Opening a new restaurant or a remodel is perhaps the most exciting and stressful times in (multi) restaurant operation and ownership. From real estate, legal, construction, financing, team building, to the excitement of last minute changes and finishing touches; the excitement builds until you finally bring in that first new customer.
Just like the purchase of a new car and that "new car smell", after a big investment, you want to keep it looking (and smelling) its best for as long as possible.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your restaurant looking new:
Keep it clean: This may seem obvious, but it's important to keep your restaurant clean and well-maintained. This includes regularly sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down tables and chairs, and cleaning restrooms. You can make sure these are getting done with daily checklists and restaurant audits/walkthroughs on a regular basis. By keeping your restaurant clean, you'll help it maintain its fresh, inviting atmosphere.
Maintain your equipment: Keeping your restaurant's equipment in good working order is essential for maintaining its "new" look. Make sure to regularly clean and maintain your ovens, fryers, and other equipment to ensure they are operating at their best. You can accomplish this manually with a Preventative Maintenance Calendar or by using an automated scheduling system like OwlOps. This will not only help your restaurant run smoothly, but it will also help it maintain its appearance.
Protect your surfaces: Where appropriate, protect your restaurant's surfaces from wear and tear by using protective applications, mats, and placemats/coasters. This will help prevent scratches and stains on your tables and countertops, keeping them looking newer for longer.
Keep up with repairs: If something in your restaurant breaks or needs repair, take care of it as soon as possible. Small problems can quickly turn into bigger ones if left unchecked, so it's important to stay on top of any necessary repairs. Make sure you are using a communication system/workflow that makes sense for your team and that everyone knows WHO to notify, WHEN to notify them, and FOR WHAT (download our workflow worksheet). You don't want someone calling an emergency afterhours technician to fix your 5th spare coffee brewer.
By following these tips, you can help keep your new restaurant looking its best and maintain that "new" feeling for as long as possible. Just like with a new car, a little bit of care and attention in your restaurant can go a long way to keeping that "New Car Smell".