There’s a great recent article in QSR Magazine about how with more Americans being diagnosed with celiac disease, customer demand for a gluten-free menu at restaurants is rising.

If you’re a restaurant owner or chef who is considering offering a gluten-free menu, the article stresses taking care to make sure cross-contamination does not happen. You can do this by having a clean prep area for the gluten-free products. Also, flours should be pre-mixed and labeled, and the restaurant staff should be educated about how to handle the gluten-free items. A staff meeting might be a great way to get everyone together to explain just how important it is to keep gluten and gluten-free items separated so as not to cross-contaminate. Another important point QSR mentions is that gluten-free baked items typically have a short shelf life, so they should be prepared in small quantities.

Some restaurants that offer a gluten-free menu may want to ensure that gluten-free items are not contaminated by restaurant equipment used for gluten items. Having restaurant equipment that is dedicated to the production of your gluten-free items is a good way to ensure that there is no contamination.

Mentioned in the article is Chicago’s Swirlz Cupcakes, a store that bakes gluten-free items first and even tests the air for wheat flour and other ambient allergens so that they can work to keep that percentage low. There’s no doubt that customers sincerely appreciate this kind of dedication.

Another example in the article is Nana’s Cookie Co., a company that uses all stainless steel restaurant equipment, separate equipment for the gluten-free items, and they bake them only at certain times and on certain days.

Buy Restaurant Equipment to Make Gluten-Free Items

If you need dedicated restaurant equipment to produce your gluten-free menu items, ShortOrder.com has an impressive selection — and we have the lowest prices out there. From small appliances to Vulcan ranges, we’ve got all you need for your restaurant.

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) recently released employment projections for summer 2009, and the information is positive: It’s expected that eating and drinking places across the country will add over 381,000 jobs during summer. This is a 4.1 percent increase from the employment level in March of ‘09.

Many are interpreting this good news as an indication that the restaurant industry is recovering from the economic downturn. Jobs in the restaurant industry play a large role in America, as there are 13 million employees working at about one million restaurants in America — which makes the restaurant industry one of the biggest employers in the country. In the next decade, it’s expected that there will be 15 million employees in the restaurant industry.

An article in QSR Magazine talked about the NRA’s projections, noting that the industry added jobs in May for the first time in 10 months, though U.S. employment growth remains negative. Because of travel and tourism in the summer months, restaurants typically beef up their staff to be prepared for an increase in traffic. Only the construction industry beats the restaurant industry when it comes to America’s largest creators for seasonal jobs during summer.

So which states will add the most jobs at eating and drinking places for summer 2009? New York tops the list with 32,900 jobs; Calfornia comes in a close second with 30,900 jobs; and Texas is third with 26,400 jobs. On the other end, because summer isn’t their peak season for travel and tourism, the states of Arizona and Florida will see a decline in employment.

Keep Up with Summer Restaurant Traffic

Does your restaurant typically see an increase in traffic during the summer months? Be sure you’ll be able to handle more customers by getting quality, reliable restaurant equipment. From Vulcan ranges to Vita-Mix Blenders, ShortOrder.com has the lowest prices on restaurant equipment.

Pizza restaurant equipment can be found here at ShortOrder.com. Pizza has got to be one of the most popular meals out there. And everyone has a different way of making it, whether it’s deep dish, thin crust, stuffed crust or thick crust. Extra cheese, pepperoni on top or under cheese, roasted peppers, pineapple, chicken, anchovies, sausage — the combinations are endless, really… and we haven’t even mentioned sauces. A hot, delicious pizza with fresh toppings is a pretty though thing to pass up.

If you are a restaurant owner or chef looking to purchase new pizza ovens or pizza prep tables, you’ve come to the right place. Our selection of pizza ovens and prep tables almost certainly guarantees you’ll find just what you need for your restaurant.

Single Deck Pizza Ovens

Our wide variety of pizza restaurant equipment includes single deck pizza ovens. One of the many units we offer is the Bakers Pride pizza oven GS-805-NAT, a highly rated, lighter duty unit. You may also consider the Montague pizza oven 13P-1-NAT if you’re looking for single deck pizza ovens.

Double Deck Pizza Ovens

Don’t miss double deck pizza ovens at ShortOrder.com. A good buy is the Bakers Pride pizza oven Y-600-NAT, which has a five-star and Editor’s Choice rating. This is a dependable lighter duty double deck pizza oven.

Pizza Prep Tables

Pizza prep tables can be essential to a restaurant that makes and serves pizza. We have several to choose from, made by different brands and available in different sizes. There’s the Randell pizza prep table 8260N, which has an Editor’s Choice, five-star rating at ShortOrder. It is 60 inches wide and features very reliable temperature holding. There’s also the Beverage-Air pizza prep table DP119, another recipient of our Editor’s Choice and five-star ratings. At 119 inches wide, this unit offers a large cubic foot capacity and product-cooling airflow — it’s an excellent value.

Pizza Restaurant Equipment and More

You’ll find more than just pizza restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com. Find high quality and affordable restaurant equipment from Manitowoc, Vulcan, Frymaster and more. We’re also proud to offer a Low Price Guarantee that gives you the assurance that you’re getting your restaurant equipment for the lowest price. If you have any questions about pizza restaurant equipment, feel free to contact us. Happy shopping!

There are a lot of different factors when deciding which of the ice machines is best for you. This Guide to Buying Ice Machines includes some helpful tips to ensure you make the best choice:

Ice machines are a critical component to the foodservice operator. They are expensive to buy, operate and maintain, but cheaper than buying ice by the bag!

Ice Machines: Sizing

The amount of ice used daily is rarely uniform. Consider the fact that you will use more ice in summer than winter and weekend usage is sure to be more than weekdays. Be sure you size your ice machine and bin to meet your peak usage needs.

Try not to base your decision solely on what your current ice machine does. Take into account the age and condition of your present equipment, as well as the surrounding air and water temperatures at your peak usage times. Production charts can be found on the spec sheets for each machine that will tell you 24-hour production under your particular conditions.

Ideally, your company is a growing one. Consider adding 20% to your current usage estimates to account for future business growth. Check out the sizing guide, to help guide you in your usage decision.

Ice Type

There are 3 types of ice: cubes, flakes and nuggets.

Cubers:

Cube machines usually come with two choices in size: Half Dice or Whole Dice. You can generally find the size of the cubes by looking on the spec sheet for the machine. These machines are the most popular, producing a hard cube that melts slowly and produces the best drink product.

Recommended for: Mixed Drinks, Carbonated Beverages, Ice Retailing, Salad Bars, Ice Dispensing

Flakers:

These machines produce small, hard bits of ice. They cool quickly and have a low production cost. Flakes mold to any shape and are great for salad bars, hospitals and limited specialty drinks.

Recommended for: Produce, Seafood, or Meat Displays, Blended Cocktails, Salad Bars, Hospitals

Nuggets:

Produces a softer, chewable texture ice that still provides a maximum cooling effect for drinks. In a dispenser, the ice will melt and stick together, so you need to be sure that the proper agitator kit is purchased.

Recommended for: Carbonated Beverages, Blended Beverages, Salad Bars, Produce Display, Hospitals.

Cooling Systems

Air-cooled machines are easy to install and cost less to purchase and operate. They are affected by air and incoming water temperature, and require more breathing room. The industry is turning to the more environmentally friendly, air cooled machine.

Water-cooled ice machines cost a bit more up front and are more difficult to install. While technically more efficient, are costly to operate due to high water costs, but because they put off less hot air, they will not raise the room temperature nor do they require as much breathing room. If space is an issue, you should consider the water-cooled machine, but make sure it does not violate any local water conservation laws.

Condenser

Remote systems are generally for larger ice machines, greater than 800 lbs per 24 hr. The condensing unit is usually mounted on the roof of the building to minimize the noise and heat put off. In general, the self contained unit is the way to go. It’s easier to install and is what you will find most places.

Operating Cost (major brands)

Manitowoc, Scotsman and Hoshizaki are leading popular manufacturers. The operating costs of electrical and water usage vary significantly between brands. Both Manitowoc and Scotsman ice machines utilize a system that efficiently minimizes water wasted and the cost to produce ice. The cost to operate a comparable Hoshizaki unit can be substantially higher than competing brands and is not recommended.

Reliability

Manitowoc and Scotsman ice machines are the most reliable in the market place. Available service reports rate both highly.

Ice Machines: Other Considerations

Dimensions: Before ordering, measure doors, hallways and installation space to be sure your new ice machine will fit - allowing for 5 to 8 inches of clearance above, behind and on both sides.

Connections: Electrical and water connections and the floor drain must be within 6 feet of the ice machine. Most machines are offered in a variety of voltages to meet your requirements, be sure you order the correct voltage. All connections must meet local, state and national codes.

Plumbing Requirements: Ice machines must be connected to a cold water supply and have separate drain lines for the machine and the bin.

Affordable restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com includes everything from Cadco sandwich grills to waffle irons. And no matter what you buy at ShortOrder.com, you have the assurance that you’re getting it at the lowest price thanks to our Low Price Guarantee on restaurant equipment. If you find an item priced lower than it is at ShortOrder.com, we’ll refund 110% of the difference on an identical item from another dealer. This truly makes our store the best place to get affordable restaurant equipment.

We know that because of the rising costs of food, restaurant profits are suffering. One idea to handle this situation is to purchase affordable restaurant equipment, especially the type of restaurant equipment that produces popular menu items. An example is sandwich grills — these are affordable and enable you to quickly serve your customers a menu item that many in the industry currently consider to be one of the hottest and most popular.

Affordable restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com isn’t just limited to sandwich grills. You’ll also find affordable restaurant equipment like hot dog cookers, ranges and char broilers, to name a few. We offer equipment from well known brands like Vulcan, Manitowoc, Frymaster and Globe. With such a great selection, you’re bound to find all the affordable restaurant equipment you need.

Shop for Affordable Restaurant Equipment

Restaurants looking to save money should shop for affordable restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com. We understand all it takes to open and operate a restaurant and are proud to offer the lowest prices out there. Shop for affordable restaurant equipment today at ShortOrder.com!

Restaurant menu items that seems to be getting hotter and hotter as of late? Grilled sandwiches and paninis! If you own a restaurant, you may want to consider getting sandwich grills for your kitchen so that you’ll be able to put these popular items on the menu. What’s even better is that sandwich grills are affordable restaurant equipment. This has the possibility to allow you to add new menu items without spending more than your budget allows.

Also sometimes called sandwich toasters, sandwich grills are must-haves in delis and lunch spots, as they allow chefs to quickly deliver toasted sandwiches and paninis to hungry customers. Melted cheese with warm, crunchy toasted bread — it’s an irresistible menu item that can be easily paired with chips, a salad or another delicious side. When it comes to sandwich grills, most have a pressure element like a hinged lid with an embedded heat element that swings down on the food. This is for compressing sandwiches to make sure the bread and what’s between the bread are evenly browned.

Cadco Sandwich Grills

At ShortOrder.com, we offer a couple of different Cadco Sandwich Grills. Both of these units have received an Editor’s Choice rating from ShortOrder, meaning they’re quality restaurant equipment of good value.

For consistent quailty and reliable production, the Cadco Sandwich Grill CP-10 is a medium-duty unit with an Editor’s Choice rating. There’s also the Capco Sandwich Grill CPG-20, a 24-inch sandwich grill that also provides consistent quality and reliable production. You’ll want to consider the size of each of these restaurant toasters and decide what best fits your needs.

Sandwich Grills at the Lowest Prices

You’ll find sandwich grills and an impressive selection of restaurant equipment at the lowest prices at ShortOrder.com. With our Low Price Guarantee, you have the assurance that you’re getting the lowest price out there. Shop today for sandwich grills!

We all know times are tight right now. Some experts are pointing towards signs of a slow recovery, the keyword there being slow. How do you keep customers coming into your restaurant, and more importantly spending money?

Get the customers in the door!

You might consider lowering the prices on your offerings, or offering free desserts to entice clients. In order to make up for lower tickets, you’ll need to turn more tables. Avoid rushing the customer experience, but the more tables you turn, the more money you’ll make.

In house marketing

It’s usually pretty affordable to get some table tents and run contests to encourage servers to up-sell. Sometimes it’s as easy as a server walking through the restaurant with a fresh loaf of garlic bread or some sizzling onions, both known to stir hunger in customers.

Broaden your appeal

Do you donate to charity? Perhaps you could consider it now. Have charity nights on your slower nights. Encourage customers to bring in canned goods for a local charity and offer $5 off a ticket of $30 with 3 canned goods. Or host a job fair and let local businesses set up tables for short interviews — have a “job fair” special for those attending.

Customer service

Customer service will be of utmost importance for your business now. Gone are the days of snooty servers; guests will want to be treated as such and want to feel welcome and appreciated.

Though the economic recovery is sure to be a slow one, it is not time to cut marketing budgets, no matter how tempting that may be. Encourage locals to choose your business over the others by teaming up with other local businesses for a co-marketing theme coupon (think dinner and a movie, or family night out).

Flexible restaurateurs are sure to succeed in any economy, so think outside of the box and have some fun with it!

Discount restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com means big savings for restaurant owners. We understand that equipment costs can add up quickly, whether you’re replacing old restaurant equipment or opening a brand-new restaurant. With all the costs involved with operating a business, discount restaurant equipment can really help owners and managers meet their budget and save money.

Discount Restaurant Equipment: Ranges

Looking to save big on commercial ranges? Discount restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com includes discount prices on ranges. Vital to most restaurant kitchens, ranges are a popular and much desired type of discount restaurant equipment. Don’t miss Vulcan ranges at ShortOrder.com — they’re well known for their durability, quality and value.

Discount Restaurant Equipment: Scratched and Dented

If you don’t mind discount restaurant equipment that has minor damage from freight but is still good and working, scratched and dented restaurant equipment might be a great option for you. This type of discount restaurant equipment can mean serious savings for restaurant owners who don’t mind that the appearance of the product is slightly damaged.

Buy Discount Restaurant Equipment

Buy discount restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com, where we carry a huge selection of equipment. Find Manitowoc ice machines, Vulcan ranges, Frymaster fryers, Globe slicers and more — and they’re all at great prices. Even if you’re buying something that isn’t at a discount, restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com has a low-price guarantee that means you have the assurance that you’re getting it for the lowest price possible. Many items are also rated as Editor’s Choice or with five stars to show that they’re outstanding.

Don’t miss discount restaurant equipment at ShortOrder.com. From slicers to ranges, we have everything you need for your restaurant — and it’s all offered at low prices.

In Canada, restaurant equipment offered at ShortOrder.com like Vulcan ranges, Frymaster fryers and Manitowoc ice machines can be found in countless restaurant kitchens from Vancouver to Quebec.

When shopping for quality restaurant equipment at the best prices, Canada restaurant owners and chefs are among the many who find what they’re looking for at ShortOrder.com. Our Low Price Guarantee on Restaurant Equipment gives our customers the assurance that they’re getting the best price possible on what they’re buying from us.

If you’re a restaurant owner in Canada, restaurant equipment like Manitowoc ice machines may be just what you’re looking for. Available in several models that produce different quantities and sizes/shapes of ice, Manitowoc ice machines are incredibly useful in restaurants and bars.

Vulcan ranges are another favorite among restaurant owners in the US and Canada. Known for being able to withstand tough use in busy kitchens, Vulcan ranges are outstanding restaurant equipment.

Serving up fried foods? You’ve gotta get a Frymaster fryer. We offer many models, and you’re sure to find one that will meet your Canada restaurant’s needs, whether it’s a chicken fryer or the Frymaster MJ45-SD-LP.

More Canada Restaurant Equipment

These are just a few of the many fantastic units we offer at ShortOrder.com, America’s leading online restaurant equipment dealer. Don’t miss Globe slicers, Lakeside utility carts and more!

Restaurant health inspections are just a simple way to prevent your kitchen from being attacked by illnesses. It’s a way to keep your customers happy and healthy. If you have one coming up, here are some helpful tips on what to do before the restaurant inspector even arrives.

What to Do Before an Inspector Visits

Without a health inspection, your restaurant could fall victim to a food borne-illness outbreak that could ruin your establishment’s reputation and even force you to close your doors.

The proper strategy for a successful health inspection is to be ready for an examination at any time. This means that you and your managers should become inspectors and conduct weekly, in-house examinations before health inspectors arrive.

When conducting a self-assessment, you should use the same form — or a similar form — that your health department uses and put yourself in the health inspector’s place.

Your self-inspection should include walking into your establishment from the outside to get an outsider’s impression.

After you inspect your operation, hold a 10-minute briefing with kitchen staff to review any problems. This step will help convey the importance of food safety to staff members.

If your staff includes employees for whom English is a second language, ask a bilingual employee to translate the findings to them so they also understand how important cleanliness is to the success of your restaurant.

Your self-inspection priorities for kitchen employees should include: food temperature, awareness of food types and hand washing.

Temperature guidelines include checking the temperature of products when they arrive, when they are stored and when they are served. Doing this will reduce food borne-illness outbreaks by 70 percent.

Food-type guidelines are divided into three categories: beef and beef blood; chicken; and all other types of food. These three categories can never touch each other during preparation.

The importance of hand washing should be re-enforced by posting signs at all kitchen sinks and in employee restrooms.

Train your managers to ensure that they are up-to-date on the latest food-safety techniques. Restaurant employees can use the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ServSafe food-safety training program.

Review your local health code for any special, local requirements.

Another way to influence the outcome of your restaurant health inspection is to get involved politically. Join your state’s health-code-revision committee to give a restaurateur’s perspective. Involve senior staff on such committees as well.

These helpful tips were put together by the National Restaurant Association.

Thanks to all who contribute!