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Hospitality food service is a distinct sector in its industry. It requires satisfying the needs of customers that will most times, also be lodging at the establishment. Clientele often includes the family on vacation, the tired patron of a long road trip, and the professional traveling for business. The bar is significantly raised when you are expected to offer quality customer service, superior room service, delicious hotel food and entertainment. Make sure your establishment is well equipped and up for the challenge with these tips for equipping your hotel kitchen, lodge or resort restaurant.
Bar Equipment
Planning on bringing the social life to your hotel? No problem! Having the bar equipment you need will prepare you to compete with the best of them. Here are a few items you will want to have:
- Bar cooler & Keg coolers – for keeping your beers cool
- Bar glass washer – to keep those glasses sparklin’ clean
- Bar ice bins
- Bar sinks
- And more…
Tip: Consider mood lighting at your bar. According to Nightclub.com, your lighting color can affect how long your patrons stay, and in turn how much they will spend. Ahhh, good ol’ strategy!
Cooking Equipment
What meals will your hotel offer – continental breakfast or breakfast service buffet? Upscale dinner portions? Maybe you need a commercial toaster to handle high volume morning usage from your guests. Or perhaps you want a steam table for your buffet style cafeteria. Whatever your needs are, prepare your kitchen with suitable cooking equipment that is sure to deliver!
Tip: Save money by dressing your kitchen to meet the needs of your menu. Many times a kitchen item is functional for many uses.
Food Prep
When your food prep lines are set up properly, the operation can run much smoother, and guests can get what they want quicker – their meal! Having your sandwich prep table, food processors, scales, work tables (and more) can be the key to a successful hotel restaurant operation!
Tip: Be careful not to wear hanging ornaments or loose garments when handling food prep machinery. This can get caught into equipment and cause injury.
Commercial Refrigeration
Having the proper refrigeration is essential for keeping things cool, and storing your cold items. Commercial kitchen refrigeration includes, but is not limited to:
Coolers - both reachin and walkin styles
Freezers - for higher volume, a walkin might be the way to go
Display cases
Refrigerated prep tables
Tip: Check door gaskets regularly to make sure they are not worn. This will decrease the chance of warm air entering the refrigeration unit which can cause temperature fluctiations and spoiled food.
Breakfast Service & Bar
Many patrons are attracted to a guest house based on its breakfast services, especially if breakfast is included in the lodging package. Make sure that when your guests wake up from a good nights’ rest, they are met by the aroma and convenience of a meticulously prepared breakfast bar. Stock up on items like these to be prepared:
Toasters
Coffee & Tea brewers and dispensers
Syrup & Accessories
Utility Carts
Tip: To avoid foodborne illness, Change foods out that have been sitting for a long time.
Event Catering
Does your hotel or motel have a reception or event area for special events and parties? Event catering is a wonderful way to boost sales and encourage new business. But before you can reap the benefits of event catering, you will need to be prepared by having the proper catering and buffet equipment. Items such as utility transport carts, chafers, buffet steam tables, portable beverage coolers, insulated food carriers, and more are a must have!
Tip: Purchase used catering equipment to significantly cut costs!
Restaurant Furniture
You want your guests to be completely comfortable, and feel at home – and for most of them, this is home away from home. Comfortable dining furniture will ensure that they can fully indulge in their meal, and tend to all senses!
Whether your front of the house area is furnished with booths, modern bar stools, or both – you can find the chairs, booths, and dining tables you are looking for.
Tip: Consider customizing your tables for that unique décor. Different features come in adaptable forms so don’t feel you need to fit into a one size fit all option.
Hotel Kitchen Complete
Now you know what equipment you need to outfit your hotel kitchen and restaurant. Use these tips to your advantage, and you will notice how many people will love your added hospitality.
Connect with ACityDiscount to ask us questions or to let us know how you're handling food service at your home-away-from-home!
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