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Tech Spotlight: Michael Macy
February 17, 2023

Michael Macy has a warm, easygoing manner that makes people feel at ease when he’s around. His personality is an asset in his line of work. After all, he often enters the scene when people and things are falling apart, and it’s his job to help put it all back together. 


A busy commercial kitchen is an atmosphere where Michael feels comfortable, even amidst the heat, cold, and bustle, because he’s worked in kitchens for almost 10 years – 7 of them with

ATECH. He understands the unique mix of calm preparation and sudden chaos that exists behind the galley doors. 


“I have a good idea of their deadlines. If they’re expecting 300 people for dinner or a big rush coming through the door, and something’s not working, I know I’ve got to work around them to the best of my ability. I’ve got to get them back up and running before it gets really chaotic. If one piece of equipment is down, it’s like a train wreck, and everything else kind of falls apart at that point.” 


Thinking on His Feet


Working in commercial kitchen repair means getting into some pretty sticky situations, sometimes literally. Service technicians work with 600-degree ovens, walk-in freezers with temps below freezing, clogged grease traps, and everything in between. Michael’s calm demeanor is always an asset on service calls. 
 

After almost a decade in the industry, Michael has many stories, but there’s one in particular that is the perfect example of his dedication to his work. That story starts with a 500-degree griddle cooktop. 


Michael was on call one weekend when an ATECH customer called in for backup. A faulty cooktop kept switching on and off. Already, Michael was formulating a theory about why the cooktop might not be working. He immediately suspected an issue with the gas regulator. The only problem? In order to get to the regulator, he had to get to the other side of the cooktop. 


“At this point, they’ve been using the griddle all morning, and this particular griddle is a large, flat piece of metal that heats up to 500 degrees. There’s just no way around it. In order to fix the regulator, you have to pull the griddle away from the wall. The kitchen staff helped me pull out the griddle. They had turned it off, but the cooktop was still well over 300 degrees.” 


Thinking on his feet, Michael and the kitchen staff covered the cooktop with non-flammable materials to cut the intensity of the residual heat. Michael still needed to work incredibly quickly to protect himself from the heat. Working quickly and safely, Michael was able to access the gas regulator and address the problem.   


“I had to work on top of the hot surface with one hand trying to take off a gas regulator and reinstall it. There was a lot of pressure; it was really really hot, and I had to keep moving to keep myself and others safe. About 30 minutes later, I got it up and running and everybody was just ecstatic about it.”
 

Working at ATECH


Helping customers in need is what Michael likes most about working for ATECH.


“As you're doing your invoice paperwork at the end of the job, you can see everybody’s stress just leaving their faces. They’re just so relieved. That's just one of those things that makes you feel pretty good about being a service tech. Not everybody gets to feel like they saved the day at their job. It's not something big, but it can still make somebody’s day a heck of a lot easier. All around, I just want to help our customers get things back to normal and keep going.” 

 

Although Michael regularly saves the day for customers, he’s incredibly humble about it. Talking to him, you get the sense that this is just how he approaches life. Figure out the problem. Find a solution. Save the day. Make the next call. 


ATECH is proud to work with such a skilled, competent technician.



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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