Three chefs prepare fresh vegetables in a commercial kitchen.

Are you using the right tools for your restaurant?

A successful restaurant needs more than just good food; it needs the right tools. Do you have everything you need?

  • A restaurant worker cleans a table with a sponge and cleaning solution.

    The right tools for the right clean.

    When it comes to maintaining a successful restaurant, cleanliness is key. From the front entrance to the back of the freezer, keeping your restaurant clean and sanitary can be the difference between being the most popular joint on the block and leaving a bad taste in customer’s mouths. But anyone with experience in a busy commercial kitchen knows that keeping things clean is much easier said than done, particularly without the right tools.

    Many restaurants make the mistake of investing in cheap or generic cleaning products that seem economical at first, but ultimately end up wasting time, labor and money. A product that doesn’t clean effectively must be used more often, with more effort, and could end up costing more over time. This not only leaves your restaurant in a vulnerable, unsanitary position, but can also cut into valuable productive time and be frustrating (and messy) for staff.

  • A janitorial worker measures cleaning chemicals with the 3M Twist 'n Fill Dispensing System.

    Optimized, task-specific cleaning solutions, such as one of 3M’s Chemical Management System, can help clean more quickly and effectively, reduce labor, and keep things moving – without cutting into your budget. With a broad range of solutions and dispensers designed to take the guesswork out of complex tasks, you can empower your staff to face nearly every food service cleaning challenge safely and with confidence.

    On the same vein, the right cleaning tools can help you avoid scratching important equipment or spending too much time on any given task. For example, the Scotch-Brite™ Quick Clean Griddle Cleaning System can safely clean a flat top griddle 30% faster than conventional griddle bricks, while Scotch-Brite™ Hex Series Scour Pads are designed to tackle tough, greasy, baked-on messes without scratching. The right tools mean things get done right the first time – without stressing out your staff.


  • Get an equipment upgrade.

    You can’t dice very well with a dull knife – and you can’t rely on malfunctioning equipment to cook, store and preserve meals. Holding on to old and ill-performing appliances because “they still work,” could be costing you more money and time than you realize – and could even be putting your business at risk.

    Commercial equipment is designed to take a beating but won’t last forever. Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, appliances will eventually reach the end of their useable life and need to be replaced – and it’s usually sooner than you think. It may seem obvious, but if an appliance begins to be unsafe to use – it’s time to replace. In addition to putting your staff in danger, faulty equipment is frustrating to use and can throw a wrench in an entire day. Unreliable burners, inconsistent ovens, and failing dishwashers can all turn what should be a smooth dinner shift into a rough night. Not to mention that a malfunctioning freezer or refrigerator could result in lost product and health code violations.

    But this doesn’t necessarily mean a complete tear-down of your kitchen! By doing a cost analysis of waste, utilities, labor and more, you can see which appliances are to blame, and how investing in new equipment rather than endless repairs could result in improved productivity and profits. Many modern appliances are designed to be easier to use, multifunctional and energy efficient – which not only saves you money and time but can help lower your energy bills and have a positive environmental impact.


  • A smiling waiter sets a table in a formal restaurant.

    Solve issues from the outside in.

    Maintaining a successful restaurant isn’t easy. Between menu planning and employee training, it can sometimes seem like there are endless variables to keep an eye on. And unfortunately, one critical variable is often overlooked – windows and doors.

    Fluctuating utility costs can come as a surprise, especially for a new restaurant owner. Between the lights, the walk-in freezer and the HVAC system, every little thing can add up, particularly as the seasons change. However, there are a few simple solutions to keep your wallet and your customers comfortable. Switching to more efficient light bulbs or updating equipment (as suggested earlier) can help but the bigger culprit could be your windows and doors. In fact, an estimated 33% of cooling expenses are due to solar heat gain from windows. This is where using 3M™ Window Films can help.

  • Broken glass is held in place with security film.

    3M™ Solar Window Films are designed to address common building envelope issues, such as glare, energy costs and temperature control. These innovative, cost-effective films reject up to 79% of the sun’s heat – keeping things cool in the summer and warm in the winter without losing the light. Plus, they install quickly onto existing windows and doors, so you can achieve significant energy savings without interrupting your business.

    Safety is an important part of the restaurant business, but that doesn’t just mean protecting from slippery floors or accidental burns – it means protecting your business. 3M™ Safety & Security Window Films are designed to help protect people and property by holding broken glass in place upon impact. Whether due to an accident, an intruder, or weather, adding these films can give your restaurant more security – and give you peace of mind.


  • When it comes to maintaining a successful restaurant, the tools you choose are just as important as the meals you produce. By making a few strategic, well-informed decisions, you can improve efficiency, reduce costs and keep customers coming back for more.


Subscribe

Sign up to receive tips for running a more efficient and profitable restaurant.


It's time to break with the brick.
It's time to break with the brick.

Spend less time cleaning and more time cooking with the Scotch-Brite™ Quick Clean Griddle Cleaning System Starter Kit.

REQUEST SAMPLE

Related Resources

Read more commercial kitchen cleaning thought leadership from 3M.

  • Take a virtual tour to see how 3M solutions can help your restaurant operations.

  • The back of house is the heart of your restaurant. Are you giving it enough attention?

  • Keep commercial kitchen remodeling costs and downtime to a minimum with these smart and trending design solutions.

  • Use this e-book to improve your kitchen behind-the-scenes, so you can boost your customer service and your bottom line.


  • Want to get more information like this from 3M?

    Sign up to receive email communications from 3M Food Service

    All fields are required unless indicated optional

  • 3M takes your privacy seriously. 3M and its authorized third parties will use the information you provided in accordance with our Privacy Policy to send you communications which may include promotions, product information and service offers. Please be aware that this information may be stored on a server located in the U.S. If you do not consent to this use of your personal information, please do not use this system.

  • Submit

Thank You

Your form was submitted successfully!

Our Apologies...

An error has occurred while submitting. Please try again later...