During the pandemic, restaurants had a tough time but slowly turned the corner.
Last December, the restaurant industry added over 40,000 new jobs, providing that people are once again venturing out to sample some fantastic and memorable cuisines.
Now is the ideal opportunity for you to turn your restaurant dream into a reality. But before you announce the grand opening, you’ll need to get your restaurant fitted out with the best kit and furnishings.
To help you, we’ve put together this checklist of where to buy restaurant equipment.
Office Supplier
Not everything in your kitchen will include cooking and restaurant equipment. You’ll want to head to a reputable office supplier for an efficient, well-run restaurant. Here are some items you’ll want on your shopping list:
- A safe
- Laptop or desktop
- Printer for marketing materials and menus
You should also ensure you have a proper booking system on your computer. And you’ll need to decide whether to take bookings by phone, online, or both.
Furnishing Wholesaler
You have a few choices when finding restaurant furniture. You can choose a specialist restaurant that’ll be able to supply you with perfectly designed (and comfortable) tables and chairs.
Or you can design a seating arrangement and source products yourself, either second-hand or from a wholesaler, for a more eclectic look.
Whatever you decide, make sure you put comfort high on the list for your customers. And make sure you leave plenty of space for your waiting staff to move around the restaurant.
Kitchen Equipment Supplier
Your most significant budget allocation will be your kitchen equipment. Here, it’s worth sourcing a specialist supplier. Good equipment will have lower long-term maintenance costs and help you set high stands with your restaurant food.
- Refrigeration
- Microwave
- Oven
- Ventilation
- Storage
- Food processors
On top of your standard appliances, you’ll also need to invest in easy-to-clean, robust worktops for your chefs, like this stainless steel benchtop.
Point of Sale Technology
Fortunately, point of sale technology has moved on from the days of complex payment desks. Most businesses can use a wireless card machine to process payments from customers.
You’ll want to give your customers plenty of options (such as paying by phone using Apple Pay) so investing in the latest payment technology solution is worthwhile.
Depending on your budget, you might also opt for an ordering system if you want your staff to process food and drink orders electronically instead of via paper.
Decor and Design
Unless you are opting for a professional interior designer for a high-end restaurant, you should be able to purchase most of your decor from budget stores.
Cheap but colorful prints, paintings, and table decorations will be sufficient for most restaurants.
It is worth browsing places like Instagram and Pinterest for some inspiration on creating a stylish restaurant decor on a budget.
Where to Buy Restaurant Equipment: Next Steps
Opening a brand new restaurant is an exciting venture and one that can bring personal and financial rewards. But launching a new restaurant can also be stressful.
Use our guide on where to buy restaurant equipment as your checklist when planning your perfect restaurant. And don’t forget to head to our technology section, where we have many gadget recommendations for your startup.
