At Acme, we recognise that the commercial kitchen is the heart of any food service establishment, the place where menus come to life and are key to the success of the business.  However, the needs of a kitchen evolve over time, driven by changes in technology, food trends, and regulatory requirements. Given these shifts, there’s a clear case for considering a redesign of your kitchen space, that can help you improve the efficiency, safety, and profitability of your food business. With years of experience in kitchen design and functionality, we understand all the details that make a commercial kitchen not good, but great! Here are 5 reasons why considering a redesign could be one of the best decisions for your business.

1.    Improved Efficiency and Workflow

One of the foremost advantages of redesigning your commercial kitchen is the substantial improvement in efficiency and workflow that can be achieved. An outdated layout or inefficient equipment placement can lead to bottlenecks, wasted time, and increased stress among staff. A redesign, grounded in the principles of ergonomic kitchen design, can streamline kitchen processes and boost productivity. Simple measures such as considering the placement of appliances, prep areas, and storage can ensure a space where staff can move freely, reducing service times. Additionally, modern and energy-saving equipment can speed up cooking times and improve consistency, allowing your kitchen to become a powerhouse of productivity, which is essential during peak hours.

2.    Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

Safety and compliance are non-negotiable in the food service industry. A redesign can ensure that your kitchen meets the latest health and safety standards, which are continuously changing. This includes improving ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow and upgrading surfaces to materials such as stainless steel for easier cleaning and sanitisation. It’s also the perfect opportunity to install energy-efficient appliances that not only comply with regulations but also reduce operating costs.

3.    Energy and Cost Savings

With energy costs on the rise and a growing awareness of environmental impact, redesigning for energy efficiency is both an economic and ecological move. Modernising your kitchen with energy-efficient appliances not only reduces your carbon footprint but also leads to significant cost savings in the long run. Technologies such as induction cooking, efficient refrigeration systems, and LED lighting can drastically cut energy consumption, making your kitchen both greener and more cost-effective.

4.    Boosting Staff Morale and Retention

Never underestimate the impact of a well-designed, modern kitchen on staff morale and retention. Working in a cramped, inefficient, or outdated kitchen can be incredibly demotivating and is often cited as a reason for high staff turnover in the food service industry. A thoughtful redesign can transform the kitchen into a space that staff are proud to work in, where they feel valued and part of a forward-thinking operation. Improved lighting, better ventilation, and ergonomically designed workstations can make a significant difference in daily comfort and job satisfaction, contributing to a more stable and committed workforce.

5.    Higher Return on Investment

Though the initial investment in redesigning your commercial kitchen might be significant, the long-term benefits, including improved efficiency, lower energy bills, and increased property value, can result in a higher return on investment. Moreover, a modern and ergonomic kitchen can be a selling point that sets your establishment apart from the competition, helping to attract more customers.

Kitchen Design Principles

If you wish to go ahead with a kitchen refurbishment, you will want to consider the different types of commercial kitchen layouts. Various layouts cater to different needs, depending on the size of your space, the type of cuisine you serve, and your service style. Here’s a closer look at some common layouts:

Island Layout

The island layout centralises the cooking area, typically housing ovens, ranges, and other cooking equipment in the middle of the kitchen. This setup allows for an efficient workflow around the central island, with peripheral areas designated for preparation and storage. This layout is favoured in large kitchens with ample staff, as it promotes a natural flow around the room and enables staff to move seamlessly from one section to the next. The central island becomes the focal point of the kitchen, facilitating interaction and supervision among staff.

Zone-Style Layout

Zone-style kitchens are divided into distinct sections or zones, each dedicated to a specific function such as food prep, cooking, refrigeration, sanitation, and service. This layout is beneficial for kitchens handling a high volume of meals, as it allows multiple cooks to work simultaneously without interference, ensuring a smooth flow of operations from one zone to another. It is also great for small commercial kitchens where space is at a premium.

Assembly Line Layout

The assembly line layout is characterised by its chronological setup, where equipment and stations are arranged in a line to facilitate a conveyor belt-style operation. This layout is particularly effective for establishments that serve large volumes of food quickly, such as fast-food restaurants, cafeterias, sandwich shops, and pizzerias. It allows for a streamlined process from the initial food preparation to the final serving stage, making it easy to churn out large quantities of food efficiently.

Galley Layout

The galley layout is designed for tight spaces, generally featuring two parallel runs of cabinets or units facing each other, creating a central corridor. This compact layout is commonly found in food trucks or small cafés, where floor area needs to be optimised. Despite its small footprint, a thoughtfully designed galley kitchen can be highly effective, allowing for easy movement between workstations.

Open Kitchen Layout

Open kitchen layouts are popular in restaurants that prefer to showcase the cooking process to their customers, merging the kitchen with the dining area. This layout not only adds an element of entertainment for the diners but also fosters transparency and trust in the food quality. Open kitchens require careful planning to ensure that cooking equipment is safely positioned away from guests, as well as considering ventilation, noise control, and ensuring a tidy appearance.

Why Acme is Your Go-To Commercial Kitchen Designer!

Choosing Acme as your partner in redesigning your commercial kitchen means selecting a company that brings a high calibre of expertise, innovation, and dedication to the table. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to kitchen design, which blends the latest technology with bespoke, turnkey solutions that are personalised exactly to your business requirements. With over 50 years of experience and a portfolio of successful projects, you can trust us to deliver functional and ergonomic kitchens, whether you are looking to renovate an existing setup or design a new kitchen from scratch.

Are you eager to get started on your kitchen project? Please feel free to get in touch by contacting us on 01254 277 999 or email contact@acmefg.com to learn more about all of our services.