Managing your restaurant during load shedding
Load shedding is the buzzword on everyone's lips right now. This widespread issue disrupts traffic flow, dinner schedules, work submissions, and even study routines, presenting a persistent challenge without an immediate solution. Within the restaurant industry, the impact is particularly noticeable, causing significant discomfort for those involved. So how do you tackle this problem head-on? We have a few ideas.
Backup Power Solutions: Incorporating a backup generator into your restaurant's infrastructure is a reliable solution to navigate power interruptions. While this might not be feasible for everyone due to costs and accessibility, exploring backup power options that suit your location, power requirements, and restaurant needs is crucial. For instance, consider the generator sets and mobile power generators provided by companies. Investing in a backup generator can safeguard against revenue loss, inventory compromise, and disruptions in electronic transactions.
Alternative Lighting: In the absence of a backup generator, it's essential to devise alternative lighting arrangements. With no power, illuminating the dining area and kitchen becomes a priority. Equipping kitchen staff with flashlights helps them monitor cooking and dishwashing activities. Candles placed on tables create an inviting ambience for diners, and battery-operated lights can light up walkways and surrounding areas. Ensuring restroom facilities are adequately lit is also crucial.
Gas-Powered Cooking: To maintain cooking operations during power outages, a gas hob and oven are valuable investments. If your restaurant primarily relies on electric cooking appliances, having a small gas stove on standby can be a temporary solution. This approach allows you to continue cooking the existing menu without significant modifications. Inform customers about potential order delays due to the situation is considerate and transparent.
Traditional Order Processes: Power disruptions can affect digital order management systems. Having paper and pen readily available for traditional order-taking can prevent bottlenecks in the kitchen. Alternatively, implementing a point-of-sale system that operates offline can ensure smooth processes. Having backup payment options for card transactions is advisable, given the decreasing use of cash.
Food Safety: Safeguarding food and inventory during power outages is paramount. Keeping walk-in fridges and freezers closed as much as possible helps maintain proper temperature levels. After an outage lasting two to four hours, assess your stock and use items that have been stored at or below 10°C, ensuring consumer safety. Prioritise food quality over serving potentially harmful items, even if it means temporarily closing doors.
Food Delivery: You take your food to them instead of having to rely solely on your restaurant’s infrastructure. A number of restaurants have closed their client-facing restaurants and opted for just delivery. Bringing the rise of the ghost kitchen. This way, you can still remain in business.
When you need food delivery integrations, LiveMetrics is here for you. Contact us to get started on your food delivery integration and start serving more food.