Kitchen design and quality appliances shouldn't fall by the wayside. It's vital to remember that we're talking about the very kitchen that plays a heavy hand in determining how successful your establishment will be in future.
Remember, this is the very kitchen that has an impact on how successful you will be in the near future. You should therefore do your best to ensure that the design of your kitchen not only promotes functionality, but also facilitates easy movement for your workers. Space is the first criterion that makes a commercial kitchen useful. It is the smart utilisation of space that ensures easier access to catering equipment, freezers or cool rooms for workers.
8 tips for getting the best out of your commercial kitchen
Plan ahead
At the very beginning, it is important to have an updated list of all the food items and beverages that you are going to offer to the guests of your restaurant. This will help you order just what you need to serve the guests efficiently. Very minutely plan the menu and accordingly figure out what utensils you will need to cook them in. This careful planning will help you save a considerable amount of money in the long run.
Pay attention to size
Is your kitchen big enough to serve all the guests coming to your restaurant? Does it require renovating or remodeling to accommodate more cookware or appliances? Consult the planning commission in your area to know whether you will be allowed to make said renovations to your kitchen.
In addition to measuring the kitchen space, measure things like the electrical units and plumbing lines so that you can easily plan the position and size of the storage cabinets and commercial cooling units.
Prioritise functionality and efficiency
When planning and designing your kitchen, efficiency or functionality should be your top priority. Place the equipments and utensils in such place that workers do not have to move around too much for reaching them. Easy accessibility is one of the best features of a successful kitchen.
Have more than what you bargained for
Carefully list all the types of utensils you will need and also their number. When you are starting a restaurant, you are well aware of the maximum number of people the restaurant can serve at the same time. Make sure that you have all the equipment to ease the process of cooking, like combination ovens and commercial blenders.
A good way to ensure you have an adequate supply of utensils is to look at you restaurant's capacity and then double that number. Always make it a point to invest in only the best cookware available on the market.
A good way to ensure that you have enough utensils is to ensure that whatever utensils you have can actually feed twice the number of people over what is your restaurant's capacity. Always make it a point to invest in only the best cookware available in the market.
Ensure safety
Make sure to contact your local health inspector and building inspector to double check whether every safety measure regarding health and fire codes has been followed to the 'T.' The health department needs to approve the building, kitchen and design plans before you can start serving customers. These procedures must be completed before you start investing in expensive utensils and equipment.
Do your research
Do as much research as you can on various commercial cooking equipment. Be sure to buy commercial utensils and equipment that are durable and have all the necessary features. Buy only from trustworthy and established cookware wholesalers. It is wise to remember that this is a long term investment, so you purchasing cheap equipment that will soon fall apart is simply not an option.
Consider renting if you can't buy
Renting commercial kitchen equipment until your restaurant 'picks up' is also a great idea. Kitchen equipment can be really expensive; if your restaurant isn't yet open to the public, think carefully before you invest. You can start by using rented utensils and equipment, then buy your own when you are certain about how much business you're likely to get.
Maintain cleanliness
Ensure your kitchen, utensils and appliances are clean at all times. It's important to not only clean things like the interiors of storage and refrigeration cabinets, but also the walls of a kitchen, which should be cleaned regularly.
