When starting your restaurant, you need to consider how you want it to look. Especially in the kitchen, this can make a big difference in terms of your restaurant’s overall feel and atmosphere. There are many things to consider when setting up your kitchen, including working with a contractor to help you set it up.
The most important thing to consider when designing and setting up your kitchen is the layout, which will define the rest of your space. For example, if you have a long table in the middle of your restaurant, people can see most of the food without any distractions.
Another thing to think about is the concept of your food. For example, if you have a restaurant that focuses on burgers, it is essential to have a place to store all of your burger supplies. This can also determine how many staff members are necessary to keep the kitchen running smoothly. Removing some countertop spaces will be essential to create more space for tables and chairs. The following article will give you more information on setting up a kitchen for your small commercial restaurant.
1. Install Storage
One thing that is essential to any commercial kitchen is storage. Installing storage will not only help you save space, but it can also help your restaurant run smoothly. Storage shelves come in many different sizes, and you should install them based on the size of your kitchen.
You can also use tall deep drawers or cabinets to store small items, like spices. Installing pull-out drawers will help maximize the space in your cabinets. A good rule is installing enough storage for your busiest day.
2. Install Countertops
Countertops can also help save space in your commercial kitchen but can be distracting. Even though they make your food look pretty, you need to keep the focus on the food at all times. Use countertops near the cooking area if they are not necessarily in other parts of your kitchen. You should also use different types of countertops throughout your kitchen, including stainless steel and marble countertops.
3. Consider Refrigerators and Freezers
Refrigerators, freezers, and ice machines are essential for your commercial kitchen. You will also need to ensure that you have enough storage space for these appliances, as they can be bulky. Be sure to store the large items in the freezer and the small items in the refrigerator.
Installing a Hoshizaki DCM-271BAH air-cooled ice maker will help keep your restaurant running smoothly, as you can store more ice for your restaurant use. It is also vital to note that commercial refrigeration and ice machines are available for different models. For this reason, ensuring that you are getting the right size for your business is essential.
4. Consider Ventilation and Lighting
Dual circulating fans may be helpful in your commercial kitchen, especially if you have an open floor plan or high ceilings. They also prevent heat from building up in your kitchen during summer. If you are adding a fan with LED lights, consider installing dimmers to ensure that you can have the proper lighting conditions whenever you need them. You can also install exhaust hoods to prevent grease from building on your wall or ceiling over time.
5. Design Your Workflow
When setting up a commercial kitchen, you should devise a system for how your cooks and staff members will work in the kitchen. This can include planning the order in which people will work on different types of dishes. For example, if you are making pizza, you may want to focus on baking the crust and then making the sauce and toppings. It is crucial to have an efficient system because this can make your restaurant run more smoothly and quickly.
You should also consider the process your staff members need to follow during each step of the cooking process. For example, you may want them to wash their hands before they begin working in the kitchen. Installing an integrated sink and faucet can be useful, as this will keep your employees from walking too far from their workstations.
6. Stock Your Restaurant
One of the essential parts of setting up a commercial kitchen is stocking your restaurant with time-saving and cost-effective supplies. This includes water coolers, condiments, cookbooks, and utensils for every dish you make. You should also consider stocking your kitchen with additional items, such as spatulas, pastry brushes, and tongs.
Conclusion
While setting up a commercial kitchen can be difficult and time-consuming, it will save you time and money. The most important thing about arranging your commercial kitchen is to ensure that it will make your employees the most efficient. If you have questions about setting up a restaurant kitchen, it is always a great idea to talk to experienced restaurant planners and designers.