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How to Make Your Commercial Kitchen a Better Environment for Your Employees
July 13, 2021
When employees are happy, they work harder . It’s a wise investment to make the workspace more amenable for your entire team. This is even more true in commercial kitchens. Restaurant kitchens
can be places where high humidity, high temperatures, and cramped conditions can be the norm. Thankfully, more and more commercial kitchen managers are thinking intentionally about how to improve the design of commercial kitchens. With a few changes, your organization’s kitchen can be a pleasant, well-ventilated, and functional workspace. Here are our tips for improving your commercial kitchen layout and environment. 

1. Optimize Your Space

You may not have unlimited space in your commercial kitchen, but what’s even more important is how that space is arranged. In a commercial kitchen, efficiency is key. You can eliminate extraneous foot traffic by designating separate spaces for sauteing, prepping, saucing, and expediting. 

2. Consider Traffic Flow

In the middle of a lunch or dinner rush, there can be many people moving around a commercial kitchen at a very quick pace. When setting up your commercial kitchen, make sure you’ve created wide pathways between stations where two people can pass each other comfortably. Keep in mind that workers may be transporting hot, heavy, sharp, or wet objects, and allow extra space for that cargo. 

3. Carefully Plan the Placement of Large Equipment

If you’re bringing new commercial kitchen equipment into a space , take some time to plan the layout before the equipment is delivered. Experiment on paper with a few arrangements. Whenever possible, separate hot equipment such as commercial ranges and ovens from walk-in refrigeration and freezing equipment. Having an oven near refrigeration units can affect the temperature regulation of the freezers or coolers , or even increase the amount of gas needed to keep the oven at the correct temperature. 

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Rearrange 

While it’s important to carefully plan out the layout of your commercial kitchen, you may not be able to predict how the space functions in real-world situations. Once you and your team spend time in the space, you may discover that some rearrangement is necessary. Although it can be frustrating to move the equipment and set it up a second time, it can save you several hours lost to inefficient movement. When workers are forced to move inefficiently in a space due to layout concerns, valuable time is lost while transporting ingredients or moving food from one part of the kitchen to another. 

5. Keep the Space Clean

In a commercial kitchen setting, a clean space is a safe space . Promptly cleaning up spills, dropped ingredients, and boiled-over sauces on a range can help prolong the life of your commercial kitchen equipment and keep your employees safe. Most of the danger in a commercial kitchen stems from indoor air pollution or an unexpected grease or electrical fire. Have a service company perform quarterly maintenance on your HVAC system to keep indoor air clear of particulates. To protect against fire, keep equipment clean and have a commercial kitchen technician clean and check your grease trap regularly.

Ready to Schedule Planned Maintenance?

Another way to keep your commercial kitchen in tip-top shape is to schedule planned maintenance visits with ATECH to service your commercial kitchen equipment. For over 25 years, we’ve been trusted by Tennessee businesses to troubleshoot and repair commercial kitchen ovens, ranges, coolers, freezers, ice machines, and HVAC ventilation systems. Whether you have one location or 25, our highly-trained service techs can fix equipment breakdowns and perform routine maintenance on all of your commercial kitchen equipment brands. To help you keep a regular schedule for servicing your commercial kitchen equipment, reach out to us for a planned maintenance visit today. 
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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