Here’s our quick guide to training your employees to identify potential issues with your commercial kitchen equipment.

Your food service team are the individuals who work most closely with your commercial kitchen equipment on a daily basis. Consequently, they’re the people most able to identify equipment that is working well, as well as equipment that may be having maintenance issues. When you’ve recently brought in new staff, you want to arm them with the information they need to spot equipment problems before they spiral out of control.

Encourage Your Employees to Share Any Decrease in Equipment Performance With You

When people work with commercial kitchen equipment every day, they develop a sixth sense for how the equipment functions. Part of this includes being able to sense the ambient temperature of equipment like commercial refrigerators, walk-in coolers, or ovens. A quick check of the thermostat can also confirm if the equipment is having difficulty reaching or holding the appropriate temperature. Encourage your employees to notify you if they notice an increase in time needed to restore the correct temperature after the equipment door is opened and closed. This may indicate a need for equipment maintenance.

Train Your Accountant to Look for Energy Bill Increases

Although your first instinct may be to keep an eye on the equipment itself, there may be a piece of paper in your office that can help you quickly determine if your commercial kitchen equipment is functioning well: your monthly energy bill. If you notice a gradual or sudden spike in your energy bill that can’t be linked to seasonal changes, equipment issues may be the culprit. Grease could be building up on the filters or the ventilation system, which could make your HVAC run less efficiently. Or, a piece of equipment may be using more energy to maintain the correct temperature, which may mean you need to replace a fan, cooling element, or heating element.

Ask Your Staff to Look for Leaks

Commercial kitchens are prone to accumulating moisture and grease, so leaks from refrigerators, walk-in coolers, and commercial dishwashers can sometimes go unnoticed in a busy commercial kitchen. Is that wet spot on the floor from an over-full pasta stockpot, moisture from mopping up a spill, or is it leakage from the commercial dishwasher? If you see any moisture, double-check the source, especially if it’s close to your commercial dishwasher. Follow the same thought process for your fryers. Is that excessive oil near the fryer simply from daily operation? Or is it a sign of a frypot that is leaking? It’s better to err on the side of caution and call for a maintenance checkup. Leaks should be taken seriously, as they can signal a pending equipment failure that can interrupt the smooth functioning of a commercial kitchen.

Mark Your Average Ice Level

Restaurants can go through ice at a very quick pace, and it can be quite obvious if your ice maker doesn’t have the output that it once did. If you’re consistently noticing a low or slow harvest from your ice machine, do a cleaning on it. If it still acts up, it may be time to set up a maintenance appointment to fix the problem before it becomes a big problem. To help your employees identify a low ice yield, use painter’s tape to mark an average ice harvest line. If ice levels are consistently below that line, call in an expert to help.

Pay Special Attention to Older Equipment

Some pieces of commercial kitchen equipment are workhorses that can provide consistent performance for years, especially if they are given a tune-up several times a year as part of a planned maintenance schedule. However, if you are working with a machine that was manufactured more than ten years ago, you may want to increase the frequency of planned maintenance check-ups in order to catch and address any issues that might crop up. Instruct employees to keep a close eye on older machines and to alert you if they notice anything out of the ordinary. Small changes like unusual noises, poor performance, or malfunctioning parts may be a herald of larger issues to come with the equipment. These need to be addressed quickly to keep an older piece of equipment in good working order.

The ATECH Approach

ATECH understands the repair needs of individual restaurants as well as large, multi-site operations. We’re committed to maintaining your equipment and fixing anything quickly, efficiently, and effectively. We bring our commitment to integrity and expertise to every single repair we make. To find out how we can help keep your operation running smoothly, reach out to us today 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.