PERSPECTIVES
Although the “bucket and rag” method may be the industry standard for cleaning surfaces in restaurants, if not performed properly, these techniques can be ineffective at best. Cleaning and sanitizing with reusable towels requires constant monitoring of the sanitizing solution, the surfaces being cleaned, and the towels themselves.
Read MoreIt’s common knowledge in the foodservice industry that cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, along with proper hand hygiene practices, is one of the best ways to prevent cross-contamination of germs in restaurants. But just because things look clean doesn’t mean they are – kitchen equipment, storage areas, countertops and even cutting boards can hide germs and food soils even after they’ve been cleaned and sanitized. And that’s bad news for your food safety program.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe but summer and the summer travel season is almost here. This upcoming weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and soon people will be hitting the road for vacations, trips to see family and friends and other fun activities. And, most likely their travel will include a stop to relax and grab a bite to eat. With more than 39.3 million US travelers expected to take to the road, skies, rails and water this Memorial Day weekend[1], now is the perfect time to make sure your restaurant is ready.
Read MoreYour commitment to cleanliness is the cornerstone of your guests’ experience. In fact, according to data from Technomics[1], a restaurant’s cleanliness is one of the top attributes your guests value and one that either keeps or deters them from dining with you again. Cleanliness is also a critical aspect of your restaurant’s food safety program. This means the overall cleanliness of your restaurant not only affects your bottom line, but your restaurant’s reputation as well.
Read MoreYou never have a second chance to make a first impression, and for restaurants that initial impression is made the moment a guest walks through the front door.
Cleanliness plays a key role in how your restaurant is seen by guests. In fact, oftentimes guests see the front of the house as a reflection of the kitchen. So, if your lobby, dining area or restrooms are dirty, then it is assumed the kitchen is dirty as well.
According to an article in Restaurant Owner, you can have stellar service and great food but if your restaurant isn’t spotless, you could lose repeat customers. So, how can you help to make front-of-the-house cleaning part of your daily cleaning practices?
First and foremost, it is important to remember that cleaning is not an event, but an ongoing activity in a restaurant. While at home, you may have a designated cleaning day or timeframe, like the annual Spring Cleaning, but in a restaurant setting, cleaning must be done on a consistent, on-going basis each and every day. Some industry experts suggest including a component of daily cleaning in job descriptions for staff members; this way everyone plays an important role in keeping the restaurant clean.
Also, experts advise that being busy is not an excuse for not having a clean restaurant. Remember to clean as you go and to make sure the dining room, lobby and restrooms are always at their best. Finally, it is helpful to have a schedule that outlines daily, weekly, monthly and annual cleaning tasks that need to be accomplished. The larger tasks, such as those done on a monthly or annual basis, can also be done by a professional cleaning company, which can help to take some of the cleaning burden off of your front-of-house staff.
Guests notice the difference between a restaurant that is committed to cleanliness and one that is not. Shouldn’t your restaurant be one that stands out and keeps guests coming back?
We have all heard the phrase, “cleanliness is next to godliness.” And for the foodservice industry, it could easily be, “cleanliness is next to success,” The cleanliness of you restaurant has a huge impact not only on your restaurant’s bottom line, but your guests’ overall experience as well.
So how can you ensure your restaurant’s cleanliness is meeting and possibly exceeding your guests’ expectations? There are specific signs of a clean restaurant. Does your restaurant exhibit all nine?
View the infographic, "9 Top Signs of a Clean Restaurant" to find out >
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