If you plan to start a commercial kitchen, the first thing you need to do is find out what all steps it actually involves. Equipped with the right information, you will be able to carry out the restaurant construction exactly as you want. While you may come across a wide range of ready-made designs for your restaurant kitchen, you can never afford to ignore the importance of a custom design. When it comes to building a kitchen, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. If you have an expert or an experienced restaurant builder by your side, the entire project can be carried out in a proper manner while meeting all key requirements.
If you live in Denver, Colorado, feel free to reach out to Hood Builder and consult with one of our experts. One of the most reliable restaurant general contractors, our company helps a range of clients complete commercial kitchen constructions projects in a professional and smooth manner.
Availability of Space
When it comes to building a restaurant kitchen, the first question that arises is how much space is available. The more space you have, the more functional the kitchen will be. However, this does not mean all commercial kitchens have to be big. You can also operate small kitchens while maximizing the functionality and the food service operation. Whether you want to construct a new kitchen or redesign an existing kitchen, you will need to plan everything in advance including the fire restoration for the restaurant, cooking equipment, electrical contracting, plumbing etc. It is the kitchen layout that will require the most attention.
In addition to the installation of all the cooking equipment, refrigerated systems and fire safety systems, you will need to make sure the kitchen workers have enough space for efficient operation and movement in the facility. All of this together will ensure the success of your food service business.
If you plan to redesign the existing set up of your restaurant kitchen, the restaurant builder will need to take accurate measurements of everything, right from counters, windows, HVAC systems, doorways, floor drains etc. Contractors use drawings and sketches to plan out every crucial detail of a restaurant kitchen in order to achieve smooth and enhanced functionality. If you have a question in regard to space availability for the kitchen you plan to build, feel free to get in touch with one of our commercial kitchen experts at Hood Builder.
Different Types of Commercial Kitchen Layouts
The design of a commercial kitchen should be planned while taking key factors such as efficiency, productivity and safety into consideration. Regardless of how much space you have, the right layout can turn the space into a highly efficient and fully functional restaurant kitchen.
Restaurant contractors will present you with many different kitchen layouts to suit your specific needs. Some of the most preferred among these include Island Layout, Assembly Line Layout, Zone-style layout, Open Kitchen Layout etc. Each of these layouts is different and has something unique to offer. Before you opt for any of these, you should be crystal-clear on what exactly you are planning to achieve and what style of commercial kitchen you want to build.
Once you are clear as to what style you prefer, the restaurant builder will get started with the project and customize the base design in order to fulfill all the specific needs of your commercial restaurant kitchen.
Installation of Kitchen Equipment and Systems
Before making a list of all the cooking equipment and systems for your kitchen, you will need to decide upon the menu. The selection of the kitchen equipment will depend on the type of cuisines you will serve. Main equipment required by a commercial kitchen are given below.
Cooking Equipment:
Buying and setting up the cooking equipment is an essential part of commercial kitchen construction services. You will need to plan out the arrangement of all the equipment in a proper manner, so that the set up does not obstruct the daily food service operation in any way. Once you have created a detailed list of all the necessary equipment, the restaurant builder will use it to draw an ideal layout for proper arrangement and function.
Refrigeration:
For safe storage of food items, commercial kitchens have an essential requirement for coolers and refrigerated systems. Since there are multiple types of refrigerated solutions available, you will need to choose a solution that is a perfect match for your day-to-day needs.
Ventilation System:
Based on the type of cooking you will do, there will arise a need for the installation of a ventilation system. The heat and smoke produced in the kitchen will need removal for the safety of workers. A suitable ventilation system will ensure the indoor air quality of the commercial kitchen remains high and workers do not face any issues in regard to their health and safety.
The success of a restaurant revolves around the functionality of its kitchen. When operating a commercial kitchen, you should take good care of the staff and provide them with a safe and comfortable environment to work in. No kitchen issue is small and it can take a toll on the productivity of the staff. That is exactly why installing a high quality HVAC system is an essential requirement for every restaurant kitchen, whether large or small.
Plumbing:
The safety and sanitation of a commercial kitchen is of crucial concern. When the kitchen construction layout is created, careful attention is paid to the plumbing system of the restaurant.
Fire Restoration:
Deposits of grease inside hoods are potential fire hazards. In any commercial kitchen, there is always the risk of fire. Kitchen fires can spread very fast and are very difficult to control. To ensure the safety of people and the entire building, the installation of a fire restoration for the restaurant is a must. At Hood Builder, we specialize in the installation, maintenance and repair of a wide range of branded fire suppression systems for large kitchens.
In addition to these, you may need to install many other equipment, machines and systems in your restaurant kitchen. That is why a commercial kitchen design includes all of this and many other things to suit your exact needs. For more tips and advice on restaurant general construction and how the project will be carried out, do not hesitate to talk to one of our professionals.
Storage – A Key Component of Commercial Kitchen Design
Storage space is one of the most important components of a restaurant kitchen design. If the storage area is not adequate, it can easily hamper the overall performance of the entire kitchen. Enough storage translates to less pressure on the kitchen and more customers served. That is exactly why every restaurant owner should take this crucial part of the planning process seriously.
When building a commercial kitchen, you should plan for the following storage spaces for smooth functioning and success:
Refrigerated Storage:
You need to pay attention to both the amount of space as well as the location of the space. The refrigerated storage area should be close and easily accessible by the kitchen staff.
Freezer Storage:
A freezer room plays a crucial role in a commercial kitchen. The design and construction of the freezer room is different from other areas, as it requires the use of advanced technology. Proper storage of frozen food is paramount to the success of a commercial restaurant.
Dry Storage:
Just like you need proper storage for fresh and frozen food items, you also need to store dry food items. Based on how much space is available, you can create dry storage in cupboards and shelves. In a small kitchen, wall mounted shelves can be used for dry storage.
Non-Food Storage:
In addition to food items, there are a whole lot of items and objects that need proper storage. When creating a storage space plan, you should definitely include the requirement for the storage of items such as plates, utensils, cutleries, napkins etc. Like all other storage areas, the non-food storage space should also be close as well as easily reachable.
When running a commercial kitchen, you will need adequate storage facilities for a wide range of items, objects and stuff. Plus, you will need some extra storage and some space for storing food waste. Working with experienced restaurant general contractors will make the entire process smooth and ensure that your commercial kitchen is constructed exactly as you want.
Key Aspects of Commercial Kitchen Plans
Every commercial kitchen design is unique in terms of functionality, space management and the overall functioning. However, there are some crucial aspects that are common to every restaurant kitchen. In fact, focusing on these aspects will ensure you have the most ideal kitchen constructed.
Space Efficiency:
One of the biggest challenges that you will need to address in kitchen design is the efficient use of the space available. So, you should define your needs in a clear manner as well as understand what are the things your restaurant must need and those that it does not need. No matter how big or small the available space is, the trick is to get the most out of it.
Simplicity:
Based on the type of operation, the overall layout of the kitchen should have simplicity of design. Lack of simplicity will make the space look cramped, cluttered and complicated. Experienced commercial restaurant builders understand design principles and the value of simple design.
Flow:
Construction of an ideal restaurant kitchen involves incorporating an efficient flow throughout the entire design. This will ensure the design is both unique and functional. Lack of flow, on the other hand, will create confusion and can lead to accidents in the kitchen area. So, make sure the design of your commercial kitchen has a logical flow as per the key principles of design.
Energy Efficiency:
In order to reduce carbon footprints, the construction design of the kitchen should be energy-efficient. It is not beneficial for just the environment, but it will increase your bottom line as well.
Flexibility:
A commercial kitchen should be constructed in a manner that its design can adapt to changes in menu. Whether it is the cooking equipment or the refrigerated systems, it should be easy to make some adjustments in their placements according to the evolving needs of the food preparation.
Whether you plan a new kitchen setup or want to upgrade an existing facility, each of these aspects should be considered. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Hood Builder for detailed consultation in this regard.
Local Codes and Regulations
An important part of the commercial kitchen construction process is understanding and complying with the local health and safety codes. No matter how efficient, functional and attractive your restaurant design is, if it does not follow the state laws and regulatory guidelines, it will all mean nothing.
When constructing the kitchen, you will need to be fully aware of the state codes, county codes and city codes. If you have a restaurant general contractor by your side, they will explain the meaning and importance of each of the codes that matters to your food service business. Though you can find many of these codes by visiting official websites, you will have a hard time understanding them unless you have an expert who can explain the codes in simple words.
For detailed information on all the local codes and regulations for running a healthy and safe commercial kitchen and to avoid any discrepancies in the future, you should consult with one of our specialists.
Need Expert Help with the Construction of Your Restaurant Kitchen?
If you have a question or need the help of experts for the design and construction of an ideal commercial kitchen, Hood Builder is the ideal destination. One of the most experienced and reliable restaurant general contractors, we work with a wide range of clients in and around Denver, Colorado. Our services include complete construction and design of commercial kitchens including layout, fire restoration for restaurant, cooking equipment set up, storage, walk-in freezers, electrical contracting, HVAC installation, hood installation, fire protection etc.
For your free consultation, you can call our office phone number or write us an email using the contact form on our website.