may have other commitments.
  3. Use Response Rates: Estimate response rates based on your knowledge of your guests' tendencies. Consider factors such as how many invitations you sent out for similar events in the past and how many guests typically attend. For example, if you've hosted events where 80% of invitees attended, you can use this as a benchmark.
  4. Factor in Location and Distance: Analyze the location of your wedding venue in relation to where your guests live. Expect higher attendance from local guests compared to those who need to travel long distances. Guests may be more likely to attend if the venue is easily accessible and doesn't require extensive travel arrangements.
  5. Account for Season and Date: The time of year and the day of the week can significantly impact attendance. Summer weekends, for instance, tend to be popular for weddings, while winter weekdays may see lower turnout. Consider holidays, major events, and conflicting commitments that might affect attendance rates.
  6. Utilize RSVPs: Send out RSVP cards or set up an online RSVP system to gather responses from your guests. Encourage prompt responses by setting a deadline well before your wedding date. Keep track of RSVPs as they come in to refine your attendance estimate. You can use free online RSVP sites like eventcreate.com or rsvpify.com.
  7. Factor in Family Sizes: Determine the family size of the guests you are inviting. Often people will estimate based on the number of invitations sent, but if you're sending a single invite households of 4, 6, or 8 people that can make a dramatic difference in your final guest count.
  8. Consider Contingencies: Plan for contingencies by budgeting for a slightly higher attendance than anticipated. Having some flexibility in your arrangements can help accommodate unexpected guests and prevent any last-minute stress. For some things, like desserts, it is cost efficient to have extras rather than risk running out.
  9. Communicate with Guests: Maintain open communication with your guests throughout the planning process. Send out reminders closer to the RSVP deadline and follow up with any guests who haven't responded. Clear communication helps ensure that guests understand the importance of RSVPing and provides you with more accurate attendance estimates.
  10. Finalize Numbers Close to the Date: As your wedding date approaches, finalize your guest count based on the RSVP responses you've received. Provide the final headcount to your vendors, including the venue, caterer, and rental companies, to ensure everything is prepared accordingly. A last minute update to a vender BEFORE the event is always easier to handle than finding out at the event that numbers are off.

Estimating wedding reception attendance involves a blend of data analysis, understanding of social dynamics, and careful planning. By considering various factors such as relationship dynamics, location, RSVP responses, and contingencies, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your wedding reception is a memorable and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.

At Phrozen Soft Serve we do everything we can to reduce the stress of guestimating by providing a 25 person buffer! If you are guessing 300 people will show up then we will come prepared with unlimited servings for 325. We have experience with hundreds of wedding receptions and we've only run out twice.

The Ultimate summer company party includes unlimited soft serve ice cream or Dole Whip.

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means – it's time to chill out, relax, and indulge in some seriously sweet treats! And what could be sweeter than the creamy, dreamy goodness of unlimited soft serve ice cream at your company party? Imagine the joy on everyone's faces as they pile their cones high with swirls of deliciousness. Did you know you can get a commercial size Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine delivered right to your office, event center, or park?

Here's why unlimited soft serve ice cream is the perfect addition to your summer shindig at the office!

  1. Irresistibly Creamy: Soft serve ice cream is like a fluffy cloud of happiness in a cone. Its smooth and creamy texture melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more with every bite. Unlike traditional hard ice cream, soft serve is light and airy, making it the ideal summer dessert for indulging without feeling weighed down.
  2. Endless Possibilities: With unlimited soft serve ice cream, the possibilities are endless! From classic vanilla and chocolate to tantalizing twists like strawberry-lemon or cookies and cream, there's a flavor to suit every taste bud. Encourage your team to get creative and mix and match flavors for a truly unique ice cream experience. Add the toppings options to truly make the possibilities unique and varied.
  3. Instant Mood Booster: Is there anything that can't be improved by a cone of soft serve ice cream? Whether your team is celebrating a big win or simply enjoying a sunny day together, the sight of an ice cream machine churning out endless swirls of goodness is guaranteed to lift spirits and put smiles on faces.
  4. Cooling Refreshment: When the summer sun is beating down, there's nothing more refreshing than a cool treat to beat the heat. Soft serve ice cream provides instant relief from soaring temperatures and offers a delicious way to stay cool and hydrated during your company party.
  5. Interactive Fun: Soft serve ice cream isn't just a dessert – it's an experience! Set up a DIY self-serve soft serve station at your company party and let everyone unleash their inner ice cream artist. Whether they're swirling, dipping, or sprinkling toppings, the interactive nature of soft serve ice cream adds an extra element of fun to your event. Can you create the perfect swirl?
  6. Inclusive Options: Soft serve ice cream is a crowd-pleaser that caters to all tastes and dietary preferences. With options for dairy-free, low-fat, and gluten-free varieties, everyone can enjoy a guilt-free indulgence without feeling left out. Plus, the soft texture of the ice cream makes it easy for young and old alike to enjoy.
  7. Encourages Bonding: There's something inherently bonding about sharing a cone of soft serve ice cream with colleagues. Whether you're reminiscing about childhood memories or debating the best topping combinations, gathering around the soft serve machine fosters camaraderie and strengthens team relationships.
  8. Unforgettable Memories: Long after the summer party is over, the memories of endless soft serve swirls and laughter-filled moments will linger. These shared experiences create lasting bonds between team members and contribute to a positive company culture that extends far beyond the office walls.

So, there you have it – the scoop on why unlimited soft serve ice cream is the ultimate summer company party essential! With its creamy goodness, endless variety, and ability to bring people together, soft serve ice cream is guaranteed to make your event a resounding success. So go ahead, treat your team to a cone of happiness and watch as the summer vibes soar!

This summer, choose Phrozen Soft Serve to deliver happiness to your company party. With 8 different flavors of Dole Soft Serve (Dole Whip), and the standard Vanilla and Chocolate ice creams you have something to please everyone. Book Phrozen now before your date is taken!

Ice Cream, collabs, and High-Fives: Navigating Corporate Events Like a Pro

Don't forget dessert.

Welcome, fellow ice cream aficionados and corporate warriors! In this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of corporate event catering. Mystery is perhaps not the right word, since the solution to great corporate catering is unlimited self-serve soft serve. Unlimited smiles are just the bonus. Picture this: You and your team gathering around a commercial ice cream machine excitedly placing bets about who can create the most perfect swirl on a cake cone. Then all of you beaming with joy when you take that first bite of cool, refreshing ice cream or Dole Whip. Not stop imagining and make it happen!

Nearly every good modern company remembers that bringing lunch or breakfast for the hardworking employees is an excellent way to bring them together, get them collaborating, and boost their drive. But what about the dessert!!?? If you think food is good at motivating, just wait til you try unlimited soft serve ice cream and Dole whip!

Trust our few tips (our business is ice cream at your business):

Flavors That Seal Deals:

Handling Brain Freeze During PowerPoint: You’re presenting Q3 projections, and suddenly—brain freeze! Quick tip: Pretend it’s just a strategic pause. Nailed it!

Networking Over Sprinkles: “Hi, I’m Greg from Accounting. Want some sprinkles?” Boom! Instant connection. Sprinkles are the new business cards.

The Soft Serve Handshake: Forget firm handshakes. Offer a mini soft serve cone instead. It’s memorable, and they won’t forget your name (or flavor).

Dress Code: Ice Cream Chic: Ties? Nah. Pocket squares? Overrated. Wear a waffle cone as a lapel pin. You’re the talk of the water cooler.

Remember, corporate events are all about relationships. And nothing bonds people like shared brain freeze, or impressively good Pineapple Dole whip. Go forth, my soft serve diplomats! 🍨👔

In all seriousness, think about how many crappy days of work the average employee endures. The endless drone of getting up, going to work, pushing through mounds of tasks, then going home joyless. Now imagine that you announce to your staff that "This Thursday we will have a soft serve ice cream machine delivered here with Vanilla ice cream and Pineapple Dole Whip. Unlimited servings, help yourself!" Boom! You just changed a freakin' life.

While a catered lunch is good, and a food truck is nice... they are limited. With Phrozen Soft Serve you can give a gift that keeps on giving... for hours, or days, or weeks. Think of the night shift! Think of hard workers who missed lunch! Think of all those poor souls who just want an ice cream cone 6 times a day. Think of Phrozen!

So next time you're the boss of an upcoming event, party, speech, reward ceremony, retirement send-off, or big summer party just think of how much of a hero you're going to be when Phrozen Soft Serve shows up with big machines ready to continuously pump out gallons of sweet deliciousness. You'll be remembered as the person you really brought change to the daily grind and gave everyone something to look forward to while they're plugging away. Good job! Allow me to go ahead and give you the first of many virtual pats on the back.

Ice cream is one of the world's most beloved desserts. It's creamy, sweet, and refreshing, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. But have you ever wondered how ice cream was first created? Well, get ready to go on a journey through history, as we explore the origins of this delicious dessert!

It all started thousands of years ago, in ancient China. Legend has it that the Chinese Emperor Tang, who ruled in the 7th century, was a big fan of frozen treats. He would have his servants gather ice and snow from the mountains, which he would then mix with fruit and honey to create a dessert that he called "milk ice." It was basically a proto-ice cream, and it was a big hit with the emperor's court.

But ice cream as we know it today didn't really take off until much later. In fact, it wasn't until the 16th century that the first real ice cream was created. And it wasn't in China, but in Italy. Yes, the Italians can claim credit for this one!

The story goes that a man named Ruggeri, who was a chef in the court of Catherine de' Medici, the Queen of France, was tasked with creating a new dessert for a royal banquet. Ruggeri decided to experiment with some of the frozen treats that were popular in Italy at the time, and he came up with a dessert that he called "gelato."

Now, gelato is actually a bit different from ice cream. It's made with more milk and less cream than traditional ice cream, which gives it a denser, creamier texture. It's also churned at a slower speed, which incorporates less air into the mixture and gives it a more intense flavor.

But despite these differences, gelato was a huge hit with the French court. And soon, it spread throughout Europe, becoming a favorite dessert of royalty and aristocrats. Common folk did not have access to the ice necessary to make the treat, so it remained something for the upper class for a long time. It wasn't until the 18th century that ice cream really started to take off in America and with the masses.

You history buffs out there might be thinking, "Wait a minute, didn't the founding fathers eat ice cream?" And you would be correct! In fact, George Washington was apparently a huge fan of the stuff. According to legend, he even had his own ice cream recipe, which called for a quart of cream, a pint of milk, six egg yolks, a half-pound of sugar, and a quarter-pound of grated chocolate. Yum!

The incredible story of bringing ice cream to the lower classes is all thanks to one man: Jacob Fussell. Fussell was a dairy farmer in Maryland, and he had a little problem: He had too much milk. See, back then, there wasn't really a great way to preserve milk, so farmers had to find ways to use it up before it spoiled. Fussell's solution was to turn his excess milk into ice cream, which he sold to his neighbors (lucky!).

It was a hit of course, and soon Fussell was churning out hundreds of gallons of ice cream a day. But he didn't stop there. He realized that he could make even more money if he could figure out a way to ship his ice cream to other parts of the country. And so, in 1851, he built the first ice cream factory. Hallelujah!

Fussell's factory revolutionized the ice cream industry. It allowed ice cream to be produced on a much larger scale, and it made the dessert much more accessible to the general public. And soon, ice cream parlors started popping up all over the country, serving up scoops of the sweet stuff to anyone who wanted it.

Unfortunately, Fussell's dairy and ice cream company is no longer in operation today. Jacob Fussell's ice cream factory was eventually sold to a larger company, and over time, the Fussell family moved on to other endeavors. However, the impact that Fussell's ice cream factory had on the industry was significant, and it paved the way for the mass production of ice cream that we enjoy now.

Today, we have countless flavors and varieties of ice cream to choose from, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more exotic options like green tea and lavender. And whether you prefer your ice cream in a cone, a cup, or sandwiched between two cookies, there's no denying that this frozen treat has come a long way from its humble origins in ancient China.

Dole Whip (officially known as DOLE SOFT SERVE) is a frozen dessert that was originally created by the Dole Food Company in the 1980s. The original creator of the frozen treat is said to be John W. "Jack" Morgan, who worked for Dole at the time. It is a non-dairy, soft-serve, fruity-flavored treat that is typically served at theme parks and other tourist destinations. It was first introduced at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as a refreshing treat that was perfect for hot summer days. It quickly became a favorite among park visitors and has since become a beloved treat at other theme parks, such as Disney World and various locations around the world. The original pineapple flavor is the most well known and is one of the fun experiences at the Dole plantation on the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

The main ingredients in Dole Whip include fruit juice, sugar, and stabilizers. The Dole concoction is dairy, lactose, gluten, artificial color, and cholesterol free! The mixture is manufactured as a powder that must first be mixed with water. It is then frozen and churned in a special soft serve machine to create a creamy, smooth texture. The result is a refreshing, tropical treat that is perfect for hot summer days... or any day of the year that you wish felt like a summer day.

In recent years, Dole Whip has become a popular dessert option, and can be found at many locations outside of theme parks, including restaurants, cafes, and food trucks. The DOLE SOFT SERVE can now be found in 10 difference flavors and they are working on creating more. The current flavors are: Pineapple, Orange, Mango, Raspberry, Strawberry, Pomegranate, Cherry, Lemon, Lime, and Watermelon.

One of the great things about the Dole fruity soft serve is how versatile it is. Besides being delicious right out of the machine and into a cone, there are other ways to enjoy the treat as well. The most famous is the Dole Float made famous in Disney parks - it combines the Dole Whip with fresh pineapple juice to make a truly spectacular treat. However, your imagination is the only thing that limits the combination potential when it comes to these fruity flavors. You can add any number of juices, sodas, bobas, or toppings to create something new and wonderful for yourself or your guests. The soft serve can also be used in slushes, smoothies, and baking!

Next time you have a hankerin for something delicious give Phrozen Soft Serve a call so we can bring some DOLE SOFT SERVE right to your main event.

Soft Serve Ice cream machine: how it works

Soft serve ice cream is a classic treat that many of us have enjoyed for years. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for a hot summer day. But have you ever wondered how a soft serve ice cream machine works? It is a complex piece of equipment that is specifically designed to churn out this creamy dessert. In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into the inner workings of a soft serve ice cream machine, and explore how it turns liquid ice cream mix into the delicious treat we all know and love.

Ingredients

Before we get into the technical details, let’s talk about the ingredients that go into soft serve ice cream. The basic ingredients for soft serve ice cream are just like regular hard ice cream: milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. The difference is in the butter fat ratios and temperatures. These ingredients are mixed together and then poured into the ice cream machine. Some soft serve machines also have the ability to add in other ingredients, like fruit or candy pieces, to create unique flavors.The mixture is placed in a refrigerated hopper, which keeps it at a temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps to keep the mixture fresh and prevents it from spoiling.

Freezing process

The freezing process is where the magic happens. Soft serve ice cream machines use a special freezing process that creates a soft, creamy texture that we all know and love. The machine uses a combination of cold temperatures and air to freeze and mix the ice cream mixture.

The liquid ice cream mix is pulled into the machine by gravity, and is fed into the freezing chamber. The freezing cylinder is surrounded by a refrigerant, like Freon or ammonia. The refrigerant is at a temperature of around -20 degrees Fahrenheit, which freezes the mixture as it’s fed through the cylinder.The mix is exposed to a very cold surface, which causes it to freeze rapidly. But instead of freezing into a solid block, the mix is churned by the dasher, which breaks up the ice crystals and incorporates air into the mix.

As the mixture is frozen, air is added to the mixture to create the soft, creamy texture of soft serve ice cream.The amount of air that is incorporated into the mix is a critical factor in the quality of the final product. Soft serve ice cream is known for its light, fluffy texture, which is achieved by incorporating a lot of air into the mix. This is why soft serve machines are also referred to as "air pump" machines. The amount of air that is incorporated is controlled by the dasher speed and the size of the openings in the freezing chamber. The faster the dasher turns, and the larger the openings, the more air will be incorporated into the mix.

The machine periodically measures temperature and viscosity in order to keep the ice cream at the perfect texture. As it does, the machines motors will automatically cycle on and off as ice cream is dispensed.

Dispensing

The final step in the soft serve ice cream making process is dispensing. Once the ice cream is frozen and mixed, it’s ready to be dispensed. Soft serve machines have 1 to 3 dispenser heads that can be fitted with a variety of swirl designs to create unique patterns.

As ice cream is dispensed from the machine more liquid mix is automatically pulled into the freezing chamber and the process continues!

Cleaning and maintenance

Like any piece of equipment, soft serve ice cream machines require regular cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance to keep them running smoothly. The hopper and freezing cylinder should be cleaned after every use to prevent the buildup of bacteria and ensure that the ice cream mixture stays fresh.

The dispenser head should also be cleaned regularly to prevent clogs and ensure that the ice cream is dispensing properly. The machine should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage to the equipment.

Conclusion

Soft serve ice cream machines may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but there’s a lot of science and engineering that goes into making them work. From the ingredients to the freezing process, every step is carefully designed to create the delicious soft serve ice cream that we all know and love.

Whether you’re enjoying a classic vanilla cone, a fruity Dole Whip, or trying a unique flavor combination, soft serve ice cream machines are a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic treat. So, the next time you’re indulging in a swirl of soft serve, take a moment to appreciate the engineering that goes into making it possible.

Here, at Phrozen Soft Serve, we use commercial grade Taylor 162 single phase machines that use 220 volt power. These machines pull a lot of power to make sure the 3 chillers keep up with demand on those hot summer days!

Ice Cream Cone Face Off

Ah, ice cream. It’s the dessert that brings smiles to faces, joy to hearts, and sugar to bloodstreams. But when it comes to ice cream, there are two main types: soft serve ice cream and hard scoop. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some notable differences between the two. So, grab a spoon and let’s dig in!

First up, let's talk about soft serve ice cream. Soft serve is like the wild child of the ice cream world. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it’s always ready to party. One of the biggest differences between soft serve and hard scoop is the texture. Soft serve is, well, soft. It has a light, airy texture that makes it easy to eat by the coneful (not that we’d know anything about that). Additionally, the temperature of soft serve ice cream is a little bit higher, and there is more air incorporated to give it that smooth texture.

Another difference is the way it’s served. Soft serve is dispensed from a machine, which makes it perfect for impromptu ice cream runs. No need to wait for someone to scoop it out for you – just pull the lever down and voila! Soft serve also has the ability to take on a variety of fun shapes, like swirls and cones, making it a visually appealing treat as well. While traditional ice cream is made in small batches off site and stored in a freezer, Soft serve ice cream is made on the spot as long as there is mix to be made. The Ice cream machine is the freezer!

Now, let's talk about hard scoop ice cream. Hard scoop is like the responsible older sibling of the ice cream world. It’s firm, it’s sturdy, and it’s always there when you need it. The texture of hard scoop is, well, hard. It requires a little more elbow grease to scoop out of the container, but once you do, it’s a satisfying feeling.

One of the biggest differences between hard scoop and soft serve is the flavors. Hard scoop comes in a variety of unique, gourmet flavors that you won’t find in soft serve. Want to try lavender honey ice cream? How about balsamic vinegar and olive oil? You’ll have to stick to hard scoop for those. Plus, hard scoop ice cream is perfect for making ice cream sandwiches or scooping into a sundae.

So, which is better – soft serve or hard scoop? That’s a tough question, and one that we’re not sure we can answer. It all depends on your mood and what you’re looking for in an ice cream. Are you in the mood for something light and fluffy? Go for soft serve. Are you looking for a unique flavor experience? Hard scoop is your friend.

In the end, the most important thing is that you enjoy your ice cream, whether it’s soft serve, hard scoop, or a little bit of both. Just make sure to have some napkins handy – things can get messy when you’re dealing with ice cream!

We here at Phrozen Soft Serve are obviously just a little bit biased! Having a Soft Serve Machine at your big event means the ice cream or Dole Whip flows fast and continuously for all your guests. It means you don't need a huge freezer or sturdy scoopers. It means its easy for young and old to get as much as they like. It also means that added toppings to customize your perfect flavor is super easy. So, book us for your next event and enjoy party!

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