You already know that food safety is extremely important, and that cross-contamination can lead to foodborne illness. But did you know there are certain foods that require special handling when it comes to time and temperature control? These foods are called TCS foods, and you might be surprised by some of the items on the list. We'll explain why these particular foods cause a problem and how you can handle them in the safest way possible. Click below to learn about the different types of TCS foods: Meat and Poultry Milk and Dairy Fish and Shellfish Eggs Tofu and Soy Cooked Potatoes Sprouts Cut Leafy Greens Cut Tomatoes and Melons Cooked Rice, Beans, and Grains Garlic and Oil Mixtures TCS Food FAQs What Is TCS Food? TCS stands for time/temp
When considering warehouse safety , box cutter hazards are definitely towards the top of the list of concerns. According to OSHA, lacerations are the cause of about 30% of workplace injuries in industrial settings and can lead to around $40,000 in direct and indirect costs for a single injury. Hand injuries are the second most common injury to occur in a workplace, ranging from small nicks to deep cuts requiring medical attention. With the number of boxes that need to be broken down in warehouses, foodservice, and retail settings, it is essential that your employees know how to safely handle box cutters and industrial knives, and that they are aware of how to respond should an injury occur. Shop all Box and Bag Cutters How to Use a Box Cutt
Knowing what key safety acronyms stand for allows you to assess risks and respond to emergencies. Whether you’re starting a warehouse or training your warehouse staff , use our safety acronyms guide to educate yourself on the most common safety terms. Use these links to learn more about the types of safety acronyms that interest you: Safety Organization Abbreviations Legal Safety Abbreviations Safety Standards Abbreviations Safety Terms Abbreviations Common Safety Acronyms Defined Safety Abbreviation Safety acronyms exist to make communication easier, but the sheer volume of safety abbreviations can undermine this goal. For ease of comprehension, we’ve broken safety abbreviations into four categories: safety organization acronyms, legal saf
Summer is rapidly drawing to a close, meaning it's time to close out the season with some fantastic end-of-summer deals! This month, you’ll find great deals on a variety of products, including serving equipment, cleaning supplies, and kitchen tools! Check out the items below and enter the code SUMMER22 at check out to save up to 25%! We're also excited to introduce the new Webstaurant Rewards® Visa Business Card ! Sign up for a new card today and start earning rewards on every WebstaurantStore purchase. Use Coupon Code: SUMMER 22 Drink Responsibly Tamper-Evident Drink Label reg. $2.29 500/Roll $1.99 Shop Now Oval Plastic Fast Food Basket reg. $4.99 12/Pack $4.49 Shop Now Stainless Steel Pineapple Slicer reg. $8.29 Each $6.59 Shop Now 100% C
Colanders and strainers are two practical kitchen tools that sometimes get mixed up. Did you know you will get better results with your recipes if you choose the right one for the job? We’ll cover the differences between colanders and strainers and also introduce you to another helpful tool called a chinois. Colander or Strainer? You can spot the difference between colanders and strainers by looking at the type of perforations. Colanders have large holes for draining liquid, and strainers have fine holes or mesh for catching small solids. Colanders feature a large, bowl-like shape and often have a base so they can sit directly in your sink basin. Strainers are a hand-held tool with a mesh basket designed for dipping into pots or straining p
Many foodies enjoy a bit of heat in a dish, which brings out flavors and awakens the senses. But what happens if you prepare a meal and find that it’s too spicy? How do you make something less spicy? If your hot sauce ended up with more kick than expected or you were too heavy-handed with the chili peppers in your chili, try the tips below to cool things down before serving your customers. How to Make Something Less Spicy It can happen to even the best chef. A dish can end up with more heat than desired, leading to an uncomfortable experience for the customer. We’ve collected the top tips to tone down spicy food when you need it: 1. Add Dairy to Spicy Food One way to get rid of spicy heat is to cool it down with dairy. The reason why your d
Opening a restaurant is your dream, but is it something you can afford? Don't give up if you're intimidated. Just like any big investment, most people require financial assistance in the form of a bank loan to afford the startup costs. We'll help you weed through the individual costs of starting a restaurant so you can create a reasonable budget and acquire the funding you need. Learn more about the costs you may accrue when opening a restaurant: Security Deposit Costs Construction Costs Equipment Costs Furniture and Tableware Costs POS System Costs Food Inventory Costs Licensing Costs Marketing Costs Salaries and Wages Costs New Business Startup Resources How Much Does It Cost to Open a Restaurant? Starting a restaurant can cost anywhere f
Fine dining restaurants are known for delivering the highest level of customer service. Guests expect elegant ambiance, upscale table settings, and a menu with higher price points. They also expect servers to uphold fine dining etiquette. We’ve made a guide of fine dining etiquette tips to help new servers provide their guests with the most professional service possible. Click any of the server etiquette tips below to learn more about fine dining rules: Preparing for Service Formal Table Settings Service Etiquette Cutlery Etiquette How to Serve Wine Clearing the Table Grooming and Behavior Tableside Service Etiquette FAQs Server Etiquette Tips Fine dining can be intimidating and mysterious to the uninitiated. Other styles of serving custome
According to a study by the Natural Resources Defense Council, 30 to 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is wasted, which ends up costing approximately $165 billion every year. One of the biggest contributors to the food waste problem is the restaurant industry, and all of that waste can hurt your bottom line. By setting goals for your restaurant and making some small changes such as taking inventory, changing your food orders, and using your food creatively, you can have a major impact on your profit margin. How to Control Food Cost Reducing food costs and waste starts with tracking and monitoring the food coming into your restaurant. Many restaurants order food in bulk shipments, but it can be difficult to use all of that food before it
Restaurants are costly operations to run, and some of the largest expenses go toward paying overhead. By tracking and looking for cost-saving opportunities in your rent, advertising, equipment, and utility bills, you can lower expenses and boost profits in your restaurant . How to Reduce Overhead Costs Many of the expenses that factor into a restaurant's costs are fixed expenditures, but there are some actions you can take to reduce overhead costs. Taking steps like negotiating with suppliers and landlords or buying newer, more efficient appliances can have a big impact on your bottom line. To reduce your restaurant overhead cost, take the following steps: Calculate your restaurant’s overhead cost Find ways to lower your restaurant rent bil
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Serving coffee through a decanter or airpot allows you to provide large amounts of coffee at once for your guests, but after multiple uses, minerals and oil build up and can leave a residue. Not only does it look unsightly, but it can also lead to bad-tasting drinks. To keep your coffee tasting great, you need to thoroughly clean out your coffee pots, dispensers, and other coffee shop equipment . Just follow these instructions and you can get back to making rich, delicious coffee for your customers. How to Clean a Coffee Pot Video To maintain a clean and organized coffee service , watch our video below on how to clean a coffee pot. How to Clean a Coffee Decanter and Coffee Airpot Cle
Java, Joe, liquid energy, and brew are just some of the terms used to describe one of the world’s most highly consumed beverages - coffee. Did you know different coffee brewing methods affect the taste and aroma of your coffees? Understanding the types of brewing methods helps you choose the right coffee equipment for your business and improves your staff’s knowledge and success! Shop All Coffee Shop Equipment Click below to learn about different ways to make coffee: Drip Coffee French Press Coffee Espresso Machine Coffee Pourover Coffee Cold Brew Coffee Ways to Make Coffee Once coffee beans have been harvested and roasted, it’s time to convert them into a liquid. Understanding the different brewing methods is essential when running a succe
French press coffee is becoming one of the most popular coffee brewing methods in the food service industry. Coffee brewed in a French press offers bold flavors that guests at coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants have come to love. Learn more about this brewing style and follow our French press brewing instructions to extract your coffee beans like an expert. Shop All French Presses Click below to learn more about how to use a French press: Step-by-Step Instructions French Press Brew Guide What Is a French Press? How to Choose a French Press How to Use a French Press Video Check out this video for a visual guide to making coffee in a French press: How to Make French Press Coffee Creating your own French pressed coffee is an uncomplicated pr
If you have ever been to a cafe or coffee shop, you know the drink menu is often overwhelming. As a coffee shop owner, there are so many types of coffee drinks you can offer your customers that it's difficult to understand the difference between them. We explored the most popular coffee drinks and their recipes so you can get familiar with them and keep up with current coffee trends . Click the following link to check out our printable coffee drinks chart. Use these links to jump ahead and find out how your favorite coffee drink is made. Espresso Double Espresso Red Eye Black Eye Americano Long Black Macchiato Long Macchiato Cortado Breve Cappuccino Flat White Cafe Latte Mocha Vienna Affogato Cafe au Lait Iced Coffee Brewing Styles Compared
Are you interested in learning how to apply for a liquor license for your new bar, restaurant, or nightclub ? Liquor laws vary by state and are determined by local agencies, so it's important to be well-informed before beginning the process of applying for a license. If you're interested in learning more about how to get a liquor license for your establishment, keep reading! How to Apply for A Liquor License We've compiled a step-by-step list to guide you through the process of applying for a liquor license. If you're planning on opening your own bar , you'll need to be familiar with these requirements. Click on any of the steps below to choose the section that most interests you: Determine Your State's Alcohol Laws Do You Live i
Is there anything so exciting, so delicious, so refreshing as a perfectly mixed drink? The layers of color, the multiple levels of flavor, the beautiful blend of recognizable tastes dancing with daring dashes of your favorite liquor, all of these things magically meld in a mixed drink to make memorable (or sometimes not so memorable) nights for your customers. If you're planning on starting a new bar, you should be familiar with the science of crafting drinks, also called "mixology". In this guide, we'll take a look at key bar necessities to help your bar staff become proficient professors in the field of mixology and craft the coolest cocktails in town.
Identifying the different types of whiskey isn’t just the realm of the bartender. Some customers will simply tell their server, “Bring me an Old Fashioned.” To provide a high level of service, you must know enough about whiskey to respond with, “Do you prefer bourbon or rye in your Old Fashioned cocktail?” This is especially important in fine dining etiquette , but it applies to any bar or restaurant that stocks whiskey. With an understanding of the kinds of whiskey, you can make recommendations for your guests based on their preferences or even plan a whiskey tasting event. In our whiskey guide, we’ll explain the key differences between types of whiskey so you can identify them correctly. Shop All Whiskey Glasses Click below to learn more
Not every restaurant has a sommelier on-hand to help curate a wine list. In fact, very few do. That means it’s up to the restaurant owner or manager to find wines that complement the menu. To run an effective wine service , follow the tips below to design a wine list that’s both profitable and enticing. Shop All Wine Glasses Tips for Designing a Wine List Whether you’re dedicating a page on your menu or creating a separate wine list for every table, there are ways you can make your menu easy to read for the customer while maximizing your profitability : Do not organize wine by price Keep the list simple and provide important information like vintage, country of origin, body, and price per glass or bottle Offer a variety to appeal to various
If you have questions about the benefits of Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs , how to use them, and how to dispose of CFL light bulbs, check out our FAQs below. We also have helpful tips on how to choose the right CFL bulb and how ENERGY STAR rated CFLs can save you money. Use the links below to jump to the section that interests you.
As more loyal customers are demanding a smaller carbon footprint from their favorite chain or local restaurant, the foodservice industry is focusing heavily on going green. Running a sustainable and eco-friendly establishment is a new standard, not just a distinguishing niche for marketing. Whether you run a takeout restaurant, concession stand, catering business, food truck, or you're just throwing a party, it's important to supply biodegradable and compostable products to all customers and guests. From plates and bowls to platters and trays, we have something for every market that's devoted to going green!
If you’re looking for ways for your restaurant to go green this year , investing in ENERGY STAR appliances will help your business to save money while reducing your carbon footprint. In this guide, we’ll explain what ENERGY STAR is, what it means for appliances, and how you can check if you qualify for any ENERGY STAR rebates. Shop All ENERGY STAR Equipment What Is ENERGY STAR? ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program that provides labels and certifications, backed by the government, that indicate if a product meets a particular energy-efficient standard. ENERGY STAR was established in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a way to reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants that are released into the environment by commercia
Whether it’s related to food sourcing or disposal methods, sustainability has been at the forefront of foodservice trends and concerns in recent years. One of the primary focuses of the sustainability movement is the health of our oceans and marine life. Over 50% of American consumers identified that sustainable seafood is important to them and that they would pay more for it to help the environment. If your seafood restaurant is looking for greener practices , we’ve collected some seafood sustainability tips that your business can incorporate into your menu this year. Shop All Seafood Click any of the links below to learn more about the sustainable seafood: Sustainability Defined Most Popular Seafood Unsustainable Fishing Methods How to Se
Switching from single-use Styrofoam containers and plastic bags to more eco-friendly disposables is an easy way for your business to reduce its environmental impact while appealing to your customers. Whether you're looking for eco-friendly materials to align with your sustainable menu or to comply with new regulations, there is an eco-friendly food packaging solution for you!
Reducing your restaurant's overall energy consumption not only lowers your utility costs , it's also better for the environment. Many food service professionals have been adopting energy conservation methods for the past decade and have drastically cut their energy use and expenses. Here, we've outlined energy conservation tips that will reduce your water and electricity use. 10 Energy Conservation Methods It can be easier than you think to reduce energy consumption in your kitchen with our energy-saving methods! Here are our top 10 tips for conserving energy in your business. Click any of the tips below to read the section that interests you: Energy Efficient Equipment Equipment Maintenance Reduce Water Consumption Efficient Lighting Decre
Catering an off-site event requires organization and planning. Accounting for supplies and catering equipment before your staff steps onto the delivery truck ensures no items are left behind. We’ve made a catering checklist to help you prepare for your event and set your employees up for success. If you’re just getting started in the catering business , this is a good introduction to the items you’ll need for a full-scale, off-site event. Click below for a downloadable catering checklist template: Download our Catering Checklist PDF Table Settings The style of the event will dictate the types of items you’ll need for table settings . Upscale weddings and events require more items to complete a table setting, including cloth napkins, charger
Table skirting can transform any table from dreary and drab to tidy and professional! Whether you're setting up for a business event or giving out free samples to showcase your products, table skirts are a great way to improve the overall look of your display.
When designing your business' layout , one of the most important elements to select is appropriate and comfortable seating for your space. It can be overwhelming to choose the right folding chair for your location with dozens of different materials, colors, features, and styles to sift through. This guide will outline the various types of folding chairs available to you so you can make an informed decision and maximize your investment. Be sure to check out our folding chair reviews as well!
When starting a catering business , you'll need to anticipate your costs and create a document to outline prices. It's important to accurately communicate catering prices and services before the event to avoid client disputes. Keeping copies of all invoices will also help you stay organized for income tax purposes. Templates: To help you get a head start, we've created a catering invoice that you can download for use! Choose from blue, gray, green, and yellow invoice templates. Simply click to download. Contact Information and Details: The name of the client, their company, their billing address, and their phone number should be among the first things listed on your catering invoice. Under details, be sure to list the event date, invoice nu
If you've outgrown your current space, starting your own warehouse could be the next logical step in storing and selling your company’s products online . Or it could be a profitable new venture to create a warehouse and rent out your space to other businesses. No matter what your business goals are, setting up a warehouse from scratch requires some careful planning. The layout and allocation of your space need to be mapped out early on. We’ve created this warehouse layout guide to help you set up your warehouse for maximum efficiency. Shop All Industrial Supplies Click below to learn more about basic warehouse design: Inbound Loading Dock Receiving Storage and Putaway Picking Shipping Outbound Loading Dock Other Warehouse Spaces Common Ware
Whether you are replacing existing casters or looking to add casters as an accessory to equipment, this guide will take you through the types of caster mounts, styles, and wheel materials to help you determine which type of caster best fits your needs. Shop All Casters
Food spoils when the refrigerator won't cool, chefs can't cook when the oven won't heat, and power tools are useless when you're off the grid. Whether electrical access is unavailable or the power goes out in your building, you need a way to keep things running. That's where generators come into play.
A fire extinguisher is an essential emergency tool to keep in any workplace. In fact, for the safety of your employees and guests , it is required by law for any commercial business to keep a fire extinguisher readily available. Furthermore, many states require employees to be trained to use one. In the article below, we’ll investigate the different parts of a fire extinguisher, how to properly use one, and how to properly clean up after using one. Shop All Fire Extinguishers Parts of a Fire Extinguisher Although fire extinguishers come in several different varieties , most share the same general design. To fully understand how to use a fire extinguisher, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different parts, what they
Kitchen work tables are an essential piece of equipment in foodservice establishments, and chefs use them to perform a variety of food prep tasks. While work tables provide an excellent space for kitchen prep, it's difficult to clean beneath a stationary table. That's where casters come in! It's easy to install casters onto a stainless steel work table with a short tutorial. Keep reading to learn what casters are, why you should use them, and how to install casters on your prep tables. Shop All Casters Installing Casters Video Check out our casters video tutorial to learn how to install casters on your kitchen prep table. What Are Casters? Casters are wheels that install on the legs of your work tables or other pieces of equipment to make t
A part of overall restaurant safety is to ensure that you have a business disaster plan in place to help protect your employees and customers in the event of an emergency. Whether it's a fire, an extended power outage, or a natural disaster, having the proper emergency supplies available can sometimes impact survival. Being properly prepared can even affect the overall success of your business after the emergency has passed. We have created an emergency supplies checklist to help your business prepare for unpredictable circumstances. Shop All Emergency Supplies Click below for a downloadable emergency preparedness supplies checklist: Download our Emergency Supplies Checklist PDF Emergency Supplies The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FE