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5 Commercial Kitchen Equipment Tips to Prepare for the Holiday Rush
December 23, 2022

The holiday season can be a hectic time of year for restaurant owners and managers who run commercial kitchens. For some restaurants, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year are filled with hosting annual holiday parties for businesses or families celebrating the season at their favorite spot. Other restaurants have to find creative ways to overcome staffing challenges as employees take time off during the holidays. 


Whether you’re a high-end restaurant prepping for office parties or a fast-food chain serving shoppers as they pick up a quick meal in between destinations, it’s essential to make sure your commercial kitchen equipment is ready to handle the crazy holiday rush. 


5 Commercial Kitchen Equipment Tips to Prepare for the Holiday Rush


Here are 5 commercial kitchen equipment tips to set you and your restaurant up for success this holiday season:


1. Create a comprehensive holiday season checklist. 


The holiday season presents challenges your staff doesn’t experience any other time of the year. Many restaurants serve specialty items or offer to-go dishes for people to enjoy during the holidays. Staffing shortages and call-outs also increase during the holidays. 


The best way to prepare is to create
a comprehensive holiday checklist for your restaurant. This can include everything from inventory checks and plans for holiday orders to cleaning plans and equipment inspections. You might also consider reviewing the checklist with stakeholders and training staff about any unique changes to their routines. 


2. Implement a consistent equipment cleaning routine.


Cleaning and maintaining a commercial kitchen
is a significant part of work in a restaurant. This is especially true during busy seasons when commercial kitchen equipment is running non-stop. It’s also important to remember that your kitchen staff might have to work overtime or cover a shift they don’t normally work. Posting checklists in prominent places is a helpful way to eliminate the guesswork around cleaning. 


3. Dedicate time each week to check equipment.


Checking equipment on a regular basis is a helpful best practice throughout the year. But it can be especially helpful during the holidays. Once a week, check your pipes and valves for leaks and check your gaskets for tears.
Training employees to identify potential issues can add another layer of protection and address any failures in real time. This two-pronged approach is the best way to identify any potential hazards in the kitchen that could interfere with your equipment and grow into full-fledged problems.


4. Schedule a planned maintenance visit. 


Now is not the time to postpone or procrastinate on routine equipment maintenance. Scheduling a planned maintenance visit before the holidays can help eliminate worrying about something going wrong. Whether you need planned maintenance for 10 or 100 pieces of equipment, our team at ATECH can
create a tailored maintenance program for your restaurant


5. Equip your team with a backup plan. 


Unexpected breakdowns can still happen, even with a planned maintenance plan. That’s why it helps to
equip your kitchen staff with an equipment failure plan in case you’re not there to handle it. This should include who to call in case of an emergency as well as your backup plan if specific equipment goes down. 


Let ATECH Eliminate the Stress of the Holiday Season


The holidays are already stressful for restaurants and commercial kitchens as you deal with staffing and inventory issues. Don’t let a jammed oven fan or refrigeration leak add to the chaos. If you’re planning for the holiday rush, our team at ATECH can ensure your equipment is working properly and ready for anything the season might have in store. 


You can reach out today to
set up a planned maintenance visit for your equipment. We’d also encourage you to add the phone number of our nearest service center to your speed dial. In most cases, our technicians provide same-day visits on calls received by noon.

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!
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.
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