Food service businesses rely on restaurant supply stores to help them run smoothly. Good food and good service are a must, but quality establishment will also have other products they need in order to provide that great experience for their customers. Consider the following types of products that a restaurant will need:
Equipment
No matter what kind of food is served, you will need someplace to store it. For safety purposes, you’ll need places for cold, frozen and non-perishable items. A restaurant supply store will also have the types of ovens, stoves, hoods, and other appliances geared toward a commercial business. They may also be able to supply you with the cleaning equipment such as vacuums and floor polishers that are needed to keep your customer area looking nice.
Furniture
The amount of furniture for your patrons will vary on the type of service you provide. If you don’t have a large seating area because most customer order takeout, then you will only need enough tables and chairs to accommodate folks waiting or the few that may want to eat inside. If you have a full service restaurant, you’ll need more. You may also want to consider benches or chairs in a separate waiting area.
Tableware
Every food service business should have napkins on the table or with the utensils, and the right condiments for the food on the table. Customers will also need to have plates and glasses. The types of dinnerware will vary depending on the quality of the restaurant, but you should always select something that looks nice, is durable, and washes up easily.
Disposable products
If you provide take-out service, which most restaurants do, you’ll need products to put the food in. Foam or plastic covered trays, bowls and cups are a product you’ll likely need on a regular basis. Make sure you select the right type and style for the entrees you serve. Don’t forget plastic bags to put the trays into!
A well-run establishment will make sure they are always well supplied with the above items. Once you find a restaurant supply store with the products you need, talk with them about pricing and terms. Some businesses may provide a discounted price for a regular order commitment. Equipment purchases should not be that frequent, but there may be an advantage to buying multiple pieces at the same time. Disposable products will likely be needed on a regular basis, but you will need to have a good idea of how many you will be using within a specific time period.
Finding a good restaurant supply store is essential for a food service business to perform well. With many choices available, find the store with the right products for you.
