Hands-On IDDSI Consulting That Works in Real Kitchens

We don't just tell you what to do — we work alongside your team to build IDDSI systems that actually function in daily operations.

Built for Healthcare & Long-Term Care Facilities

Whether you're implementing IDDSI for the first time, addressing survey findings, or improving existing programs, we meet you where you are and build systems that work for your team. Our focus is entirely on the unique challenges of healthcare food service.

Our Consulting Services

Comprehensive support for every stage of your IDDSI journey

Full IDDSI Implementation

Complete system setup from assessment to execution. We build your IDDSI program from the ground up with processes that fit your kitchen.

  • Complete kitchen assessment
  • IDDSI level training
  • Texture modification techniques
  • Workflow and system development
  • Compliance support

Hands-On Staff Training

We train your team in your kitchen with your equipment. No classroom theory — just practical skills they can use immediately.

  • In-kitchen real-time training
  • Food preparation and plating techniques
  • IDDSI testing methods
  • Staff competency development

Menu & Recipe Optimization

Transform your existing menus into IDDSI-compliant offerings that residents actually enjoy. Real food, real flavor, real compliance.

  • Modify existing menus
  • Improve taste, presentation, and consistency
  • Ensure meals are safe and enjoyable

Facility Support & Correction Plans

When surveys identify gaps, we develop and implement correction plans that address root causes, not just symptoms.

  • Help facilities recover from deficiencies
  • Support state compliance
  • Build sustainable systems

Our Process

A structured approach that delivers real results

1

Assessment

We evaluate your current kitchen operations, staff knowledge, and IDDSI compliance level.

2

Hands-On Training

We work directly with your team in your kitchen, demonstrating and guiding real implementation.

3

System Development

We create workflows and processes your team can follow daily.

4

Ongoing Support

We ensure your team stays consistent and confident moving forward.

Why Cruz Culinary

We train inside your kitchen, not in a classroom

We believe in learning by doing. Your team trains with real equipment, real recipes, and real scenarios.

We focus on execution, not just education

Meeting standards is the baseline. We help you deliver food that residents actually want to eat.

We combine culinary skill with clinical standards

We understand both sides — the culinary craft and the clinical requirements. You get both.

We build systems your team can actually maintain

We create processes your team can maintain without constant oversight. Sustainable, not dependent.

What Healthcare Leaders Say About Chef Davis

I had the pleasure of working alongside Davis for many years. During that time, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand his exceptional leadership, remarkable culinary talent, and deep understanding of kitchen operations.

Together, we developed and refined an incredible IDDSI program, dedicating years to perfecting it while educating others along the way. Davis was the driving force behind our IDDSI program. He meticulously tested every aspect of the process, refined even the smallest details, and continually pursued excellence. His dedication and expertise led to the development of a comprehensive IDDSI menu for our hospital, setting a new standard for quality and patient care.

What truly sets Davis apart is his commitment to sharing his knowledge. After building a successful program, he devoted his time to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring others to implement the same high standards within their own organizations. His passion for education and continuous improvement has had a lasting impact far beyond our own kitchen.

I am truly honored to have learned from one of the very best in the industry.

Tracy Rury Sr. Supervisor, Food & Nutrition Services Hoag Hospital

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Chef Davis over the years, and his passion and enthusiasm for IDDSI are truly unmatched. We were one of the first hospitals in California to implement IDDSI, and from the very beginning, Davis embraced it. He immediately began experimenting, developing recipes, and finding creative ways to prove that texture-modified food could still look and taste amazing.

Who knew tofu could be transformed into a decadent, texture-appropriate chocolate dessert?! Davis was constantly experimenting and thinking outside the box. He went on to create numerous videos demonstrating IDDSI recipes and techniques, showing others that pureed and texture-modified foods don’t have to be bland or unappealing. One of my favorites was watching him recreate the famous In-N-Out burger into a pureed masterpiece that was both recognizable and appetizing!

What I appreciated most about working with Davis was how willing he was to try new things, share his knowledge, and teach others. He became an incredible IDDSI resource not only within our organization, but for healthcare and foodservice professionals nationwide. He even organized an IDDSI educational event that brought dietitians, cooks, and other professionals from across the United States together to learn, collaborate, and see firsthand what can be accomplished with texture-modified foods.

Chef Davis has a genuine gift for combining culinary creativity with the very specific requirements of IDDSI. His charisma, enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to elevating texture-modified food are truly second to none. It was such a pleasure working alongside him, and I’m excited to see him continue sharing his expertise and showing others that IDDSI food can be safe, compliant, visually appealing, and, most importantly, delicious!

Jennifer Richards, MS, RDN Director, Food & Nutrition Services Bear Valley Community Healthcare District

I first met Chef Davis Cruz in 2024 at the inaugural U.S. IDDSI Festival, and I have been one of his biggest fans since then. There has never been a time when I invited him to contribute to a new initiative that he was not ready to enthusiastically support.

At the 2025 IDDSI Symposium in California, Chef Davis worked closely with the planning team to develop and lead an interactive hands-on session where attendees explored texture-modified foods and beverages across different IDDSI levels. Every item was thoughtfully prepared under his guidance by the talented foodservice team at Hoag Hospital, and he facilitated the activity with exceptional care, professionalism, and expertise.

Chef Davis is one of the most knowledgeable and effective leaders I have encountered in my career. He is a true team player who inspires those around him to excel while fostering collaboration and innovation. His commitment to advancing education and improving care is unmatched.

Most recently, Chef Davis partnered with the Network for Excellence in ALS (NEALS) Nutrition Committee to deliver a live cooking demonstration on texture-modified meats to an online audience of more than 100 healthcare professionals, people living with ALS, and their loved ones. As always, he brought enthusiasm, practical expertise, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

I absolutely love working with Chef Davis! Any organization or team would be fortunate to benefit from his leadership, talent, and commitment to excellence.

Andrea Charvet, Ph.D., RDN, LDN Assistant Professor, Department of Nutrition Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine Nova Southeastern University

Let's Build Your IDDSI Program the Right Way

Ready to implement IDDSI standards that your team can actually maintain? Let's talk about your facility's needs.