Your commercial kitchen is the space where you channel your creativity and infuse your food with magic! But maintaining your performance requires you to stay on top of your standards. One smart way to do this is by taking stock of your kitchen’s food waste and implementing a strategy to tackle it. The prudent management of resources is integral if you want to get the most out of your investment. Since food waste is a common concern faced by various restaurant owners, dealing with it is simultaneously beneficial for the environment and good for your business. We have compiled a list of a few ways that you can employ to reduce food waste in your restaurant. We hope that you find these useful!
Don’t Stock Up Too Much
Begin by measuring the amount of food waste that your operations are producing. This approach will give you a rough idea of how much you need to reduce. If you maintain a neat catalogue of food usage and waste, you will be able to cut back on production but still be able to meet the demands of your customers. Certain changes like smaller portions and alterations in the menu do a lot to minimize food waste in the restaurant. You could also consider employing systems that help you anticipate food orders. If you have a dish, for instance, that is a customer favourite, you could predict the items you would need to prepare while cutting down on ingredients needed for recipes that may not be as in demand. Get a comprehensive understanding of your customer’s consumption patterns as well, and it might help you come up with new and engaging ideas to keep them coming for more!
Have the Right Equipment
The right tools can go a long way in helping any business achieve its desired results. Smart equipment that restaurants employ these days includes high-end microwave ovens, smart food mixers, and the humble, yet useful commercial coffee grinder. Further, the equipment involved in the direct process of preparation itself should always be the right size, sharpened and cleaned frequently, and replaced whenever necessary. Scheduling servicing for your equipment at regular intervals gives it more longevity. Efficient use of kitchen equipment also ensures that you are not wasting too much time in the preparation process, and you can then channel the energy and time you save towards the more creative aspects of your business.
Proper Food Storage System
Designate separate spaces in your restaurant for separate uses. Keep your kitchen layout in mind to ensure that there is ample space for you to spread your wings. Consider designating different spaces in your restaurant for different uses. A practical measure is to delegate an adequate amount of space for cooking and storage. Food waste is often the leftover food after a meal and food that was unused because it started to get stale. If you find the latter to be a problem that you frequently run up against, then perhaps the first step in improved equipment can be investing in a refrigerator that keeps your items cool for long enough to avoid spoilage and reduce food waste in the restaurant. It also helps you maintain proper food hygiene, which is integral to the success of any enterprise. Good kitchen hygiene is a non-negotiable factor in the culinary industry. Its role is irreplaceable in the lifespan of your appliances, ingredients, and your reputation. Invest in good quality commercial catering supplies is a quick and easy way to ensure your delivery and results are always their very best.
Consider Donating
Suppose you are looking to integrate certain ethical practices into your business. In that case, this can be a sensible option and have a positive impact on your business image in the industry. In recent years various organizations have emerged that can help you donate the excess food that your commercial kitchen produces. These organizations can help you by taking day-old food items that would have otherwise been thrown out and arranging donations for them. This factor is an easy, cost-effective environment and humanity-friendly way of running your business. If your restaurant is making good profits, it can be worth considering food donations.