In this guide, we will explore some essential details of commercial kitchen remodels, offering insights into optimizing and enhancing functionality and efficiency and complying with local regulations. Whether you’re planning to upgrade an existing space or starting from scratch, navigating a commercial kitchen remodel requires careful planning and consideration.
In this guide, we will cover:
- Understanding the Importance of a Commercial Kitchen Remodel
- Key Considerations Before Starting A Commercial Kitchen Remodel
- Planning the Perfect Commercial Kitchen Layout
- Selecting the Right Equipment
- Managing Disruption Effectively
- The Remodel Process Overview
- Improve Your Commercial Kitchen With CORE Renovation
Understanding the Importance of a Commercial Kitchen Remodel
The importance of an industrial kitchen remodel goes beyond just aesthetics; it is about optimizing the kitchen space for workflow, supporting food safety standards, and improving operational efficiency.
Key Considerations Before Starting A Commercial Kitchen Remodel
Before starting the remodeling process for a commercial kitchen space, it’s essential to do a thorough assessment of the current kitchen setup and the improvements you want to achieve through a remodel. Doing this will make the consultation and planning phase of a remodel clearer and more efficient for all parties involved.
Assessing Space and Infrastructure
Assess your current commercial kitchen layout and look for opportunities to improve workflow distributions, space utilization, and the placement of utilities such as HVAC, electrical systems, equipment, and plumbing.
Understanding Regulatory Requirements
Before starting a kitchen remodel, ensure you are up to date on the latest local health codes, fire safety regulations, and ADA compliance standards. Making sure your kitchen remodel plans meet all these requirements is essential to avoiding costly delays or future penalties.
Ohio Regulation Resources:
ADA Laws, Regulations, and Standards Resource
https://www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/
Ohio Department of Health Laws & Forms
https://odh.ohio.gov/health-rules-laws-and-forms
Ohio Fire Codes
https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/chapter-1301:7-7
Identifying Operational Goals
When planning a commercial kitchen renovation, it is essential to look for opportunities to improve kitchen operations. Consider your peak service times, kitchen staff needs, seasonal weather changes, areas of wasted space, and anything that might improve your and your kitchen staff’s ability to work efficiently.
Planning the Perfect Commercial Kitchen Layout
Choosing the right layout for your commercial kitchen is not just a design choice but a decision that can significantly impact the success of your remodel and the operational efficiency of your kitchen. Here are some common layout features to consider for your commercial kitchen remodel:
- Assembly Line: A fast-service restaurant may benefit from an organized and linear kitchen design. This can help with both the prep and service processes.
- Zones: For commercial kitchens with specialized staff who are dedicated to their own stations rather than a line cook, a kitchen divided into zones for specific tasks may be a more efficient design for your staff.
- Island: If you have a commercial kitchen where executive chef oversight is crucial to operations, a kitchen design centered around a central cooking station could be an ideal remodel feature.
Selecting the Right Equipment
By investing in the latest energy-efficient commercial kitchen equipment, you can significantly cut down on operational costs while improving food safety and quality.
- Equipment Evaluation: Assessing the current condition of existing equipment, such as hoods, ranges, fryers, refrigerators, and more, to determine what needs replacement or upgrade.
- Energy Efficiency: Choosing kitchen appliances with ENERGY STAR® ratings to reduce environmental impacts and save on utility costs
- Purchasing, Installation, and Integration: If you plan on purchasing new kitchen appliances, speaking to your executive and head kitchen staff about appliances can provide valuable insights into what would be truly helpful for your kitchen staff. Before installing the new equipment, work with your renovation contractor to plan the installation process to minimize downtime and ensure seamless integration into your new commercial kitchen design.
Managing Disruption Effectively
When it comes to commercial kitchen renovations, some degree of distribution is unavoidable. However, with careful planning and collaboration with your renovation contractor, you can confidently choose a construction plan that best fits your business and timeline. Decide on the approach that best suits your operational needs during the remodel:
- Phased Construction: This approach to the remodeling process allows for the continued operation of different kitchen sections. By remodeling multiple small kitchen sections one by one, the business can stay open and offer a full or partial menu while renovations occur.
- Complete Shutdown: A complete shutdown may be the best option for some businesses. This option will require more planning with the renovation company, but it can often result in a quicker completion time for the whole remodel. It also can give the renovation company more time and space to ensure a thorough and complete job is achieved.
- Temporary Kitchen Setup: For some businesses, accompanying a complete shutdown of the kitchen with a temporary kitchen setup elsewhere could be a great option. This allows your business to achieve a faster completion time and stay open. A temporary kitchen setup could be located in another part of the same building or elsewhere. This option will require more investment in time and money, but it can be an excellent solution for project completion and operations.
The Remodel Process Overview
When choosing a commercial kitchen renovation company, remember to discuss the renovation process with them. Even if a company has a renovation process page on its website, make sure to discuss the process regarding the specifics of your project. Every commercial kitchen remodel project is unique and might include additional steps that other projects do not require. These are the typical steps you can expect from most contractors.
- Consultation and Design: Work closely with a commercial kitchen renovation specialist to outline goals, create design concepts, and obtain necessary permits.
- Construction and Installation: Coordinate with contractors and tradespeople to ensure the seamless execution of construction, equipment installation, and final inspections.
- Completion and Testing: Conduct thorough testing and inspections to ensure all systems and equipment meet operational standards before reopening.
With some companies, this process might involve you speaking and working with multiple contractors. To save you time and energy as a business owner, look for a full-service commercial kitchen renovation company that handles communication, permitting, and every part of the renovation project for you.
Improve Your Commercial Kitchen With CORE Renovation
Partnering with CORE Renovation ensures a comprehensive approach to your commercial kitchen remodel, providing you with a sense of security and confidence:
- Expert Project Management: Benefit from experienced project managers who oversee every aspect of your remodel, from initial consultation to final inspection.
- Innovative Designs: Access cutting-edge design solutions tailored to your specific operational needs and aesthetic preferences.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Trust in meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that enhances the functionality and longevity of your kitchen space.
- Competitive Pricing: Receive transparent pricing and cost-effective solutions that align with your budgetary constraints.
Contact CORE Renovation Today
Ready to transform your commercial kitchen into a more efficient and functional space? Contact CORE Renovation today to schedule a consultation. Discover how our expertise can help you achieve your commercial kitchen renovation goals and upgrade the space to new heights of efficiency and excellence.
