Great Food, Great Company: A Taste of All-Inclusive Senior Living

What’s the secret ingredient to an amazing senior living experience?

At Holiday Maple Suites in Dover, New Hampshire, it’s not just the delicious meals or the warm, welcoming atmosphere – it’s people like Ed Emerson.

As a key part of the dining team, Ed brings a mix of passion, experience and a little bit of culinary magic to the table every single day. His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – he’s just won an Atria Exceptional Service Award, a well-earned honor that proves just how much he means to residents and fellow team members.

Humble hero: Ed’s award-winning impact

Receiving an Exceptional Service Award (ESA) is a pretty big deal, but if you ask Ed, he doesn’t think he did anything out of the ordinary. “I just do what I normally do,” he says with a modest shrug.

But ask General Manager Ashlee Adams, and she’ll tell you otherwise. “Ed is one of the most reliable, dependable employees. He always has a good attitude. He’s a great cook. Everyone gets along with him,” she says. “He’s just one of those people you can always rely on.”

In other words, Ed isn’t just making meals – he’s making a difference.

Making more than just great meals

Ed has been a professional cook for over 45 years, and his experience shines through in every dish he prepares. But it’s not just about following recipes – it’s also about adding creativity and a personal touch. “We go out of our way to make sure the meals aren’t repetitive,” Ed explains. “We like to mix things up, try new flavors and put our own spin on things to keep it interesting.”

One of his biggest hits? His homemade cream puffs. “I even put them on the menu as ‘Ed’s Famous Cream Puffs,’” Ashlee says with a laugh. Residents can’t get enough. “You walk by, and they say, ‘Oh, that was good!’” beams Ed. “That’s why I got into cooking in the first place.”

And it’s not just desserts. From his soups to his pastries, everything Ed makes has a little extra heart in it. Ashlee adds, “Residents always look forward to Ed’s cooking. He just knows how to make food people love.”

Cooking with heart, leading by example

For Ed, cooking isn’t just a job – it’s his calling. “If there was something I could do for the rest of my life, it would be to cook.”

That passion doesn’t just benefit the residents – it also inspires his coworkers. He’s always ready to lend a hand, offer advice or share a helpful trick.

“I don’t like telling people what to do, but if I see them struggling, I show them an easier, safer way.” He adds with a chuckle, “It doesn’t have to be a life-or-death situation cutting a tomato.”

That team-first mentality is a big reason why the kitchen at Holiday Maple Suites runs so smoothly. “We all get along, we help each other and we want everyone to feel comfortable,” Ashlee says.

Dining that feels like home

At Holiday Maple Suites, dining is about more than just great food – it’s about creating a welcoming, comfortable experience. The team takes the time to learn what residents like and what they don’t, making heartfelt meals catered to their unique tastes.

“We had a new resident who loved strawberry rhubarb pie, so we made sure to put it on the menu,” Ed says. “It’s those little things that make a difference.”

That’s what sets Holiday Maple Suites apart. For seniors and families searching for the best independent living or all-inclusive senior living community, Ed has a piece of advice: pay attention to the dining experience.

“You’re eating there three times a day, so you’ve got to make sure that it feels like a friendly, warm, welcoming place where you actually enjoy going,” he says.

The recipe for comfort and connection

Looking for all-inclusive independent senior living in Dover, NH, with great food and even better company? Come see what makes Holiday Maple Suites so special. You might even get to try one of Ed’s famous cream puffs.

Not in Dover? No matter where you are, Holiday communities across the country offer welcoming spaces, friendly faces and meals made with care – find a location near you and make every day a Holiday.