Restaurants are a booming industry. You might be considering working in this industry yourself, or maybe you are already invested in it. Whatever the case, understanding the equipment you will need to open a restaurant can ensure success for your new establishment. The equipment you will need will largely depend on what kind of restaurant you are planning on opening.
If you plan on having a sit-down restaurant, chances are good that it will require more expensive equipment than a food truck. You can buy, rent or lease restaurant equipment. There are benefits to each option. You must weigh your options and decide what is best for your specific situation. Here are some essential equipment you need to open a new restaurant.
Commercial Cooking Equipment 
You are going to need to prepare meals in your restaurant. Look at what kinds of meals you will need prepared and then find a good, reliable equipment provider with the type of equipment you need. You will need ovens, grills, rotisserie equipment, and other kitchen gear. You will want to research the different options and ensure you get the type of equipment you need.
Sustainability should also be a concern. How much energy will the equipment use? How much energy is it going to cost to run? Modern equipment is far more energy efficient than older models. Green solutions are also available. Commercial cooking equipment can vary in cost by quite a bit. You will want to look for the most affordable option without lacking quality and reliability.
Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
The best place to start is with the kitchen equipment, starting with commercial fridges and freezer units. You will require a large amount of refrigeration space because you will be storing many different food items, both fresh and frozen. Perishable items, such as food and vegetables, will spoil if they go bad. For this reason, you need refrigeration equipment to keep your perishable items cool.
You will also need a large amount of freezer storage space if you have a lot of frozen food in your inventory. There are many different types of commercial refrigeration systems on the market today. A co2 cylinder manufacturer can be an excellent place to start looking. Make sure you do your research and pick the system that is going to meet all of your needs for a reasonable price.
Restaurant Dining Furniture 
Your customers will sit down on your restaurant furniture for long periods. This requires furniture that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Your dining furniture should be practical enough that your staff can easily clean it after each use. The interior design of your restaurant can significantly impact the overall look of your establishment. Your dining furniture must blend well with the décor. Get a good furniture designer to help pick the best restaurant chairs and booths for your new place. You can create a great deal of excitement for people by adding some unique, eye-catching décor pieces. Restaurant décor includes booths, bar stools, and even tables that are made of woods like maple or oak.
Safety Equipment
A restaurant is susceptible to accidents. You need a good amount of safety equipment to keep employees and customers safe. This will include fire extinguishers, fire alarms, working smoke detectors, and other safety equipment necessary in an emergency. Make certain you have enough of this vital equipment on hand. Your employees must know where this equipment is located in an emergency. Safety training is also crucial in this industry. There are safety rules that both customers and employees alike need to know. Your customers will be sure to return to your restaurant if they know they will be safe while enjoying their meals.
Food Processors And Mixers 
You will need some good food processors and mixers if you plan on serving food that isn’t fried. You will need them to serve customers dishes like soups, salads, pasta, and other recipes that require chopping and blending. These kitchen helpers are essential. You are going to need the best that you can afford. Do not sacrifice quality for the price. The best thing to do is ask your equipment provider which one they recommend and then take it from there.
Some restaurants also need other equipment such as a meat slicer, a commercial drink mixer, blenders, and other specialty equipment. You might also need the machinery to make homemade ice cream, fudge, and other topping items for unique offerings. You will also need a commercial grinder to make meats, bread, chips, and other fresh foods.
Commercial Dishware and Glassware
You will need plates, bowls, cups, and plenty of tableware. When choosing your dining ware, think about the overall appearance of your restaurant. Make sure you don’t get too decorative if it is not necessary.
Customers want to see the food they eat, not the table setting. It is best to select simple and easily cleaned dishes that will make your customers feel comfortable in your restaurant. You will also need a good amount of flatware when serving food. It is wise to invest in a complete set of serving pieces. This helps to add a professional touch to your establishment. You should have enough for every customer who wants to eat at your restaurant.
Food Prep Counters 
You will need ample room for all of your equipment and workspace for your staff. You need a good amount of counter space and an extra prep area for things like chopping veggies and making salad dressings. You should also have room for dishwashing equipment and a sink to provide efficient service.
Your food prep counter needs to be made of durable, high-quality materials. The areas that come into contact with food need to be made of a material that can withstand heat, moisture, and other impacts. You will also want an additional refrigerator nearby to store salad dressings, bread, and other foods while they are being prepared. You must carefully plan your building layout to set up a manageable, organized kitchen and staff area.
You need to consider every aspect of the restaurant before opening your doors. You can’t just jump right in. Plan for everything before you start building. This way, if something goes wrong, you don’t find yourself overwhelmed with multiple bills due at once. It’s not necessary to run out and purchase all of the kitchen equipment right away. You can start by getting a few staple items right away and then slowly add them to your kitchen as you go along.
