Energy Star Variety of Commercial Equipment

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Phuc

Did you know that there are a variety of commercial foodservice equipment categories that are ENERGY STAR qualified? You might initially assume they were limited to equipment like ENERGY STAR refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers, but surprisingly there are also ENERGY STAR fryers, steam cookers, ice machines, ovens, griddles, and hot food holding cabinets. You can save your business on both energy and water consumption costs which can save hundreds or thousands of dollars and help the environment at the same time. Be sure to check out our ENERGY STAR page for additional details, product information, and tips on saving money. Continue reading →

Recycling & Saving Money

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Phuc

Recycle Recycling can actually save money and at the same time help the environment. It is also required by law in a growing number of states, with fines enforced for not recycling. Besides receiving store credit or refund from materials from cans and glass, recycling recyclable materials can actually cost less for you than dumping or trash disposals. Many restaurant or foodservice customer-used materials can be recycled. These materials are not limited to just paper, plastics, glass, beverage containers, but also foil, metal, white office paper, newspapers, and cardboard. Whether you’re a restaurant, deli shop, coffee shop, small business office, or convenience store, there are a lot of opportunities to go green and help the environment. Continue reading →

Walk Throughs – Tour Blue Print Design & Equipment Ideas

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Phuc

Restaurant Designs Walk Throughs A couple of weeks ago, we at RestaurantSupply.net had launched our Specialty Shops Design Walk Throughs, which are literally “guided tours “of detailed CAD design blue print drawings of sample restaurant or specialty foodservice locations. These imaginary Shops include the typical elements of these types of foodservice businesses, and what your restaurant or specialty foodservice location could look like. The Walk Through shows where to lay out all of the equipment and why, how to organize sections of your shop, and the suggested equipment/supplies you might use to complete your layout. Whether you’re planning or renovating a pizza restaurant, a small bar, or concession stand, these are brilliant designs and equipment ideas that you can use as a starting point for your shop’s set-up plan, before the building out / construction phase. They can also be used to inspire renovation of any kind of foodservice establishment. Continue reading →

The Zen of Refrigerated Drawers

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Patrick

What if I told you that I could offer a remedy for a headache that didn’t involve any medication, meditation, herbal tea, acupuncture, holistic fabrication, or western medicine? What if I could tell you that I could offer to eliminate the cause instead of pontificating about my cure? Naturally, I’m talking to you, the busy, independent restaurant owner, who is likely struggling in this tough, end of December, 2011 economy with a downsized staff, smaller margins, and higher operating costs. Not to mention the whole new anxiety brought on by the shadows of 2011 and the unsure, dimly lit future that we hope to see for most of 2012 before the supposed prophetic end of the world a year from now.

Do I sound like I’m a snake oil salesman yet? I’m not. I’m simply talking about refrigerated drawers, and most specifically, Turbo Air refrigerated drawers. Turbo Air’s refrigerated drawers, mounted inside their existing under counter refrigeration units, provide the cure for your headaches. They are efficient to operate, inexpensive to procure, easy to clean, and nearly eliminate an entire staff member during dinner service. Continue reading →

Catering Events, Equipment, & Etiquette

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Phuc

Catering Drink Dispensers Catering and buffet chafers catering stand display
Getting into the holidays such as New Year’s Eve, there are many special events happening that your restaurant, business, company, or even you at home may host. This may call for catered foods ranging from small informal settings and buffets to upscale banquet food served to guests. Any special occasions for celebration, from anniversaries and weddings to birthday or private parties, could come up as well. In addition to having the basic catering/buffet equipment necessary for serving or self-serve, there are a few catering elements and rules of etiquette that leave a lasting impression. Continue reading →

New Year’s Eve Event Ideas for Restaurants / Bars

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Phuc

Pizza Cookies Candles & Lighting

When the end of the year rolls around many, people look for something to do for New Year’s Eve. Whether they want to be there to count down until midnight strikes, to have a champagne toast, or for that midnight kiss, they want something pleasant at the start of a new year. This is a good time for restaurants, bars and night life locations to give their guests an event to experience, remember, and talk about. Over the years, I’ve seen many event ads, attended some New Year’s bashes, and noticed a few simple key party elements that you can use to attract people and get them excited. (Some of this is also applicable if you are just throwing a “house party” or dinner). Continue reading →

The Power of Vinaigrette & Recipes

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Patrick

Every single year the same holidays come around at the same times. In the restaurants, supermarkets and at caterers, this is often the busiest season of the year. It’s also the busiest time of the year for families. When I met my wife, she was the catering manager for the prepared foods department in a major natural foods chain. Here, the total dollar sales for a week would jump nearly $20,000 from the thanksgiving holiday through Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years. While she had corporate menus and demands sent down from the head office, she still needed to do what we always have to do in foodservice, “GET THE JOB DONE!” So, she came up with some ideas that she could use that would offset her hectic production schedule and utilize ingredients that otherwise might just have gone into the compost bin, overlooked by the busy staff. Continue reading →

Co-Worker Office Food & Goodies

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Phuc

Whipped Cream Cheese Filled Date Nut Bread

A way to win over a co-worker’s heart is through his/her stomach Today Danielle brought in pasta, which inspired me to write about office food and goodies that co-workers bring in here at RestaurantSupply.net. I noticed that we have very talented cooks on board and even the foods people bring in that they don’t cook themselves are chosen with good taste. I, however, have a history of bringing my co-workers the strangest things that seem like they should be on the Bizarre Foods show. Well, it’s the thought that counts! Continue reading →

How Coffee Can improve Your Repertoire & Your Restaurant

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Alexa

Coffee
With coffee shops increasingly popular throughout the United States and more and more people consuming coffee each year, many eat-in establishments never bother improving their coffee, serving bland, so-so coffee because there is already so much competition in that particular arena. Some stop serving it all together, believing they should be highlighting their restaurant’s meal menu, since their customers can get a fine cup of coffee elsewhere. That may be a big misconception. In fact, if you ask typical restaurant patrons, a good cup of coffee with that breakfast, appetizer or dessert is a reason to return. Therefore, improving your coffee can help sales and customer loyalty. Having great-tasting coffee at your restaurant or diner can encourage repeat visits from customers who genuinely enjoy your food, but not your typical, generic coffee. Continue reading →

Elegant Dinner Table Essentials

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Phuc

dinnerware
Whether you are setting up a table for a fancy restaurant or preparing a romantic dinner for two, there are a couple of dinner table essentials and must-haves to accommodate meals and to set the mood. We hope this guide will help complete your dinner setting. Continue reading →