Buying kitchen equipment is one of the hardest and most expensive parts of opening a restaurant. Furthermore, the information that can guide you on how to go about the whole process is limited. Your vendor can give you the advice you need but what about when this advice is not available? Kitchen equipment and items range from cups, silverware, plates, napkins, spoons, straws, and more. To lessen the burden and hassle of purchasing kitchen equipment and other items for your restaurant, this article has put together best practices to adopt.
Table of Contents
Buy from Popular Brands
There is a major reason why specific items and equipment are popular. It is because they are recognized either as good or poor quality. When a particular item or equipment is chosen by managers, chefs, or staff in a restaurant, it is because it works perfectly in meeting the restaurant’s demands. Items from popular brands are cost-effective and reliable compared to the less popular brands. Another benefit of buying a popular brand is because people are very familiar with them. So, any time you need repair, you are more likely to get another person who knows how to fix it.
Involve your Staff
You will not be the only person using the equipment or the items. So, it will be wise if you involved the other people in your decision. Ask your customers and staff to help you in choosing the right items. For instance, you can ask them if they need an upgrade on their previous equipment. You may also ask them the items they would never want in the restaurant. Another thing is asking what to buy to make things easier in the restaurant. For instance, they may suggest you buy coffee cups in bulk to ensure there will be no delays or shortages when serving the customers. Buying equipment based on the idea of the people who use them daily will improve your input. It will also give you confidence when you know your staff and customers have access to things they love.
Research
Before you buy any item consider researching first to understand its pros and cons. Knowing how good or bad an item or equipment is will help in narrowing down your list of options. One rule of thumb is to avoid items that are very new in the market. Go for those that have been in the market for a considerably long time. The manufacturers have improved their quality with time.
Plan on the Layout
When buying the equipment, make sure you set a layout first. Get your kitchen dimensions and involve your staff when doing this. Your staff will be using these items more than you. So, let them plan what works best for the restaurant. Let them plan where a particular machine will be or the best place for spices.
In Conclusion
Purchasing your kitchen supplies can be quite a daunting task, especially if you don’t have the right information to guide you. The practices above are vital to helping you avoid the hurdles of purchasing your kitchen items and equipment. Follow them, and you will buy items that will serve you today and many years to come.