5 Ways to Reduce Stress in a Commercial Kitchen

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February 6, 2023

Working in a restaurant or commercial kitchen can be a hard and stressful job. There are days when you’re standing on your feet for hours without a break, dealing with a rush or meal prep responsibilities. The new challenges of inflation have only added to the stress. Many restaurants are dealing with industry-wide staffing issues as well as rising food costs and shortages.

While there might be certain variables outside of your control, there are a few things you can do to reduce stress for your kitchen staff. At ATECH, we’ve partnered with hundreds of restaurants across Tennessee as their repair and maintenance provider. This means we know what your everyday reality looks like. We’ve also learned a few things from our clients when it comes to “reducing the heat” in the back of house.

5 Ways to Reduce Stress in a Commercial Kitchen

While there are many ways to create a positive work environment for your staff, here are a few specific ways you can reduce stress as it relates to your commercial kitchen equipment:

1. Optimize the Layout of Your Kitchen

Chefs and kitchen staff are responsible for managing and executing dozens of tasks each day. Even if you’re only responsible for a single dish, preparing that recipe may require a significant number of ingredients and steps to complete it. Arranging your equipment in a way that allows employees to work as efficiently as possible is key to making your commercial kitchen a better environment for your employees. If possible, eliminate the sharp corners, open flames, or protruding hoods that keep employees on their toes with every movement.

2. Create a Safe Working Environment

Creating a safe working environment for your chefs and servers is another helpful way to reduce the stress of working in the industry. Chefs and other kitchen staff are exposed to many hazards in the daily course of duties. Mishaps, falls, sharp tools, heavy equipment, and other issues can make working in a restaurant a potentially dangerous occupation. When it comes to keeping your employees safe in the kitchen, it’s important to develop clear protocols and consistent procedures for your team to follow. This includes everything from organization practices to handling commercial kitchen cleaning chemicals.

3. Reduce the Equipment-Related Stressors for Your Staff

Working with commercial kitchen equipment can also create stress for employees. Managing faulty equipment, like having to reignite a burner or unclogging a sink, only adds to the busy nature of their work. There’s nothing worse than being bombarded with orders while working around a grill with one side down or an oven not holding temperature. Investing in planned maintenance is a great way identify and to address issues before they escalate and ensure all your equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

4. Plan What You’ll Do if Something Goes Wrong

Inevitably, there will be times when an issue arises with a piece of equipment. This can be one of the most stressful experiences in a commercial kitchen. What should an employee do? How will you continue to provide menu items? The best way to “put the fire out” quickly is to have a proactive plan that prepares your team for kitchen equipment failure. Whether it’s having oven parts on hand to prevent downtime or designating responsibilities for kitchen maintenance, being proactive is the best way to reduce stress if (and when) something goes wrong.

5. Keep Your Space Clean

Keeping your commercial kitchen clean and organized is beneficial for maintaining food quality and avoiding potential health code violations. It’s also one of the most effective ways to reduce stress in the kitchen. Proper labeling, prep sheets, and cleaning checklists are all important keys to running a commercial kitchen successfully.

Reduce the Stress of Managing Kitchen Equipment with ATECH

At ATECH, we’ve built a reputation for providing quick and reliable service for your commercial kitchen equipment. If you’re looking for a partner to service and maintain your restaurant equipment, let us show you why so many Tennessee businesses trust ATECH. With our help, you can count on your equipment to perform well every day and create a more positive working environment for you and your employees.

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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.