Table Side POS
There are a lot of benefits to having table-side checkout. Servers see an average of a 15% increase in their tips and turn their tables over ten minutes faster. Another added benefit is that employees or servers can be flexible throughout the restaurant and help support customers for other necessary services. They can assist with heavy drive-through orders, curbside pickup, and online ordering. The automation also means servers won’t have to run back and forth for changed orders either. The customer orders are communicated clearly through the digital system.
Streamline Menus With QR Codes
If you are on the online and to-go order bandwagon, check out QR codes. Customers can scan the code and look at your menu from their phones. Safety fits here for supporting the reduction of health concerns with menus that would traditionally go through a lot of handling. QR codes are easily created through many websites and applications.
With a QR code, you can easily change your menu to reflect current availability and specials without having to reprint menus. Also, you can consider simplifying your menu to offer a more streamlined and efficient offering, focusing on your core items. By highlighting your top recipes or dishes within your menu, you can also keep food waste down.
Kitchen Time
What about your staffing needs, chefs, and managing your costs? Food safety is always important even without a pandemic, but what can you do to ensure everyone is on board?
Food Safety
Having training just on food safety is critically important for a successful restaurant. Apart from stand-up training, it is a good idea to have a few visual reminders in the kitchen where they are visible to the staff.
Cooking temperature log
Cooking temperature levels poster
Reheating food safely posters
Technology is your friend as well. Consider training videos and online courses to supplement your verbal and visual reminders. There are many options to ensure your team is up to speed with all food handling and safety best practices.
Time & Labor-Saving Equipment
Everyone wants to save money and time, so how about opting for some equipment for your restaurant that can do both? The restaurant industry is evolving, and owners are redesigning their kitchens for a smaller footprint to save space and innovate with better technology. Consider adding more or changing your equipment.
Combi Ovens
Combi ovens can replace a convection oven and a steamer in many cases. They utilize steam and hot air, as well as a combination of both functions to support everything from baking bread to poaching fish and braising beef. Most units come with touchscreen menu options, making the cooking functionality easy.
Blast Chillers
These are designed to support food safety by bringing products down to a safe temperature quickly. They offer efficiency with the option to buy local and fresh foods and extend their shelf life.
Food Processors
Food processor units can cover many kitchen functions including chopping, slicing, shredding, and grinding to save you on labor costs. Consider a Robot Coupe for high-end food processing functionality.
Single Push-Button Equipment
For example, speed ovens, food processors, and microwaves can reduce time in food preparation with the push of a button. Many units offer built-in menu functionality, meaning you can choose from your menu items and automate the cooking timeline and process.
Quality To-Go Packaging
Focusing on the packaging will save you in the long run when your meals are delivered fresh to your customer. For example, did you know that styrofoam containers are more likely to make fresh french fries soggy than a paper to-go container? Understanding which types of to-go packaging keep your menu items at their best quality is essential in creating a successful to-go food operation.
Your Busy Restaurant
Don’t forget the small things that save big in small wares such as single-handed slicers for boiled eggs and vegetables and single squeeze dispensers, for example. Having upgraded equipment in your kitchen will help maintain safety, functionality, and keep control of payroll and other expenses.
Remember, the restaurant industry is consistent in terms of innovation. Whether you are just beginning to upgrade or are amid modernizing your kitchen, these tactics will see you through the tough times and the good ones so you can keep operating a successful restaurant.
