OREANDA-NEWS. May 23, 2016. Family Hospitality Group kids’ tumblers, made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, can offer restaurants an affordable and durable children’s beverageware solution. In response to industry and consumer demands, Family Hospitality Group introduced its new 12-oz. reusable kids’ drinkware line — featuring an innovative design with superior quality — with a goal to improve the overall dining experience. The new tumblers will be displayed at the National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show 2016, May 21-24 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Made with Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, the tumblers eliminate the need for disposable kids’ cups, thereby drastically reducing operating costs for restaurant owners. The reusable tumblers will cover their cost versus disposable options within 12 washings. With clarity that is superior to drinkware made with alternative materials, the tumblers allow servers to easily and accurately determine when refills are necessary. The beverageware line offers extreme durability that not only impacts safety but also the lifetime of the product. A recent study from Family Hospitality Group found that the kids’ tumblers can withstand more than 500 commercial dishwasher cycles without diminishing drinkware quality.

“Eastman offered a material that was not only durable and free of bisphenol A (BPA), but also aesthetically pleasing,” said A.J. Mesalic, general manager, Family Hospitality Group. “The benefits of Tritan along with Eastman’s technical expertise created a pivotal relationship that allowed us to create the reusable kids’ tumblers.”

The versatility of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester enables manufacturers to customize and brand the tumblers. The line also features a unique textured exterior, designed specifically with kids in mind — the dimpled surface creates better grip for small hands, helping to prevent dropped or spilled beverages. Family Hospitality Group matched an inventive disposable lid design to go with this new beverageware. The lid, created to fit the 12-oz. tumblers, features the traditional slot for straws as well as a spout for younger children, making drinking easier.

Throughout the restaurant industry, owners and managers are searching for a more economical option for children’s beverageware. Currently, most dining amenities use disposable plastic children’s cups which, while safer than glass, are far from cost-efficient. Family Hospitality Group saw the opportunity to create reusable drinkware and determined Eastman Tritan™ copolyester to be the ideal material to create the new tumblers.

“Family Hospitality Group had a very specific set of needs when creating its new beverageware line,” said Brad Moncla, market development manager, consumer durables, Eastman. “Through our conversations, it quickly became apparent that the durability and clarity of Tritan made it a decisive fit for these reusable kids’ tumblers. This collaboration opened a door to a whole new market for Tritan, and we are very excited to see where it leads.”

Currently in use by regional segments of a national franchise, the kids’ tumblers have garnered a strong, positive response from both restaurant staffs and patrons. Family Hospitality Group also recently announced that the beverageware line is now available through Edward Don & Company, a national supplier with a customer base of more than 30,000 restaurants.

During the NRA Show 2016, visit Family Hospitality Group at Booth 5524 to learn more about the kids’ tumblers, available at www.familyhospitality.com and through retail partners. In addition, stop by Booth 2480 to learn about Eastman Chemical Company and the applications of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester. or more on Tritan, visit www.tritanfromeastman.com.

About Eastman Chemical Company
Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2015 revenues of approximately \\$9.6 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA, and employs approximately 15,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

About Family Hospitality Group
Family Hospitality Group is a family-owned American company producing a full portfolio of service supplies that has helped restaurateurs delight their customers in over 100,000,000 guest visits worldwide. With Classy Kid Products, Family Hospitality Group helps create the ideal dining experience for the entire family. For more information, visit www.familyhospitality.com

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