Not only are commercial kitchens much larger than household ones, they often deal with a continuous train of traffic, food preparation and cleaning. When using steam cleaning as your preferred method, it is not only faster, but much safer as well.

Many conventional, chemically based cleaning products tend to leave behind harsh fumes or other traces after cleaning. Sometimes, this can result in food contamination during preparation and storage. Steam cleaning offers a much safer alternative, mainly because it does not rely on chemically based cleaning agents. Instead, superheated water is used to soften and dissolve dirt and debris. And many steam cleaners these days come equipped with special technology which works to eliminate over 99% of harmful germs and bacteria.

The type of dirt that accumulates in a kitchen tends to stick to the surface and cannot be easily swept away. Kitchens need a double action agent that will first detach the dirt from the surface and then get rid of it. Steam cleaning is ideal for tackling baked-on stains on grills and ovens. It is also very effective in countertop cleaning and even exhaust hoods.

Another plus to steam cleaning is that most equipment today comes with diverse types of accessories making it suitable to clean the many different surfaces and areas in a commercial kitchen. Options for using steam with a different percentage of dryness are also an option.

If your hotel, restaurant or country club is considering hiring a commercial cleaning services company, or switching to a new one, give us a call today and learn more about steam cleaning and the other services we offer!

Windows
During a deep clean, built up dirt and grime will be removed to allow in more light, improving the appearance of your building. When you open these windows, you will also let out the stale air that has been trapped in.

Floors
Although regularly maintenance, a deep clean will ensure all areas are taken care of. Furniture and desk should be removed in order to reach every corner. With dirty carpets leading to increased air pollution and contamination, causing allergies and the spread of germs as well as many other forms of bacteria, you want to make sure carpets are taken care of.

Upholstery Cleaning
Spot treatment combined with steam extraction to remove dirt and other stains, will make your upholstered items look brand new.

Exterior Upkeep
The maintenance of the exterior of your building and surrounding landscape is just as important as maintaining the interior. By cleaning debris and sprucing up the areas surrounding your facility, you will attract potential customers. Pressure washing of the sidewalks and outside walls will also improve curb appeal.

High Dusting
All commercial properties need to be thoroughly dusted to improve the buildings environment as well as reduce allergens. With a deep clean, dust from vents, air returns and diffusers will be removed and beams at all heights will be taken care of.

A routine deep clean will greatly benefit the appearance and health of your facility. Emmaculate Reflections can provide cleaning services for your hotel, country club or restaurant. Our quality is of the highest. Call us today to find out more!

Cleaning throughout the day/shift will make cleaning in the closing hours move faster.  Take advantage of down time by cleaning, washing, sweeping or mopping.  Avoid sweeping or mopping close to occupied tables as dust and dirt can fly onto diner’s plates.  Also clean up messes that are made as soon as possible.  Not only will the quick cleaning be easier than doing it later when the mess has time to dry, but the mess could be a safety concern.

Lemons are a great natural cleanser and can aide in restaurant kitchen cleaning.  Make sure to use a whole lemon and cut open only when ready to use in order to prevent contamination.  Throw one or two lemons or orange rinds down the garbage disposal before running.  Bad smells will vanish instantly.  Since lemons work as a deodorizer, they are awesome for getting rid of odors on cutting boards.  Simply cut the lemon in half and run over the board.  Now your onions will not smell like garlic you previously chopped!

Use a squeegee to clean marble and stainless steel countertops.

Baking soda or club soda are great alternatives to cleaning stainless steel sinks.

Use steaming hot water with a small amount of detergent to wash floors.  Go over the floor again with only steaming hot water to ensure there is no more soap.  The result is a clean and residue free floor.

Soak towels, aprons and napkins in OxiClean for stain removal prior to washing.  Wash aprons and chefs coats separate from cleaning towels.  Also, do not use a towel in the dining room that was used in the kitchen.

Keep a bowl handy when peeling and chopping vegetables and for the wrappers of food items and other garbage.  This will avoid multiple trips to the trash can and will keep counters clutter free.

Learn how to dismantle kitchen equipment for thorough cleaning.

Grease buildups are fire hazards.  White distilled vinegar works wonders on grease spots.  Simply pour or spray on the spot, soak for a few minutes then remove with a cloth that has been soaked in hot water.  Repeat if necessary.  Ventilation hoods and exhaust systems need to be inspected by an outside service periodically.  Check with the local health department for inspection guidelines.

Menus come with different types of covers.  Check with the manufacturer/distributer on how to clean and maintain.  Wipe down after each use and toss those that are worn or damaged.

Emmaculate Reflections can assist in your restaurant kitchen cleaning service and restaurant cleaning service needs.

ARAMARK provides award winning food services to ballparks such as Citi Field (NY Mets), Angel  Stadium of Anaheim (Los Angeles Angels – A’s) and Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros).  Included in their menus are new twists on traditional items (hot dogs and nachos with just about any imaginable topping), brand new creations, health conscious options, family friendly combo meals, local favorites and environmentally safe products.  A sample of food options at Citi Field include:

• Pastracho – fried corn tortilla chips topped with chopped NY pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and sliced scallions.
• Buffalo Dog – all beef hot dog topped with buffalo blue cheese sauce, pickled carrots and celery.
• Spicy Veggie Hot Dog

Angel Stadium now offers salads, wraps, gluten free items and fruit bowls for those looking for a healthy option.  Minute Maid Park in Houston has incorporated BBQ into their menus:

• BBQ Brisket Nacho – Tortilla chips topped with smoked brisket, nacho cheese and corn salsa.
• BBQ Brisket Loaded Baked Potatoes

Many arenas and ballparks now house restaurants for those that want to sit down and relax before enjoying the game.  Buffet menus offer a variety of fresh foods including salads, vegetables, appetizers, meat carving stations, drinks (beer and soda) and desserts. Al-a-cart items are available too.  Comfortable chairs and flat screen TV’s are provided so diners will not miss a minute of the game.  Restaurants usually offer separate restroom facilities too. Some restaurants are available to all game attendees while others are only for those who purchase tickets in the club level.   Each facility is different, so please research prior to purchasing tickets. 

Keeping our planet safe is very important and sustainability measures have been incorporated into ballpark and arena food serving practices.  Many of the fresh ingredients are purchased from local growers and vendors.  Cups, plates, silverware, bottles, cardboards, etc. are either made from recycled items or are recycled after use.

Want your restaurant to be number one?  A clean restaurant kitchen, a clean restaurant and a clean restroom must be top priorities on your game plan.   Emmaculate Reflections kitchen cleaning services and restaurant kitchen cleaning services can assist you in earning a cleaning home run.  Contact us today so we can create a tailored made cleaning program and schedule to please the fans.

Cinco de Mayo is more than tacos, nachos, margaritas and beer.  This is a time when Latinos celebrate and share their heritage including food, music and culture.  Mexican restaurants embrace this celebration by hosting fiestas on May 5^th.  Some celebrations can last up to a week.  Many Latin establishments add traditional Mexican foods to their menus.  Authentic Mexican foods include tamales, flautas, chile rellenos, quesadillas and mole sauce.  Traditional foods are not covered with cheddar cheese!  Some hire mariachi bands to perform and encourage diners to dance.  Contests such as costume, longest mustache, burrito eating, pepper eating and dance-offs are crowd pleasers.

Dining areas can easily be transformed into a Mexican cantina so restaurants of all types can participate in Cinco de Mayo celebrations.  Red, green and white colored decorations add flair as do maracas, piñatas, lanterns, sombreros, flowers and serapes (blankets).  Employees dressed in sombreros and ponchos are a hit too.  Many restaurants add Mexican dishes to their menus during this time and also offer alcoholic drink specials.  Margaritas and beers are popular drinks and are heavily marketed by breweries and bars.

Cinco de Mayo is on a Saturday this year so diners need to be aware that restaurants will be busy.  Reservations or call ahead are highly suggested at establishments that offer them.  Restaurant managers/owners need to be prepared for the Saturday celebrations too.  Consider staffing needs especially if the restaurant is participating in the festivities. Diners are more fun if they receive great customer service. Stock the kitchen and bar with items that will be in demand; limes, tequila, beer, salsa and tortillas and use fresh ingredients whenever possible.  A clean kitchen, dining area and bathroom is a must at any time but is extra important with big crowds.  A thorough cleaning needs to be done prior to the big day.  Adjust the cleaning checklist frequently as needed.  Bathrooms should be picked up and washed down as needed.  If diners have a great time celebrating Cinco de Mayo at your restaurant, they may return on a regular night!

For those that want to celebrate with a small group of friends and family can follow the above tips for a homemade fiesta.

Emmaculate Reflections can provide all your post fiesta restaurant kitchen cleaning service and restaurant cleaning service needs.  Contact us today.

The upgrade to the food truck began around 2008 in both Los Angeles and New York City by up and coming sous chefs who wanted to make a mark in the culinary world.  Many of the trucks are fitted with state of the art equipment and food is prepared to order.  Others offer food that was prepared and packaged at an off- site kitchen. 

The strategic planning behind opening a gourmet food truck is similar to opening a stationary restaurant from concept, budget and advertising.  Owning a food truck initially appears to be less expensive and easier than a traditional restaurant but that is not always the case.  Fortunately for diners, many cities require food trucks to register and obtain a licensing permit.  Some cities allocate only a certain number of permits for this industry per year.  Permits can cost anywhere from $150 to $1000.

The truck can be a costly investment (or rental).  Some trucks need an overhaul in order to become useful to the owner.  This includes decals and advertising on the outside of the truck.  The gourmet food truck is actually a moving billboard.  Because it will be seen by so many people, it is important to have an eye catching brand but the message should also be clear and concise.  Many gourmet food truck owners advertise heavily through social media such as Facebook and Twitter.  These are great avenues to develop a following and to notify frequent customers about the location of the food truck each day and any specials offered.

As with a traditional restaurant, location is a key element to the success of a business.  Scope out areas! An empty corner may seem like a great opportunity but there might be a good reason it is empty.  Find a connection between the food and diners.  Trucks that specialize in soups, salads and sandwiches may find a nice niche outside of a busy office building where people only have time to grab something quickly. 

Unlike traditional restaurants, gourmet food trucks typically do not have a “crew” to share in the cleaning duties.  As with any establishment in the food industry, cleanliness and sanitization are a priority.  Some cities require a health inspection while others do not.   A good practice is to establish a cleaning checklist and hire an outside kitchen cleaning service like Emmaculate Reflections to frequently assist with deep cleanings. 

Regardless if a restaurant is on wheels or is located in a strip mall, Emmaculate Reflections can provide restaurant kitchen cleaning services and restaurant cleaning services.

Advertising budgets are very important, especially for new restaurants.  Careful consideration needs to be given to how these monies will be spent.   Once logos, mottos, tag phrases, etc. have been created, there are many options for free advertising.  Deciding who your target market is works hand-in-hand with advertising budgets.  Is your restaurant geared towards families, children or adults?  If you are catering to kids, keep in mind that there has to be a draw to get parents into the doors too.  Offering free Wi-Fi, free coffee refills and comfortable chairs are definitely perks for mom and dad.

Once your budget is established and you know who your customers will be, it is time to put those advertising monies to work.  Hire a PR or marketing company to assist with the graphic designs for logos, menus, etc.  They will work off of your vision so make sure it is clear and precise.  Ask about packages and other services they offer (i.e., websites, business cards, menus, signage, flyers and brochures).  You might be able to one-stop-shop.

Your logo and tag lines are now ready to be shared with the world!!!

Traditional advertising like T.V., radio and newspapers can be costly and may not target the desired audience.  This is the electronics generation so social media, websites and e-mail may be the best route.  Social media such as Facebook and Twitter are typically free but advertising is available for purchase.  They offer tips and assistance for placement on search engines like Google and Bing.

Outside signage should be clear and easy to read.  Don’t forget to comply with your town’s signage ordinances.

It wise to have brochures printed to give out at the restaurant and networking events.  For up to date information about specials, current events, promotions, etc. at your restaurant, direct them to your social media and web based advertising outlets.

Host a charity event (consult with your accountant about tax credits), offer cooking classes and wine tastings, invite local celebrities to dine and snap a picture of them to get the word out. Public relations stunts, coupons and loyalty programs are great advertising tools too.  Just be sure that your choices are appropriate for your establishment and they do not cheapen the image.

Finally, be prepared for the influx of new customers.  You should be fully staffed and ready to go when the doors open. Excellent customer service and restaurant cleanliness are musts for customers to return.  Refer to the Cleaning Checklist from a previous blog to keep cleaning duties on track and hire a restaurant cleaning service and restaurant kitchen cleaning service like Emmaculate Reflections, to assist in frequent deep cleanings.

1.  LISTEN to everything the inspector has to say.  Remain calm.  Becoming defensive will only make matters worse.   In short, the future of your restaurant is at their fingertips and you need to remain on their good side.
2. Act fast and jump through all hoops suggested by the health inspector.  Addressing violations quickly will show the inspector you mean business. Working together as a team will not only help you ace the next inspection but will also ensure your diner’s health.  Preventing a PR nightmare is very important.  If word spreads about the violations, be open and honest.  Acknowledge the issues at hand and what has been or will be done to correct and prevent from happening again in the future.
3. Assess the restaurant cleaning procedure periodically using the heath inspector’s standards.  Include violation specifics from the inspection in your Cleaning Checklist that was discussed in a previous blog post.  Repetition of these duties will improve and bring recognition to deficiencies found by the inspector.  Not only is there a greater chance of an improved inspection but you will be protecting your diners on future visits.
4. Restaurant kitchens are typically not viewed by diners; however, what happens in the kitchen has an impact on the quality of each and every visit.  Inspectors tend to spend the majority of the inspection in the kitchen. Employees that are responsible for food preparation need to be trained in cleanliness, food storage, and refrigeration and cooking temperatures.  Hire an outside restaurant kitchen cleaning service like Emmaculate Reflections to provide periodic thorough cleanings.
5. A third party kitchen audit may be beneficial.  Sometimes a fresh set of eyes are able to pick up things that owners or managers may not see anymore.  The third party can be a friend, employee or fellow restaurant owner/manager.  Make sure it is someone you can trust and who can be honest with you.  Be receptive to their results as they are only trying to help you make the grade in a real inspection.
6. Avoid the “do-as-I-say, not-as-I-do” philosophy with employees.  They are expected to pitch in with cleaning, so should owners and managers. If they see that management takes cleanliness, training and safety seriously, they will too.
7. Follow inspections of local restaurants.  The results are typically published in the local newspaper.  This is a great way to keep up with common violations and key areas inspectors are focused on.

Emmaculate Reflections has been providing restaurant cleaning services, kitchen cleaning services and janitorial services since 1984.  They will work with your establishment to tailor make a cleaning program to fit your needs.

Take mom out for a nice meal whether it is breakfast, brunch, lunch, lupper or dinner.  Either select a place that you know she will love (after all the day is about her) or let her choose the restaurant.  She may want to sit outside to enjoy the ocean breeze or gamble at the casino.  If you are taking her out on the actual day, Emmaculate Reflections restaurant cleaning service suggests making a reservation for the meal.  This way there is a minimal wait time and enough room to accommodate your party regardless of the size.  If possible, schedule the meal at an off time to avoid the crowd of families.  A gift, card or flowers waiting at the table for her arrival is a very sweet touch.  She will appreciate the forethought in getting the items to the restaurant.

Talk with the waitress to find out if she is a mom too.  Although she is serving you, you can still make her feel special by saying Happy Mother’s Day or leaving her a nice tip.  After all, she is spending her special day working.

Bring your patience because you are probably going to need it.  Restaurant owners and/or managers decisions can also make or break mom’s special day.  Cleanliness, customer service and food qualities are three of the biggest deal breakers for diners.  Managers should make sure that the restaurant, kitchen and bathroom are clean and tidy.  You know what they say about first impressions!!  Sticking to a cleaning checklist on Mother’s Day is a must.  Emmaculate Reflections restaurant cleaning service and kitchen cleaning service can assist restaurants in a deep cleaning prior to the special day.

 Managers should assume the restaurant is going to be extremely busy and should schedule the staff from the kitchen to front of the house accordingly.  The serving staff should not only acknowledge the moms at the tables but also wish them a Happy Mother’s Day.  Not only will mom smile, it is a sure bet in getting a nice tip.

Kitchens should be stocked and ready to go as soon as the doors open.  Food items such as meats, fish, vegetables, fruits and desserts need to be fresh and plentiful.  Taste plates before leaving the kitchen so any changes that need to be made to the meal are made prior to touching the diner’s table.  Once the plate is in their view, perfection is expected.

Emmaculate Reflections restaurant cleaning service and kitchen cleaning service honors all the moms of the world and hope that they have a wonderful Mother’s Day.

Owners

Carefully consider if this type of marketing is right for your establishment.  Image is very important to a restaurant and “coupons” may cheapen your brand.  Budget is a huge factor too.  Not only are you paying up front for the advertising/coupon, your gross sales for the days coupons are redeemed are lower too.  Is there enough business to offset the coupon reduction costs?  The initial traffic may increase but it might die down before the coupon expires.

There are many ways to distribute coupons: e-mail, newspaper, fundraisers, coupon books, mail out advertisements, on-line coupon sites, etc.  There is a strategy to where and how to distribute coupons.

It may not be a wise idea to accept coupons on Friday and Saturday evenings when the restaurant is already packed.  Long wait times for seating and serving will not leave a great impression on diners.  Bad impressions will prevent them from returning.  Restrict coupons to weekdays or lunch times.

As mentioned in previous posts, cleanliness and customer service can make or break a restaurant.  A good scrub down of the kitchen and dining areas is recommended immediately prior to a sales promotion. Emmaculate Reflections kitchen cleaning services and restaurant services are able to assist in this preparation. Also, it is always important to have a happy staff but even more so during a coupon promotion.  Again, the goal is for diners to return at a later date and to recommend your restaurant to friends and family.

Diners

Coupons are a great way to try out a new restaurant without paying full price.  Be sure to read the fine print and restrictions on the coupon.   Many coupons are for lunch or dinner times only, only valid on certain days and times, applicable to certain menu items or not valid on desserts or alcoholic beverages.  Pay attention to expiration dates on coupons.  Some diners become disappointed when a restaurant does not honor an expired coupon.  You would not drink milk with an expired expiration date.

Restaurants sometimes run out of advertised specials.  Instead of getting angry, ask what other options are available.  Most likely you will have to speak with a manager.  Remaining calm will get you farther than giving an attitude.

Show the coupon to the server prior to ordering.  This can be uncomfortable but this way you find out beforehand if there are any issues with the coupon.  Be sure to tip the server for the bill total before the coupon.  They are working just as hard whether you are paying full price or receiving a discount.

Contact Emmaculate Reflections for all restaurant kitchen cleaning services, restaurant cleaning services and janitorial services.