The Ultimate Guide To Restaurant & Commercial Kitchen Automation
Far from the niche applications of the past, commercial kitchen automation has taken the restaurant industry by storm. Automating routine tasks allows restaurants to improve food safety and quality, as well as reduce food waste and labor costs overall.
However, with countless automated technologies available, you might not know where to start. That's where we come in!
At GS Draft, we specialize in automated draft beverage systems, a revolutionary restaurant technology designed to save you time and money while improving customer service. Want to learn more? Read on to discover how emerging technologies like this can improve your business.
What is Kitchen Automation?
Kitchen automation is the process of using technological advances to improve kitchen efficiency and operations. For example, all of these tools and operations fall under automation:
Kitchen automation software: Already present in most restaurants, these systems help track kitchen operations, including front-of-house, back-of-house, inventory, and online orders. This provides crucial data and insights that can be used to streamline operations.
Self-service kiosks: Self-serve kiosks, including self-pour beverage systems, allow customers to serve their own drinks effortlessly. Contactless ordering is fast and efficient, often including RFID technology to simplify the process and help track data.
RFID Integration: Using radio waves to identify objects and living things, RIFD technology is highly useful for inventory tracking and drive-through efficiency. This helps personalize service and streamline operations.
Restaurant robotics: While many of these advanced technologies are still in development, restaurant robots can help automate mundane food service industry tasks like flipping burgers, tossing salads,. or efficiently clearing away dirty dishes to the kitchen.
Cleaning systems: Proper food storage is essential for food safety, which is why automated systems that consistently clean kitchen areas are so valuable. Plus, automated cleaning lowers labor costs and boosts efficiency.
Why is Kitchen Automation Important?
Restaurant owners know how competitive the industry is, and how important it is to keep up with an ever-changing landscape. Foodservice has changed immensely in the past five years, with niche, novel technologies now being adopted by many establishments.
To keep up with changing demand and the need for increased productivity, kitchen automation stands out as an ideal solution. Technologies like RIFD help with data analysis and inventory management, while self-serve kiosks provide fast and efficient service to customers.
Ultimately, by not investing in kitchen automation, you stand to lose important efficiencies to your competition. Instead, you can be one of the first to make your service faster, cleaner, and more satisfying for customers.
How can Kitchen Automation Improve Your Restaurant?
There are many ways automated kitchen systems can improve restaurant operations. Here's how they can take your establishment to the next level:
Efficient Service
Did you know that it takes the average bartender over 30 seconds to pour a glass of beer or wine? Automated systems like Self-Serve ReverseTap Kiosks can fill a glass in only 7 seconds, all while preventing overflow. After 100 drinks are served, the automated system will save you just over 38 minutes of pour time!
This is just one example of how automated systems streamline kitchen operations. Not only will the automated services be faster and more efficient, but they will also free up human employees. Instead of wasting time on tedious tasks like cleaning and pouring, they can instead focus on more complex tasks or engage with customers. All of these factors combined go a long way in improving service.
Data and Analytics
One of the toughest challenges for any restaurant owner is proper inventory and supply chain management. Luckily, kitchen automation systems equipped with RIFD technology make data tracking easier than ever. Track your inventory in real-time, receive alerts when supplies are low, and even predict future needs based on past data.
This eliminates guesswork and reduces waste in several ways. By analyzing sales trends and customer preferences, you gain valuable insights into optimizing your menu, streamlining operations, and boosting profitability.
Food Safety
Food quality and safety are essential, and while existing systems may get the job done most of the time, there is no room for mistakes during kitchen operations. Instead, automated systems provide important safety nets for your customers and staff. Here are some of the benefits:
- Temperature Control: Food and beverages stored at the wrong temperature can spoil, wasting thousands of dollars. Automated systems can monitor and maintain proper food storage and cooking temperatures, preventing spoilage and undercooking.
- Self-Cleaning: From beer tap lines to fryers and grills, many automated cooking and beverage systems come with self-cleaning technology. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures thorough and consistent cleaning.
- Reducing Contaminants: By preventing direct human contact and other potential contaminates, automation can improve hygiene throughout the restaurant.
- Removing Human Error: By automating tasks like cooking times, serving the perfect pint of beer, and portion control, systems reduce the likelihood of human-made mistakes throughout the restaurant.
Customer Experience
When competition is fierce, customer satisfaction keeps your restaurant going. How does automation enhance the experience?
Automated kitchen systems consistently deliver faster service, consistent food quality, and personalized interactions. For example, self-serve kiosks allow customers to place orders quickly and accurately, reducing wait times and potential errors. These systems can also provide real-time updates, allowing customers to track their orders with ease. All of these benefits combined make the dining experience more enjoyable, building loyalty over time in a competitive market.
Labor Costs
Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, many restaurants have struggled to maintain staff and keep up with labor costs. If you're in that boat, automation can help bring your restaurant costs down significantly.
Automation reduces the need for manual labor by handling order taking, drink pouring, and kitchen prep. This allows your business to operate effectively with fewer employees and reduces the pressure on those currently employed. These freed-up staff members can then be reallocated to more customer-facing roles, improving service efficiency. Overall, you'll be able to cut overhead expenses, improve employee satisfaction, and increase profitability, all at the same time.
Must-Have Kitchen Automation Examples
Not sure how to start streamlining your kitchen operations? Consider GS Draft's innovative self-serve beverage systems:
Self-Serve TapWalls®
Our Self-Serve TapWalls® is an innovative system designed especially for high-volume restaurants, stadiums, and entertainment venues. The system utilizes multiple taps and glycol-cooled dispensers to provide fast, efficient, and high-quality drink services. Our TapWalls® allows patrons to pour 16 popular beverage choices, including beer, wine, and cocktails, all without waiting in line to pay. With seamless dispensing and checkout-free technology, fans can return to the action quickly for a superior fan experience.
Crowler® and Growler Stations
More and more customers want the option to take their craft beer home, which is why GS Draft’s Crowler® and Growler Stations are a must-have for your restaurant. These turnkey beverage dispensing solutions are designed to fill Crowler cans and Growlers with ease. They do this by featuring custom-built, counter-pressure fillers that guarantee both speed and accuracy. Our systems are also available in various configurations with up to 12 lines, allowing you to provide optimal pouring experience for your guests while maintaining beverage freshness.
Self-Serve ReverseTap Kiosks
Did you know that you'll lose an average of 23 cups of beer per keg to overflow and foam? Not with our ReverseTap draft beer system. Unlike traditional taps that pour from the top and need the glass to be tilted to reduce foam, this fast-filling system pumps beer from the bottom. Here's how it works:
- Patented Cup Design: This premium dispenser includes a patented cup bottom that is tension-sealed, eliminating any metal parts or magnets that might alter the taste of the beverage. They're easy to fill and ensure a watertight seal.
- Hands-Free Loading: Simply place the cup on the dispenser, and it fills automatically from the bottom up—no tilt needed!
- Fast Autofill: Thanks to the ReverseTap technology, you can achieve the perfect pour without excess foam in as little as 7 seconds.
- Multiple Fill Options: Adjust the volume to accommodate multiple fill sizes with ease.
- Efficiency Boost: With a 99% keg yield and zero waste, you’ll never worry about losing beer to overflow or foam again!
- Versatile Use: Suitable for beer, coffee, cocktails, and more.
- Easy Tracking: The flow meter displays the ounces dispensed, while the integrated thermometer displays the temperature of the beer. This allows for easy tracking and maintenance.
As a Smart Dispenser that operates from the bottom, ReverseTap introduces a fast, hands-free, and waste-free way to fill cups, delivering a quick ROI.
How to Automate Your Kitchen Effectively
Effectively automating your kitchen operations requires proper installation and maintenance. Improving food safety and quality is a delicate process, after all. That's why it's so important to choose the right partner. The best supplier not only provides high-quality kitchen automation systems, but also aids in:
Installation: Look for reliable suppliers to support you beyond your purchase. A trustworthy supplier ensures seamless system setup from the beginning, so choose suppliers who will oversee the installation and ensure everything functions seamlessly after.
Staff Training: While most automated systems are designed to be intuitive, effective training is essential for preventing mistakes and boosting efficiencies. Good suppliers will take the time to train your staff how to operate the new equipment.
Phased Implementation: Rolling out automation in phases allows your team to adjust gradually, reducing disruptions. This approach helps you identify what works best and tailor solutions to meet your restaurant's specific goals.
Ongoing Maintenance and Cleaning: Proper upkeep of your automated systems is crucial to long-term success. Choose a supplier that provides routine maintenance, cleaning services, and readily available support to keep your kitchen running efficiently.
Troubleshooting: Even the most well-designed automation systems encounter issues, which is why high-quality suppliers are always there to help. Look for a supplier that offers responsive troubleshooting and technical support to address malfunctions quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring your kitchen remains productive.
Why Choose GS Draft System Solutions?
Unlike the competition, we check all of the boxes listed above. Our services include:
Custom Design
From classic pubs to modern cocktail bars, every restaurant is unique. At GS Draft, we custom-design all of our self-serve kiosks to meet your budget, fit your needs, and fit your space. We can customize towers or utilize turnkey solutions for optimum functionality.
Installation
Some suppliers might leave you on your own to install your automation systems, but not us. We understand the importance of a properly installed Draft System with exact operating conditions. Our team can also install anywhere in the country.
Digital Beverage Menu
What’s a restaurant bar without a beverage menu? Beer Wizard Beer Menus provides easy-to-use templates, customization, and communication tools to reach customers.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps to identify potential issues before they become big problems. Our maintenance programs help to keep the beverages flowing, from regular cleaning to advanced troubleshooting.
Invest in Restaurant Automation Tools Today!
Automated kitchen systems are becoming essential in the food industry, streamlining operations and improving customer satisfaction like never before. If you're a business seeking a custom self-serve system, the GS Draft System Solutions team is ready to help.
We take pride in our work and are here to address any inquiries about our extensive product options and services, which are all created to help your business run above the industry standard.
Explore our comprehensive installation options by calling us at (949) 421-3882. You can also email us at sales@gsdraft.com. We look forward to your message!
