When you are starting a new buffet restaurant or setting up a buffet section in your existing business, you face exciting possibilities and challenges ahead. However, you should also do a little research before purchasing the equipment you will need. Here are a few questions you need to ask before you go to buy buffet equipment for your business.

How Much Will It Cost?

Before you begin grabbing the things you need, you should know your overall budget. The equipment can be pricey, and it is easy to underestimate the full cost of some items. The cost of the item itself is not the only thing you should consider, because the product will still need to be transported and assembled in your restaurant.

You should also know the kind of equipment you want. Are you looking for materials that are heavy-duty, or do you value efficiency? Do you want equipment that will give you the best economic value? All of these items have different price points, so you must decide how much you are willing to spend to attain the quality you desire.

You may also need to pay for an inspection or certification, depending on the item you are buying. Know what to expect before you install it. Make sure that the brands you select have been properly certified and provide a strong warranty, especially if you are buying new.

If you are buying used equipment, you should inspect it to make sure that its previous owners cared for it properly and left it in good condition for you. You also need to know if your equipment is still under warranty, or if it has any current issues.

The specific equipment you need may depend on the style of buffet you are opening and the kind of recipes you plan to make. Know what kind of business model you plan to have before you start researching your machinery and appliances.

What Will the Upkeep Be Like?

Like any piece of technology or mechanical equipment, you will need to maintain your buffet cookware and appliances. You should research how much yearly upkeep will cost and look into how much repairs are for common errors or malfunctions in each device.

You may also want to know how much energy each appliance will use per month. If they will be in constant use, you want to know that they will not be a drain on your resources compared to other high-efficiency options.

How Much Space Do I Have?

Nothing is worse than paying for all your equipment and moving it in, only to realize that you have to play Tetris in order to fit everything in your restaurant. Once your items are picked out, get the measurements for each piece and consult your floor plan.

If you do not have enough room for all the appliances you want, including a little bit of space around each piece of equipment for the necessary hookups, you may need to go back to the drawing board. There are multiple brands and styles for each kind of equipment, and you will be able to find a different option that suits your kitchen’s requirements.

Keep in mind all the kinds of cooking equipment you will need to run a buffet: refrigerators and freezers, food warmers, stoves and ovens, frying stations and blenders. You will also need appliances to help you properly clean and sanitize, like dishwashers, and front-facing equipment like beverage dispensers and soft-serve machines. Factor these into your floor plan.

Seek Professional Assistance

If you need guidance in buying the right buffet equipment for your space or selling cookware that is no longer useful, contact us at Texas Restaurant Supply. We will help you choose the proper cookware, heating equipment and other devices needed to make your buffet the best it can be.

This year has been strange and confusing for many people, as the pandemic has changed the way we view life. However, restaurants are still in business, serving people through a mix of in-person dining, pickup and delivery.

Since the pandemic is still ongoing, you need to make sure that your equipment remains properly sanitized and cared for. Here are a few tips to keep your restaurant well-managed during the pandemic.

Clean Properly

Some places have completely removed their self-service stations. Depending on the laws set forth in your area, you may have to take away items in high-touch areas. For example, you may need to replace plastic or three-fold menus with disposable paper versions.

Other high-touch items that should be removed or replaced with disposable versions include napkins, condiments, tablecloths and seat covers. If you keep them, make sure they are properly sanitized and replaced after each customer leaves.

Because this virus is airborne, you need to make sure that you have proper, clean ventilation and that your air ducts are mold-free. You should purchase HEPA filters if possible. If you have the ability to seat customers outside, you should set up tables and chairs in an open area with some good shade.

Your restaurant should have a disinfecting schedule, and you need to train your employees to know how to properly clean surfaces and equipment. You should post signs requesting customers wear masks upon entering the premises and providing further information on stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Although you may not have allowed customers to see your employees cleaning previously, it may make them feel better to see the process occur in this current climate. You can also get them certified in cleaning and food safety through programs like ServSafe.

Make sure your employees know basic safety procedures for cleaning. For example, they need to protect their skin and eyes from harsh chemicals and should not mix chemicals to avoid toxic fumes. Door knobs, any handles and countertops should be wiped down on a regular basis. All utensils and dishes must be cleaned, rinsed and fully sanitized after each use.

If they dilute chemicals, they need to use room temperature water and label the solutions. Employees with asthma should not be using harsh chemicals at all and should not be in the room when the disinfection is taking place.

Socially Distance

People should be six feet apart as much as possible. In order to make social distancing easier, you should place tape or stickers on the floor. Put signs on tables and chairs that you are removing from use to make sure patrons socially distance from other groups. Make sure that those surfaces are still cleaned along with the ones that are actually used by customers in order to ensure that all areas of the restaurant remain fully sanitized.

Customers will probably expect your employees to wear gloves and provide hand sanitizer, and this is a good idea regardless. Make sure that your employees wash their hands once they remove their gloves, and limit their exposure to each other in places like kitchens and break rooms.

Self-service stations need to be halted, for the most part. Areas like salad bars, drink service and buffets should be closed up to prevent the spread of germs. Customers should not be using the same utensils between groups for any reason.

Contact Us

If you need to purchase new equipment to update your restaurant or sell some that is old or outdated, we are here to help. Contact us at Texas Restaurant Supply to speak with experts in commercial restaurant equipment today.