Modernization of a restaurant kitchen - when and how to invest in new equipment?

Modernization of a restaurant kitchen – when and how to invest in new equipment?

A successful catering establishment is not only the people you employ there with the right skills and qualifications. It’s also the equipment you have on hand. It is important that it works smoothly and, above all, improves the functioning of the kitchen – the heart of any restaurant.

Your guests judge the restaurant you run not only by the tasty menu. Efficient service also matters to them, and this depends on what equipment you have at your disposal. Sometimes it is necessary to replace it with newer, more functional models. See if you can determine the right time for such an investment. Also check out what else goes into modernizing a restaurant kitchen.

THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR SERVICE OF CATERING EQUIPMENT

Kitchen equipment in a restaurant should always be in full working order, because a lot depends on whether it works properly. First of all, it is about the safety of the people who use it. Secondly – properly functioning equipment also affects efficient service, as well as the overall operation of the premises.

If you want to make sure that the kitchen equipment in your premises is still suitable for safe use, opt for a service such as a professional catering equipment service. The technicians employed there will quickly and efficiently catch any faults and carry out the necessary repair work. More importantly, you can also have them perform regular maintenance on your kitchen equipment.

What is the relationship between service and maintenance of kitchen equipment and the need for modernization changes in your premises? The issue is their frequency and whether the repair work will still involve the same equipment. If this is the case, be sure to consider whether it’s not the right time to start looking around for new equipment. Buying it may prove to be more cost-effective than investing in the one you already know, but is still subject to major or minor defects.

RECOGNITION OF SIGNALS FOR EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT

It is not only the frequent breakdown of a particular appliance that sends a clear message that kitchen equipment needs to be replaced. Other signs of equipment wear and tear include:

A drop in performance, i.e. slower performance or inferior quality of functions that previously worked at a high level;
low functionality – relative to newer models;
Outdated technology, i.e., harder-to-access replacement parts.
Cost analysis – repair versus purchase of new equipment

How else can you assess whether your restaurant kitchen needs an upgrade? Compare the cost of repairing the equipment you have in stock with the potential expense of new equipment. A financial analysis over several months can reassure you that it will be more cost-effective to replace equipment rather than continually repair it.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TIME TO INVEST

When is the best time to invest? The factors you should consider when determining the ideal time are:

The budget at your disposal – if you are sure of additional income in the near future (this includes some major special events), then you can decide just to carry out the upgrade;
Seasonality – the process in question is better to plan for the off-season; this way you won’t limit your revenue or the availability of the premises to guests (often from outside your locality);
Planned renovation – this is also the ideal time to carry out a kitchen upgrade, then you will replace the equipment in one go and give the kitchen and the entire premises a new look and emphasize their functionality;
Promotional actions and discounts at suppliers – a convenient time to carry out such an upgrade is also when promotional actions are going on at equipment suppliers; then you can profitably purchase the necessary equipment for your kitchen.

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SELECTING EQUIPMENT ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE RESTAURANT

In order for a restaurant kitchen upgrade to have the desired effect, it is important to choose kitchen equipment carefully. How to choose the best one?

First – establish clearly the purpose for which you want to upgrade. This is about the needs of the restaurant – do you want to improve it only, or also expand the scope of the premises.

Second – consider the type of menu you will serve in your establishment.

Third – adjust the type of equipment to the size of the kitchen (compact and multifunctional appliances will work best in a small one).

INTEGRATION OF NEW EQUIPMENT WITH EXISTING EQUIPMENT

Effective modernization of restaurant kitchen equipment does not always have to mean replacing all equipment with brand new ones. In many cases, it can be just about retrofitting the kitchen with useful equipment. Then it is important that the newly purchased equipment be a harmonious composition with the equipment you already have in stock. Skillful integration of kitchen equipment in a restaurant is important because:

First of all – this will improve the operation of those working in the kitchen;
Secondly, the new and existing equipment will complement each other’s offered functions.