In our latest episode of the Good Things Start Here Docuseries, we visited 44 North American Gastropub, a unique bar and restaurant experience in Altoona, WI.

Since its opening, 44 North has earned a reputation for combining culinary creativity with the comforts of classic dishes. From hand-crafted burgers and juicy steaks to perfectly cooked fish and crowd-favorite frozen cocktails, 44 North represents everything that today’s food industry strives to be: efficient, consistent, and customer-centered.  

We sat down with Bryce Buckmaster, manager of 44 North, and Kyle Paulson, Regional Sales Representative from TSBL Distributing, to discuss how Taylor’s equipment provides the backbone for 44 North’s success—helping them overcome industry challenges and consistently deliver exceptional guest experiences. 

Providing the  Right Solution for Every Menu Item

At 44 North, speed and accuracy are essential, especially on busy nights. On Fridays, the kitchen handles up to 250 orders of fish, alongside steaks, burgers, and other favorites, all served to perfection. This high-volume demand would be impossible to manage without the right equipment, and Taylor’s solutions have proven indispensable.

Whether it's grilling 30+ burgers simultaneously or searing a salmon and a steak at the same time, the Taylor Grill is built to handle any task the kitchen throws at it. “We can get food out in under three minutes—every time,” Bryce explained. "We couldn’t do this without the grill…[it] never messes up.”

Beyond the grill, Taylor’s Frozen Beverage Machines and Soft Serve Machines elevate 44 North’s drink and dessert offerings. Signature shakes and boozy frozen cocktails have become customer favorites, thanks to the ease and consistency of Taylor’s equipment. “Our frozen drink machines are game-changers for the bar,” Bryce notes. For Bryce and his team, the ability to provide a consistent product every time builds trust with their customers and keeps them coming back for more. 

Cutting Down Turnover with Taylor's Grill

Labor shortages have created significant challenges in the restaurant industry, but Taylor’s Grill has helped 44 North stay ahead.

In reflecting about the beginning of 44 North’s and Taylor’s relationship, Kyle (TSBL Distributing) noted their biggest issue was turnover due to Covid and people not wanting to work in the industry anymore. Listening to their needs, learning their menu, and understanding their operations enabled Kyle to make suggestions that brought immediate relief and measurable productivity gains. 

“Being able to bring in a grill that essentially is a staff member…we’re able to staff less because of that [machine] being able to do so much for us.” Bryce explained. The grill’s automated features allow the kitchen team to focus on other tasks, too, knowing the grill will handle the cooking with precision and speed, even when the restaurant is at full capacity.

A Partnership Built on Service

The partnership between 44 North and TSBL Distributing plays a critical role in ensuring smooth operations. 

“The service Taylor provides is second to none. We've never had a [machine] not working for more than a couple hours because if they can't walk me through it over the phone, they have somebody to fix it right away,”  Bryce explains. 

Kyle prides himself in being readily available to Bryce, stating he is always “a text away.” Machines never break down at optimal times, but Taylor’s personal, localized service and support network drastically reduces downtime and boasts some of the best first-time fix rates in the industry. 

Rapid, Reliable, and Ready for Anything

Taylor’s equipment provides 44 North with more than just a kitchen solution—it offers peace of mind. Whether handling a Friday night rush,  maintaining consistency across the menu, or managing turnover, Taylor’s machines ensure everything runs efficiently and effectively. From rapid cooking to perfect product output, Taylor’s solutions offer the versatility and reliability that restaurants like 44 North depend on.

Ready for your own success story? Contact a local distributor today: https://www.taylor-company.com/distributors/