When you’re a restaurant, especially a new establishment, you want to impress all of the patrons, generate some publicity and churn out sublime meals. The best way to achieve this is to have impeccable equipment in the kitchen.
One of the greatest pieces of tools to have in your restaurant’s kitchen is anything related to food preparation, which is primarily handled by your sous chef. That’s right. Food prep equipment will ensure that you deliver high-quality food at a fast pace. Remember, a way to make your customers disappointed is to have their food arrive to their table late – we all know how we behave when we’re hangry.
If you’re opening the doors to your new restaurant in the next few weeks, then you need to look for top-notch food prep equipment as soon as possible. Here are five tips for buying food prep equipment for your restaurant:
1. Ensure the Equipment Meets Local Codes
Every municipality has a series of by-laws and codes that businesses, including restaurants, cafes and diners, need to abide by. It can be costly to adhere to these regulations, but you have no other choice but to comply, otherwise you’ll be slapped with fines, tickets and even notices of closure.
So, when you’re in the market for food prep equipment, you must determine if the products will meet local codes and standards. The professionals at your supplier will help you with this information, but it would also be prudent to solicit the advice from your local government.
2. Think About the Long-Term Costs
Not only you will be making an investment when you purchase food prep equipment, you will also be enduring long-term costs, such as maintenance, hydro and repairs. This is something that you need to mull over as you peruse your options pertaining to the technology.
3. Learn What Warranties You Have
When you’re a business owner, one of the most important things to have with you at all times is this: the warranty.
That’s right. The warranty, whether it is five years or lifetime, is your way to save money, ensure you have the best of the best and that you will not experience any downtime moving forward.
As you shop around for food prep equipment, one of the very first questions you should put forward is this: does it come with a warranty?
4. Only Purchase What You Need
A common mistake that restaurateurs make is buying more than they need. If you want to start your business off on the wrong foot, then this is what you should do. On the other hand, if you want to get into the black as quick as you can, then pay attention to the dollars and cents.
Simply put: only purchase what you need, do not become extravagant and buy every single item that comes your way.
5. Inspect the Equipment When It Arrives
You’re spending thousands of dollars in a short period of time on food prep equipment. You will be spending thousands of dollars more in just owning this equipment. Of course, you want your food prep equipment to arrive to your location in the greatest of shape.
To ensure this is what you get, it is imperative to inspect the equipment when it comes off the truck. Study the outside, examine the inside, test it out and guarantee that it is in 100 percent working condition. If not, send it back and request that you get another new piece of equipment.
It is expensive to own and operate a restaurant, but it is also rewarding. Since this will be your livelihood for the foreseeable future, you need to keep on your toes at all times. You need to be the manager, accountant, supervisor, critic and customer service clerk. This all begins when you’re getting your food prep equipment. Pay attention to what you’re buying, keep tabs of what you own and make sure everything is working.
