4 August 2009

Is Your Restaurant or Kitchen Going Green? 14 Tips to Help You Save Money & “Go Green”

Posted by chefal under: Recession Tips & Tricks .

The phrase “going green” has been thrown around by nearly every marketer and politician in the past few years. It’s probably due for a long vacation. However, it’s important to ask, especially in these turbulent times, will ‘green’ practices increase profitability, attract more customers, and benefit my community?

“Going green” requires that you (0r your business) take active steps to reduce your negative effects on the environment. Simply put, it means: don’t be wasteful.

Reducing waste and stretching out existing supplies takes some time and investment, but, if done right, you can save money. Not only can you save, but “going green” can help you attract more “green conscious” diners and customers. Lastly, you can help reduce local waste.

FREE GOING GREEN TIPS:

1. Watch the Waste: Observe what your bussers carry back… into the kitchen and cut down on ingredients your diners don’t always eat. Make sure you kitchen is only producing the amount of food your customers/diners need.

2. Real Rags for Riches: Scrap disposable napkins and paper towels for reusable dish rags and napkins.

3. Recruit a Volunteer: Find a ‘green’ staff member to enforce recycling polices and think of new ones.

4. Save Oil: Don’t toss old oil. Find firms in your area that will buy and transport your old oil and give them a call.

5. Donate Waste: Local farmers may want your waste for compost. They’ll truck it away for you and you can get the pleasure of helping the community.

6. On Tap…Only: Push draft beer and fountain soda to cut down on bottle/can waste.

7. Donate Food: Give excess food to local charities that are focused on feeding the community.

8. Set a Routine: Make sure everyone in your kitchen keeps certain equipment off at certain times so your establishment can cut down on wasteful electricity use.

GOING GREEN TIPS THAT REQUIRE AN INVESTMENT:

1. Buy the Right Equipment: Invest in energy saving kitchen equipment. You’ll save money in the long run. Gator Chef experts can help you find the most energy efficient equipment for your needs.

2. Got a Light?: Invest in energy efficient fluorescent bulbs and save on your energy bill.

3. Green Cleaners: Buy ‘green’ cleaners that don’t contain harsh chemicals. They will cost a little more, but you don’t have to worry about the environmental repercussions.

4. Buy Recycled Products: Again, they may cost a little more, but your clients/customers may be charmed by the gesture and keep coming back.

5. Water Flow: Buy water taps that regulate the amount of water use. It’ll save you money in the long run.

MOST IMPORTANTLY:

Advertise / Word of Mouth: Inform your customers of your “green” policies by placing a message on your menu or sign. You can also tell the online community about your efforts through Twitter, your restaurant’s blog, or even on restaurant review sites.

“Going Green” isn’t just a political campaign or a marketing tool. Ultimately, it’s a money saving movement. A philosophy that, regardless of political principles, can save you money and help you win over more customers.

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