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Many in the catering industry are counting down the days until they can reopen their doors after the current lockdown here in the UK, and for many, that day can’t come quickly enough! It’s been a long struggle over the past few months, but many are finally in the preparation stages for welcoming in those hungry diners once more.
To make sure all restaurants and cafes are as prepared as they can be to resume business, it’s important that they implement covid-secure measures wherever possible, and that they are ready to serve their customers in a safe manner and continue to do so as part of the ‘new normal’ in the UK.
Here are the main things you need to consider before you open your doors:
Risk assessment
Risk assessments are crucially important at all times, not just for returning to the kitchen. You need to identify how and where there are any risks of the virus spreading, who is at risk and what you need to do to reduce these risks in your restaurant or cafe setting. All results from a risk assessment should be shared with your team.
- Complete a COVID-19 risk assessment
- Share results with the wider team
- Put plans in place to reduce these risks
Social distancing and COVID-19 protective measures
One-way systems, distanced diners and sanitation stations are just some of the ways you can ensure you’re keeping staff and customers safe at all times. When it comes to catering equipment, our popular retractable glass units are COVID-safe and enable an operator to switch between self-serve and assisted service whenever is required.
- Install protective screens where necessary
- Rearrange dining areas to distance customers
- Source PPE
- Map out kitchen flow if applicable
Food and personal hygiene
Effective hygiene practices are the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure staff and customers always feel safe and protected. It’s up to you to provide effective cleaning and sanitation stations for customers to use and also ensure regular cleaning in between customers wherever food has been or will be. Educating staff members about the importance of these measures and how to maintain safe hygiene practices is also recommended.
- Ensure staff know correct hygiene practices
- Provide sanitiser for customers
- Implement staff health checks and testing where necessary
Risk-free equipment
Equipment that won’t let you down is essential. You should ensure that all equipment in your kitchen is properly cleaned and serviced before you reopen to ensure any problems are identified in advance. However, if you’re looking for new equipment to help showcase your hot and cold food offerings, then we’ve got the perfect solutions for you.
Here at Counterline, we have a great range of hot and cold, free-standing and unique drop-in display units which not only keep food fresh and at a maintained temperature, but also look stylish to fit in with your decor.
- Assess quality of all equipment
- Replace/maintain old equipment if needed or consider new, environmentally friendly options
Cleaning schedules
Daily and weekly cleaning schedules should be put into place before reopening and beyond. You should include frequent cleaning of surfaces which are high contact for staff and customers, as well as regular cleaning for those display units and storage areas.
Counterline products are created from the strongest, most reliable materials which can withstand regular cleaning, making them the perfect additions to your restaurant or cafe.
- Create a rota for every area of your restaurant/cafe
- Ensure frequency of cleaning is implemented
- Remind staff to clean as they go
Is your restaurant or cafe ready for reopening?
Use the points above to ensure you’re ready for reopening! Counterline are the UK’s leaders in customised counters and food and drink display units. If we can help provide the right equipment for your restaurant or cafe, or you’d like to chat to our team about what is possible, give us a call today on 0151 548 2211 or email us at enquiries@counterline.co.uk.
