When you are starting a new restaurant or food service business or are thinking about upgrading or expanding, one of your top considerations will be what kind of equipment you will need, what is available, and what you can afford. In New Jersey, you have access to a wide range of commercial restaurant equipment. Your selections can make all the difference in the world. Here are a few things to keep in mind about commercial restaurant equipment and how to choose the right items for your restaurant or catering business.
1. Your menu might determine the equipment. Before rushing out to buy something that sounds cool, or something that your colleagues told you is a “must” in every commercial kitchen, think again. Consider what you are offering your guests, and make a list of the equipment that you need—not what other people think you should have. However, you should also keep in mind that your menu might evolve as your business and your tastes do. To keep up with consumer trends, consider buying equipment that is versatile rather than highly specialized.
2. You can save a lot buying used equipment. Most knowledgeable restaurant owners buy used equipment. Why? Used equipment is often in great shape, sometimes as good as new. Used equipment is considerably cheaper, allowing you to keep within your budget and possibly even afford other pieces of equipment you might otherwise not have enough money for if you only bought brand new items. Used equipment is also sounder for the environment as it reduces consumer waste. When you buy used equipment from a reputable place like Automatic, you will be assured that it has been checked.
3. Size matters. When choosing commercial restaurant equipment, some business owners forget that the size of their appetite is often larger than the size of their kitchen—so take measurements before you buy!
