Though we are only a few weeks into January, the winter blew in strong this year. No matter the year, the winter season brings unpredictable weather that can put a strain on your restaurant. Preventing all mistakes is idealistic, but you can create a plan to set your staff up in the best way to keep everyone safe and comfortable this season. Keep reading to learn about Ferrante’s winter restaurant tips in preparation for a successful and safe season.
1. Create and Stick to a Plan
Set your team up for success by having everything under control. Your team and customers will be put at ease if there is extreme weather if you have already planned for issues that are common in the winter. Make sure to have safety standards, emergency contact phone numbers, and shut-off plans in case the power cuts off. Keep a printed copy of this plan in several locations and make sure your staff knows where the copies can be found.
2. Stop Your Pipes from Freezing with Some Prep Work
A frozen pipe can cut off your restaurant’s complete supply of water. To make matters worse, frozen pipes can burst leading to flooding and requiring costly repairs. Stop your pipes from freezing by properly insulating your pipes. As a last resort, you can let your faucets slowly drip to relieve pressure from your system.
3. Prepare Your Outdoor Area for Winter
Don’t forget about your outdoor area when during the winter. Even if you haven’t fully shut down your outdoor space yet, you can do something helpful now. Clean and store all outdoor furniture in a dry area. Before stowing away the furniture, check out the pieces for rust or scratches and get rid of pieces in rough shape. Cover all outdoor vents with a strong mesh to prevent pests from sneaking inside. Beware of shrubs because they may also provide a refuge for small creatures.
4. Consider What You will do During Power Outages
No one likes to lose power, but for a restaurant, a power outage can mean huge losses. Customers can lose confidence in a restaurant that loses power. Food could also spoil from not remaining at proper temperatures. Consider emergency prep, including a backup generator to run refrigerators, lighting, and necessary equipment.
5. Keep the Heat Under Control
Be careful with your thermostat when responding to the frigid outdoors. A hot restaurant can lead to trouble refrigerating food and keeping your kitchen staff comfortable. Make sure to keep open cold displays covered. Zoned heating may help spread the heat where you need it, and keep the heat away from other areas.
Turn to Restaurant Furniture and Design Professionals
The most important feature during the winter prep is to keep in mind the safety and comfort of your staff and customers. Once you set a plan, let your team know about it so you can all be more confident in your response to an emergency. Ferrante Manufacturing is a full-service design and manufacturing company that can help you layout and build the restaurant you always wanted. We can also help you remodel your space to align with your current vision.
Give the team at Ferrante Manufacturing Company a call today at (313) 571-1111 to schedule a consultation.