How to Run an Energy-Efficient Restaurant

June 9, 2017

You probably don’t need to be reminded of the high cost of electricity in running a restaurant compared to an energy-efficient restaurant.

Right now, many establishments, including restaurants, are going green and adopting eco-friendly strategies to conserve energy. Going green won’t just lower the cost of your restaurant’s electricity bill. It will also boost your brand by showing customers that you’re being a responsible member of your local and global community. To get started on the path to an energy-efficient restaurant, check out our tips below.

  1. Know How Much Energy You’re Using

You can only ascertain this by contacting your electricity company. They will provide a breakdown of what your electricity consumption looks like and the cost of what you are using. With that in mind, you can set goals in terms of reducing your usage and aiming towards an energy-efficient restaurant.

  1. Use Only Energy Star Equipment

You can’t do without ovens, grills, refrigerators, and many other kitchen essentials. What you can do without is the guzzling of electricity by these appliances. Now is the time to shift to energy-efficient restaurant equipment that use a fraction of the energy that older models use.

Replacing equipment can be expensive, so you may want to start by first replacing your oldest equipment and making a plan to phase out the rest of your energy-intensive appliances over time. With the savings on your utility bill, you will save money over the long run.

  1. Cut Down on Heat Usage

Heat is absolutely necessary for an energy-efficient restaurant, but its usage can be reduced to save costs if you have the willingness to do so. One simple way is to optimize your water temperature so that it’s not any hotter than it needs to be. Even for dishwashing, ensure you are not going far above the 140 degrees Fahrenheit stipulated by NRA.

  1.  Shut Down Idle Equipment

You may not believe this, but just like every other restaurant, you are probably wasting hundreds of dollars on idle equipment. Instruct your staff to turn off equipment when it’s not being used. You can a go a step further by using timers for outdoor lighting. Boom, now you’re one step closer for an energy-efficient restaurant. 

  1. Maintain and Service Equipment Regularly

You’re overworking your restaurant equipment if you’re not servicing and cleaning it regularly. Any worn out parts of your dishwasher, toasters, sandwich makers, ice machines and refrigerators should be replaced for a more more energy-efficient restaurant. 

  1. Use Only Energy-Efficient Restaurant Lighting

Energy-efficient restaurant light bulbs are easy to install and they save you money on your electric bill. For the most energy savings, use energy efficient light bulbs everywhere – including the dining area, the kitchen, the bathrooms and outdoor lighting.

  1. Adjust Your Kitchen Layout

If your oven is near your ice machine, both appliances will require more energy to maintain their temperatures. There must be a separation between heating and cooling systems. Keep similar systems together and away from others.

4 Money-Saving Strategies You Can Use in Your Restaurant NOW

4 Money-Saving Strategies You Can Use in Your Restaurant NOW

Running a restaurant is one of the most interesting and lucrative businesses one can engage in with the right money-saving strategies.  However, it also poses to be one of the most difficult. Many factors have to be put into consideration in order to make sure that...

read more
Businesses that Should be Selling Frozen Beverages in 2017

Businesses that Should be Selling Frozen Beverages in 2017

Adding a frozen beverage machine to your slate of money-making channels is great way to drum up additional sales. Since there is low overhead cost associated with selling frozen beverages, whether it is an FCB (Frozen Carbonated Beverage) or FUB (Frozen Uncarbonated...

read more
Start Preparing Your Restaurant for Summer!

Start Preparing Your Restaurant for Summer!

As a restaurant owner, you may have noticed that weather has affects the number of customers that walk through your door. It is widely understood, for example, that rain drives customers indoors as they seek shelter from the storm. Snowstorms, of course, discourage...

read more
Create a Memorable Dining Experience with the Right Flatware

Create a Memorable Dining Experience with the Right Flatware

According to Will Rogers, “you will never get a second chance to make a first impression.” In a restaurant, flatware is a small but essential part of making a great impression. Flatware is a particularly important design element because customers won’t just look it;...

read more
Cleaning Your Commercial Deep Fryer Made Easy

Cleaning Your Commercial Deep Fryer Made Easy

A commercial deep fryer requires daily cleaning to keep the appliance in perfect working condition. However, cleaning the restaurant’s deep fryer is one of the most dreaded tasks for many restaurant workers. Who could blame them? The process of cleaning a deep fryer...

read more
The Top Chefs Use Cast Iron. Do You?

The Top Chefs Use Cast Iron. Do You?

From pots to pans, restaurant cookware has been made out of all kinds of materials. What kind do you use? It’s time for you to use cast iron. Cast iron cookware has many benefits. Let’s take a look at why you need to be using cast iron in your professional kitchen....

read more
How to Crash the Dine and Dash

How to Crash the Dine and Dash

Any business that sells physical products is subject to the occasional theft. So do restaurants, but it's just called dine and dash.  Those who dine and dash take advantage of the fact that they receive their purchase before they pay, rather than after. In many...

read more
Preparing for Your Restaurant’s Grand Opening

Preparing for Your Restaurant’s Grand Opening

Starting a restaurant is an adventure, especially with the Grand Opening. There will have been months of planning, preparation, purchasing and hiring for your grand opening. When you finally have everything ready, your grand opening is a big deal. If everything is...

read more
Guide to Buying the Perfect Knives

Guide to Buying the Perfect Knives

Knives are arguably one of the most important tools in any kitchen. Your chefs are the heartbeat of your restaurant and they deserve quality knives that ease the task of cooking great food. When buying the perfect knives for your chefs, keep in mind that the most...

read more
Equipment Buying Tips for Restaurant Owners

Equipment Buying Tips for Restaurant Owners

If you own a restaurant or you’re starting a new one, you will need the right equipment. It is important to choose quality equipment that will not only get the job done well but also cost you less in the long run. However, it can be hard to know where to start. Here...

read more
5 Decor Ideas for an Inviting Restaurant Feel

5 Decor Ideas for an Inviting Restaurant Feel

Great food and customer service are important parts of the equation that keeps customers coming, but the restaurant experience is not just about the food. The best restaurants cater to every aspect of a customer’s experience. The right ambiance is a must. This means...

read more
5 Tips for an Ergonomically Sound Restaurant

5 Tips for an Ergonomically Sound Restaurant

The physical environment of your restaurant should not only be appealing to customers but also be comfortable and safe for your employees. Due to the repetitive motions that characterize the job description of restaurant employees, there is a potential for...

read more
How to Make Your Silverware Sparkle and Shine

How to Make Your Silverware Sparkle and Shine

No one wants to eat off of dirty or tarnished silverware. While it’s easy to clean silverware of leftover food, the tarnishing will still linger unless you take steps to make your silverware shine. To make the best impression on your guests, your silverware should not...

read more
Top 6 Movies for Restaurant Owners

Top 6 Movies for Restaurant Owners

The movies that connect with us on a personal level are the ones that linger in our memories forever, especially when it deals with food and the drama in a commercial kitchen.  Achieving that level of intimacy in the fictional world of movies is easier said than done....

read more