Growing Your Commercial Kitchen: What to Consider

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Growing Your Commercial Kitchen: What to Consider When Expanding

September 1, 2022

Expanding your commercial kitchen is no small feat. Whether you’re looking to improve the utilization of your current kitchen or increase your service capacity, there are many factors for restaurant owners and managers to consider when planning for commercial kitchen expansion. The last thing you want is to get to the end of the project and feel like you wasted money because the expansion didn’t accurately address your needs.

As one of Tennessee’s leading commercial kitchen equipment service and parts providers, we’ve worked alongside numerous restaurants during their expansion process. We’ve learned a lot from these experiences. In this post, we wanted to share some of the best practices for expanding a commercial kitchen we’ve learned. Hopefully, it can help you develop an expansion plan that meets your restaurant’s specific needs.

What to Consider When Expanding Your Commercial Kitchen

Here are five factors that are important to consider when looking to expand your commercial kitchen:

1. What are your primary goals for expanding your kitchen?

Restaurant managers and owners considering a commercial kitchen expansion should start with a clear understanding of what they're hoping to accomplish with the remodel. Some goals might be obvious, such as “increasing our service capacity” or “improving outdated equipment.” But your expansion also gives you the opportunity to address factors such as creating a better work environment for staff and maximizing how you utilize space. Remodeling may also give you the physical space to improve other parts of your restaurant, including menu expansion and staffing additions.

2. How will you optimize your workflow during the expansion?

Proper workflow is critical for success in a commercial kitchen. The processes you have in place to store, prep, cook, and serve food can make a big impact on your efficiency, output, and customer satisfaction.

While your current workflow might run smoothly, it’s important to consider how your expansion will impact it. For example, how will the expansion impact your staff’s pathway for transporting ingredients from storage to prep areas? Are there any areas of possible cross-traffic that can be eliminated through an expansion?

3. How will you approach the expansion project?

One of the most challenging aspects of commercial kitchen expansion or remodeling is determining a plan that will cause the least amount of disruption to your business. It’s important for your entire staff to know how the expansion will impact their work and what adjustments they need to make.

If you need to shut down any part of your commercial kitchen during the remodel or expansion, make sure your process is well organized so that the temporary location is as functional as your original setup.

4. Does your expansion take new storage needs into consideration?

Being able to serve more customers won’t help much if you can’t store the additional food your cooks will need. If your expansion includes adding hot side equipment, you’ll want to make sure you have enough storage to stock the additional inventory you’ll use after the expansion. When you expand your physical space, don’t forget to include plans for additional shelving and storage. Keep everything within reach for quick and easy use to cut down on trips to the walk-in.

5. Could your restaurant benefit from new kitchen equipment as part of your expansion?

Remodeling and expanding your restaurant kitchen is also a natural time to consider if your kitchen equipment needs to be updated. An equipment audit or assessment by a commercial kitchen repair service can help you prioritize which pieces to replace first. Replacement can also have an impact on your total operations cost. New, efficient equipment can lower utility bills and reduce the total carbon footprint of your restaurant.

Need Some Guidance For Your Commercial Kitchen Expansion?

Expanding your commercial kitchen is a huge feat that requires careful planning and coordination. As an authorized service agent for over 123 manufacturers, our team is happy to answer any questions you might have about your hot side, cold side, or HVAC equipment. We also work closely with food service equipment dealers throughout the state that can assist you with the design and implementation needed to turn your vision into reality.

Contact us to help you keep your entire commercial kitchen running smoothly with our planned maintenance, equipment repair services, food service chemicals, and kitchen parts and supplies.

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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.