Posted on

Why is Versatile Foodservice Equipment Important?

versatile equipment

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to foodservice operations. When feeding a large number of diners for various meal services each day, it is important to use ingredients that are versatile so that they are able to be used in various dishes. Having ingredients that can be used in various dishes helps to reduce the amount of waste your operations produce since your kitchen staff know what they have and are able to use the ingredients up before they expire. Quality of quantity can be translated into the foodservice realm as well. 

Menus that have six stellar dishes compared to a menu with thirty options can evoke various reactions within your guests. Diners find it more impressive to have a smaller menu that they are sure the chefs have mastered over a menu that has everything under the sun as an option but is mediocre at best. Restaurant Business Online summarized this concept perfectly. “Using versatile ingredients can help ensure margins are great, labor is efficient, staff aren’t overstressed, and diners are happy.” Using versatile ingredients is a concept that nearly every kitchen has adapted to, especially when supply chain issues have been affecting the foodservice industry at a higher rate over the past few years.

Versatility is a critical aspect in the foodservice industry, especially in relation to their operations. While using versatile ingredients in your menus is important, versatility does not need to just stop there. When versatile ingredients are paired with versatile equipment in the kitchen, operations are sure to be even more efficient all while saving time, space, and money. Versatile equipment helps free up space in your kitchen, increases labor efficiency, and saves money with their ability to be a multifunctional asset. The benefits are clear, but let’s go a little deeper into each. 

Money Savings:

It is no secret that every foodservice operation is running on a budget. Whether you’re in the high-end dining side of the industry, or you are serving thousands of college students each day, every operation has a budget they need to stay within. When there are opportunities to cut costs while still ensuring quality, most foodservice directors take the opportunity. Equipment can be very expensive but is necessary for you to continue serving your customers. Without reliable equipment, your doors will not be able to remain open. 

Versatile equipment has a higher ROI and in return, can save you budget from major hits. When one piece of equipment is now serving the purpose of two old pieces of equipment, you now only need to purchase one new piece of equipment as opposed to two. So, the next time you’re in need of a new piece of equipment, consider finding a solution that offers multifunctionality to save your future budget.  

money savings

Time Savings:

With the current labor shortage that is greatly affecting the foodservice industry, finding ways to reduce the time it takes to complete tasks can be extremely helpful to your overall operational efficiency. With versatile equipment, staff are able to use one piece of equipment for various uses which saves a great deal of time. Rather than having to switch between different pieces of equipment for the many different tasks during a shift, versatile equipment allows you to eliminate the time it takes to swap out equipment. 

Time is money, and this is especially true when your team is short staffed. Versatile equipment allows staff to increase their functionality which in the end contributes to back-of-the-house operational efficiency. Multifunctional equipment often allows the operator to remove one step in the process of a given task for example using a drying rack that also serves as storage eliminates the need to move the dishes twice. Even the elimination of one small step in the process can save a lot of time over the course of a shift. 

time savings

Space Savings: 

Whether you have a small scale or a large kitchen, it seems we always could use more space in the kitchen. With many kitchens adapting to smaller scale footprints, multifunctional and versatile equipment has become a must. No matter the size of a kitchen, we all can afford to get some workspace back. Versatile equipment allows one piece of equipment to serve the function of at least two other pieces of equipment which gives back space to your crowded kitchen. When multiple needs are able to be met with one piece of equipment, staff will have more room to maneuver around the kitchen which can help reduce injuries and accidents from occurring. 

With less obstacles to maneuver around, staff can move quickly, efficiently and safely when completing their tasks. Crowded kitchens usually mean a full staff is on board, which is something every operation hopes to have. Keeping the staff you do have on your team safe and able to perform their job efficiently is crucial to thriving in the labor shortage. Versatile equipment has many benefits, but the space savings they offer can make a huge difference in your operations. 

space savings

 

Lakeside’s new product, the Easy-Pull utility cart, is a versatile piece of equipment that can help save time, space, and money in your foodservice operations. With its multi-functionality of being able to push and pull loads, you are now able to do more with less. Explore the Easy-Pull utility cart today!

Easy-Pull utility cart