Outfitting a chain restaurant requires a lot of prep and planning. Of all the choices to consider, selecting the right foodservice equipment and supplies might be the most important. But where to start? Let's take a look at the five essential foodservice equipment pieces that every chain restaurant needs, broken down into prep, cooking, and sanitation. 

The Right Prep Goes a Long Way

Preparing before service is a standard part of any foodservice business. Any equipment and supplies that can help make food prep easier and more efficient should be considered.

1 - Commercial Foodservice Processor

A commercial food processor helps simplify tasks like chopping, slicing, grating, and puréeing. This streamlines prep work by eliminating manual work and saves valuable time in a busy kitchen.

Cook Up Success

Naturally, one of the most important parts of running a chain restaurant is to cook food and make sure it is prepared correctly for guests. The restaurant industry is continuing to grow; so having foodservice equipment options that can help deliver quality and efficiency in any commercial kitchen, is more important than ever.

2 - Commercial Ranges

A commercial range typically includes stovetop burners and an oven. It provides a versatile cooking platform that can be used for various techniques. It also allows chefs and cooks to prepare a wide range of dishes simultaneously.

3 - Commercial Oven

A commercial oven is crucial for baking, roasting, and broiling in a high-volume kitchen. Common examples of commercial ovens include convection ovens, deck ovens, or combi ovens. Depending on the menu requirements and the space within the kitchen, operators can select from a wide range of options that include the potential to even go ventless.

Strive for Food Safety and Sanitation

Safety and sanitation are arguably the most important goals of any chain restaurant, and there are a series of foodservice equipment and supplies that can help deliver it. From proper storage to warewashing, let's walk through a few important product segments.

4 - Commercial Refrigeration

A commercial refrigeration unit is essential for food safety and proper ingredient storage. Examples include reach-in refrigerators and freezers, walk-in coolers, and prep tables with refrigerated compartments.

5 - Commercial Dishwasher

Finally, commercial warewasher and dish machines are vital for ensuring proper sanitation for meal service. A critical component of guest satisfaction, efficient units can also help operators lower utility bills and keep up with busy rushes.

Create Your Perfect Kitchen with a Trusted Solutions Provider

Even if you know the best type of foodservice equipment for chain restaurants, variables still need consideration, like size, model, and capacity for your equipment. Partnering with a trusted solutions provider like Lindox Siegel for your foodservice equipment needs can help. Things operators should be looking for when purchasing commercial kitchen equipment include:

Customization

The ability to customize equipment and layouts can help restaurants get equipment that is specific to their needs. A team of professionals will help you determine the best options for your customization needs. 

Quotation/Ordering 

If you aren't sure what type of equipment to order or how much you will need, the right partner can help guide you through the options and select the best solutions.

Installation

Installation is more than just getting foodservice equipment set up. It starts before ordering to ensure pieces will fit through doorways, checking local ordinances for compliance, ensuring gas lines are in suitable locations, and more. Working with a team will tick all these boxes and take one more thing off operators' to-do lists.

Service

A trusted partner provides customer service you can't get from trying to source things independently. By responding in a time-sensitive manner, partners can help new operations open quicker and minimize downtime for foodservice businesses doing updates.

Get hands-on experience in our test kitchen to find the best foodservice equipment for your chain restaurant: