3 Ways Planned Maintenance Reduces Restaurants' Downtime

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January 12, 2021

In many areas of our lives, planned maintenance can help us avoid difficulty down the road. For example, as a vehicle owner, you know that scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can keep your car running smoothly. This maintenance pays off, too. By keeping up with your car’s needs, you protect it (and your budget) from costly repairs, while also extending its lifespan.

Similarly, scheduled maintenance on your restaurant equipment can save you time and money. Restaurant owners who want to protect budgets and minimize downtime should set up a planned maintenance schedule with an authorized service company.

1. Planned Equipment Maintenance Protects Your Investment

Kitchen equipment is a considerable investment for a restaurant. In fact, in terms of startup costs, it’s one of the highest initial investments a restaurant makes—at times over $150,000. Protecting that equipment through regular maintenance is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a restaurant owner. Because restaurant equipment is the heart of a business, it’s important that it stays operational.

When restaurant equipment maintenance isn’t scheduled regularly, it can cost your business even more in the long run. Individual components or whole machines may have to be replaced without regular maintenance checks like the case of boiler cleaning on steamers. When equipment malfunctions or goes offline, it should be addressed quickly by a manufacturer’s Authorized Service Agent (ASA). As the cliché goes, “time is money,” and that phrase is especially true in the restaurant industry. Planned maintenance is an investment that pays off by actively preventing downtime in a restaurant and preventing the loss of revenue by extension.

2. Planned Equipment Maintenance Prevents Lost Revenue

In a busy restaurant, nonfunctional equipment doesn’t only mean lost revenue but also angry customers and unfavorable reviews. We all know that a fryer not temping will lead to soggy fries. Any one of these three things can be detrimental to a thriving business. To stay competitive, restaurants should schedule planned maintenance on all major equipment. A restaurant is made up of several moving parts, and each component must be operating at peak performance. If even one element goes offline, the whole system can grind to a halt. Preventing unexpected breakdowns can keep morale up and revenue flow consistent.

3. Planned Equipment Maintenance Provides Peace of Mind

As the one responsible for your operation, you may keep a long list in your head of what could go wrong. Since restaurant equipment can be a sizable investment, it makes sense to be concerned about equipment breaking down. Scheduling planned maintenance helps you feel reassured and prepared, as you’re doing what you can to prevent equipment failure.

An ASA can keep your equipment running at peak performance day in and day out. Instead of holding your breath, you can be proactive in helping everything run smoothly. Rather than waiting until equipment breaks to fix it, you can prevent unexpected issues from occurring. You’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that your equipment isn’t likely to break suddenly. That reassurance will allow you to turn your attention to higher-order concerns like business development and customer retention.

Finally, an added benefit of planned maintenance is that a contract with a service company will give you priority service when you do have equipment problems.

Prevent Downtime in Your Own Restaurant

To keep restaurant equipment fully functional , work with an authorized equipment repair company to build a schedule of planned maintenance that is customized to meet your business’s needs. ATECH is committed to repairing and maintaining your equipment quickly, efficiently, and effectively. To see how we can help keep your equipment up and running, call us for service or reach out for a planned maintenance quote .

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Spring into Cleanliness: Essential Tips for Restaurant Spring Cleaning

By markl • March 20, 2024

As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime. Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!

Mastering Winter with ATECH: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

By markl • January 26, 2024

Winter is here, and at ATECH, we understand the unique challenges businesses face in keeping their commercial equipment running smoothly during the colder months. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the strategies, tips, and success stories that can help your business navigate winter effortlessly. From equipment maintenance to emergency services, consider this your go-to resource for mastering winter with ATECH. Winter Equipment Maintenance Tips Checklist for Winter-Ready Equipment: Inspect Seals and Gaskets : Ensure a tight seal to prevent cold air leakage. Check Insulation : Evaluate the insulation of walk-in coolers and freezers. Clean and Sanitize : Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment surfaces. Temperature Adjustment : Set optimal winter temperatures for each piece of equipment. ATech Maintenance Tips for Different Equipment: Fryers and Grills : Clean and inspect burners for efficient operation. Ice Machines : Check water lines for insulation and replace filters regularly. Heating Systems : Schedule preventive maintenance to optimize efficiency. Electronic Equipment : Keep spaces well-heated and clean to prevent malfunctions. Businesses often grapple with specific equipment failures that can disrupt operations. ATECH understands the challenges posed by heating system malfunctions, electronic equipment performance, and other issues during the colder months. To tackle these common winter-related failures, businesses should prioritize preventive measures. Regular heating system maintenance checks and air filter replacements can prevent malfunctions. For electronic equipment, maintaining ambient room temperature and conducting routine cleaning are key strategies to ensure optimal performance throughout winter. ATECH's Winter Services: A Lifeline for Your Business Winter demands a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, and ATECH stands as the lifeline for businesses navigating the challenges of the season. Our comprehensive winter services go beyond mere repair and include prompt equipment repairs, planned maintenance, and emergency services. With a commitment to same-day service for urgent winter emergencies, ATECH ensures that businesses can rely on swift resolution during critical times. What sets us apart is our team of factory-trained and CFESA-certified technicians, offering not just reliability but a dedicated partnership to keep your business running smoothly through the coldest months. Trust in ATECH, your lifeline in the winter business landscape. Winter doesn't have to be a season of uncertainty for your business. With ATECH by your side, you have a reliable partner dedicated to providing top-notch equipment repairs and maintenance services. Master winter with confidence, knowing that our comprehensive guide and expert services are here to support your business every step of the way. For personalized winter readiness assessments and expert guidance, contact ATECH today. Let's navigate winter together, and keep your business thriving.