The start of the new year is often a time when individuals and companies think about ways that they can improve and grow. Businesses may want to implement new ideas to add to their profit margins or to better serve their customer bases. In the restaurant service industry, there are some specific practices, habits and methods that, if followed consistently, will certainly help you to accomplish both goals. Here are some tips to get you started:

Tip #1

Always be alert and on the lookout for fire hazards, environmental lapses and code violations. Is that rooftop exhaust fan equipped with an NFPA 96 compliant hinge? Is there an effective grease containment system in place or is the rooftop surrounding the fan coated with a dangerous greasy mess? Are there enough access doors in the right places to provide easy entry for duct cleaning crews? If the answer is no, you have an opportunity to make that restaurant a lot safer and your bottom line healthier!

Tip #2

Make sure your hood & duct cleaning crews are educated as to what safety shortcomings to look for. Reward them when they make the effort to find and correct these shortcomings. Offer a percentage or some other incentive when add-on safety products are installed because of their efforts.

Tip #3

Make it a point to become acquainted with your local Fire Marshal and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Educate them about the various fire codes and standards regarding restaurant safety and what they should be looking for. Develop a good rapport with them and they will become another set of eyes and a valuable asset in your quest to provide top notch service and protection for your customers.

Tip #4

Keep your service trucks stocked with a variety of filters/absorbent media for those occasions when your crew comes across a rooftop fan with a grease containment system that contains saturated filters. They can remedy that problem on the spot if they are prepared.

Tip #5

Along with a varied supply of filters, stock those trucks with a supply of Grease Away as well. Any grease that has made its way to the rooftop can be dealt with right then and there so damage to the roof and environment is kept to a minimum. Grease Away does an amazing job and takes minutes to apply. Time is money. In addition, it is completely safe to use on any roof surface. Power washers can damage a roof if used improperly. Scraping the grease off is hard, nasty work that can also result in roof damage. Grease Away is the answer for both you and your customer!

Tip #6

Become involved with organizations and social media sites that focus on the problems and issues regarding the restaurant service industry. Solutions to many problems are often suggested by some of the most knowledgeable experts in the business. The International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) is the premier example of such a resource.

Tip #7

Don’t sell yourself short. Kitchen exhaust cleaning is a difficult job. Doing it right is even harder. If you provide top level service, make sure you are compensated like the dedicated expert you are.

Everyone at Omni would like to wish our readers a happy and prosperous 2019!