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Nathan Downs

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All Nathan Downs Articles

Silhouette of person's head with leaf clover inside

Fresh Food Vending: Mindset is the True Innovation

The operator is the biggest factor in smart vending success.
two hands holding a credit card and key fob gesturing toward a retail smart fridge

The Food Pantry of the Future

True food pantries fuel food equity with revenue from food security.
6 smart fridge manufacturers in the U.S. 365 Pico Cooler, Byte fridge, FoodSpot smart fridge, Vicki fridge, Hubz cooler, Shelfx

Selecting the Right Retail Smart Fridge Manufacturer

There are six smart fridge manufacturers in the US market, each with it's own benefits.
two people standing on either side of a foodspot smart vending fridge

The #1 Factor to Smart Vending Success

Why size matters to you and your customer in smart vending
nathan downs, founder of foodspot, putting finishing touches on dessert with intent

My Journey: Campus Chef to CEO

Fresh food is the cornerstone of health, happiness and culture. It should always be an option for all people. This blog shares my journey through the business, ingredient, craft and technology experiences that make fresh food accessibility my life's work.
gorilla pacing in green grass

Labor: The 800 lb. Gorilla

Today, savvy operators can trim food cost a percentage point here and there with best practices while still maintaining quality. The labor market, on the other hand, is perpetually unveiling a new rock bottom.
Woman using smart phone to pay of vending machine

Comparing Smart Vending Machine Technologies

Learn about the different smart vending technologies in the marketplace and decide which one is right for your business.

Merchandising Kit

$750 value

  • Shelf Rollers
  • “Swipe, Grab, & Go” decal
  • Bluetooth sticker scanner
  • 20 product detail shelf clips
  • Metal shelf row dividers
  • 6 clear plastic shelf end caps
  • Castles UPT1000 credit card reader
  • Bluetooth sticker scanner

Merchandising Kit

$750 value

  • Shelf Rollers
  • “Swipe, Grab, & Go” decal
  • Bluetooth sticker scanner
  • 20 product detail shelf clips
  • Metal shelf row dividers
  • 6 clear plastic shelf end caps
  • Castles UPT1000 credit card reader
  • Bluetooth sticker scanner
.

Explore 24/7 Fresh Food For Your Location

Microstore
(Pantry, Fridge, or Freezer)

$9999 value 

Starting Sticker Inventory
(1500 pcs)

$300 value

Higher Ed or Healthcare Campus? Schedule here.

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Branded Consumer App

$300 value

Free with 5-Fridge Launch Package

Merchandising Kit

$750 value

  • Castles UPT1000 credit card reader
  • Shelf Rollers
  • “Swipe, Grab, & Go” decal
  • Bluetooth sticker scanner
  • 20 product detail shelf clips
  • Metal shelf row dividers
  • 6 clear plastic shelf end caps

Operator Training Program

$750 value

First Month's Services

$199 value