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Your Year-End Guide to Kitchen Equipment Maintenance, Budgeting, and Inventory Management
Dec 14, 2023

As the year draws to a close, many restaurant owners and kitchen managers are turning their attention to the upcoming year. One of the most critical aspects of this planning is ensuring that kitchen equipment is well-maintained and that you’re financially prepared to address any potential issues or breakdowns. At ATECH, we love helping our customers as they plan to ensure their operations run smoothly and efficiently. Some of the most common questions we hear this time of year include: How can we ensure our kitchen equipment is consistently well-maintained? How can we effectively manage our inventory of spare parts and cleaning supplies to avoid unexpected downtime? How can we budget for equipment repairs and replacements in the coming year?


At ATECH, we understand the challenges and uncertainties restaurant managers have when planning for the future. That's why we're committed to providing comprehensive support and guidance to help you eliminate the guesswork and make informed decisions. In this blog post, we wanted to offer some insights into kitchen equipment maintenance, inventory management, and budgeting strategies for the upcoming year.


Preparing for the New Year: Essential Tips for Equipment Management and Budgeting


1. Conduct a thorough inspection of your current equipment.


One of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success is to take the time to examine your kitchen equipment meticulously. You’ll want to thoroughly inspect each appliance and apparatus for any signs of wear, tear, or potential breakdowns. Pay close attention to outdated equipment that may be increasingly inefficient or pose safety risks. 


At ATECH, we make equipment inspections a regular part of our planned maintenance program for hundreds of clients. We’ve created a
comprehensive checklist for your commercial kitchen equipment to help you make sure all your bases are covered.   


2. Develop a preventive maintenance schedule.


Establishing a planned maintenance routine is the best way to safeguard your kitchen equipment against unexpected breakdowns. This proactive approach will ensure that your equipment receives the necessary attention to maintain optimal performance and minimize disruptions to your operations.


At ATECH, we’ve designed custom-planned maintenance programs for hundreds of restaurants in our service area. Our
Ultimate Planned Maintenance Guide can help you create a plan that can save your restaurant unnecessary costs while keeping your equipment in excellent shape. 

 

3. Understand your equipment warranties.


The end of the year is a good time to review your equipment warranty information. You’ll want to revisit each warranty's coverage, terms, and conditions, ensuring that you are fully aware of the manufacturer's obligations. If you notice any issues, proactively schedule maintenance and repairs before warranties expire to avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your equipment running smoothly. You’ll also want to maintain detailed records of warranty repairs and replacements to ensure you receive the full benefits of all your warranties. 


As an
Authorized Service Agent for over 130 equipment manufacturers, our team knows how to address and manage warranty issues for almost every piece of equipment in your restaurant. We also offer one of the only 90-day warranties in the industry to provide another level of protection for your equipment. 


4. Budget monthly funds for equipment repair and replacement.


As you plan for the upcoming year, allocate a specific portion of your monthly budget to cover equipment maintenance, repair, and replacement costs. This dedicated fund will provide the financial resources necessary to address any equipment issues promptly and prevent them from escalating into costly problems. It’s important to remember to base your budget on a realistic assessment of your current equipment needs, historical repair costs, and anticipated equipment upgrades.

We recently created this guide to help restaurant owners and managers know how to budget for kitchen equipment repairs and replacements


5. Create an inventory management system for backup parts and cleaning supplies. 


Never let a stockout bring your operations to a standstill. While there are various ways to manage your equipment parts and cleaning supplies, finding a system that works right for you is crucial. Whatever method you choose, you must have real-time visibility into your inventory levels. Having this information will enable you to make informed decisions about restocking and prevent stockouts that could disrupt operations.


For example, here are a few recommendations we make when it comes to:


6. Invest in staff training and education.


One of the best ways to ensure the long-term sustainability of your equipment is to empower your staff with the knowledge and skills they need to operate your equipment effectively, maintain it properly, and prioritize safety at all times. Provide regular training sessions that cover proper equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols. This includes encouraging open communication between staff and management and ensuring that equipment concerns are reported promptly and addressed proactively.


As you look ahead to next year, identify one or two opportunities where you could enhance your employee training efforts. It could be anything from
training your kitchen staff to identify potential equipment issues to what to know about cleaning for an inspection


​​ATECH: Your Partners in Restaurant Equipment Success


As you embark on the exciting journey of preparing your restaurant for a successful 2024, remember that ATECH is here to support you every step of the way.
Our team of experienced technicians is committed to providing comprehensive solutions from emergency repairs and planned maintenance to food service chemicals and equipment parts.


If you manage a restaurant in the Tennessee area and have any equipment concerns or questions, don't hesitate to
give us a call. We'd be happy to share our expertise and help you achieve your culinary goals. Together, let's make next year your most successful year yet!

By markl 20 Mar, 2024
As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime.  Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!
By markl 26 Jan, 2024
As a restaurant owner or kitchen manager, you know that the equipment in your kitchen is essential to the operations and overall profitability of your business. But do your frontline employees recognize that, too? Your line chefs and dishwashers use your equipment every day, so they're more likely to notice any problems first. That's why it's so important to capture feedback from your frontline staff on the performance of your restaurant equipment. As a trusted commercial kitchen repair service in Tennessee , we’ve had the opportunity to partner with hundreds of restaurants over the years—from nationally recognized chains to local mom-and-pop establishments. ​We’ve learned that capturing staff feedback on restaurant equipment is not just a good practice—it's a necessity for any successful establishment. In this article, we wanted to shed light on the importance of capturing staff feedback on restaurant equipment. Your employees’ assessments can be used to address problems quickly and make informed decisions about upgrades or replacements. How to Capture Staff Feedback on Restaurant Equipment 1. Recognize and address common pitfalls for reporting issues. Unfortunately, many kitchen managers find that it's difficult to get regular feedback from their staff. There are a few common reasons for this: Lack of time. Frontline staff are often busy and stressed, and they may not have time to provide feedback to their managers. Fear of retaliation. Some employees may be afraid to speak up about problems with equipment for fear that they will be punished or blamed. Lack of trust. Employees may not feel comfortable providing feedback to their managers if they don't trust them to take it seriously. 2. Create a culture of collaborative communication in your kitchen. It's important to create an open and trusting environment where your staff feels comfortable providing feedback. Here are a few tips: Make feedback a priority. Show your staff that you value their feedback by making time to listen to it and taking it seriously. Make it easy to provide feedback. Create a system for staff to submit feedback easily. Let your employees know who is responsible for equipment maintenance so they can notify the appropriate person. Be open to feedback, both positive and negative. It's important to create a culture where staff feel comfortable providing feedback, even if it's negative. Remember, feedback is a gift, and it can help you to improve your operation. If you don’t embrace feedback from employees, they might be less likely to report a faulty piece of equipment. 3. Train new employees to recognize and communicate common issues. Once you've created an environment where staff feel comfortable providing feedback, you need to train employees to recognize common equipment issues . This will help you to identify problems early before they cause major disruptions.Here are a few tips for training your staff: Provide them with a list of common equipment issues. This could include things like strange noises, unusual odors, or reduced performance. Teach them how to inspect equipment for signs of wear and tear . Help them identify potential problems before they cause equipment to break down. Show them how to report equipment issues to you. This could be done through a verbal report, a written report, or a feedback form. 4. Know the important information to capture and have a plan for addressing issues. One of the best ways to ensure problems are addressed quickly and correctly is to capture the information your commercial kitchen technician would need to know . Once you've collected feedback from your staff, you can use it to make informed decisions about equipment upgrades or replacements. As you consider repairing or replacing your kitchen equipment , here are a few things to keep in mind: Identify recurring issues . If multiple staff members are reporting the same problem with a piece of equipment, it's a sign that there is a serious issue. Consider the cost and benefits of repairs. If a piece of equipment is constantly breaking down, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to keep repairing it. Get feedback from your staff on their needs. When choosing new equipment, ask your staff for input on what features are important to them. This will help you to choose equipment that is both effective and user-friendly. A Trusted Partner to Fix Restaurant Equipment Issues At ATECH, we understand the value of staff feedback in maintaining restaurant equipment and fixing a problem as soon as possible. Our team has the experience and expertise to provide prompt, affordable repair services for all your commercial kitchen equipment . Our commitment to partnering with restaurants across Tennessee goes beyond just servicing equipment. We're here to support you in creating a kitchen that runs smoothly and efficiently through customizable planned maintenance programs. Connect with our team today to create a tailored service plan for your restaurant, franchise, or organization.
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