The confluence of high labor costs and consumers’ need for speed creates a recipe for accessible, portable food options, either as the main meal or as add-on items. As a result, the role of the reach-in continues to evolve from simple storage item to profit center for many foodservice operators, including fast-casual and quick-service operators.
Refrigeration, Storage and Handling Guides
Walk-ins make it easier for foodservice operators to store large amounts of food items on-site and can be more efficient than multiple reach-in coolers or freezers. These units also can serve as large auxiliary rooms for prepping ingredients.
Walk-in coolers are easy to maintain when following simple best practices and regular maintenance. The parts that tend to wear out, such as condensers, fans and motors, are inexpensive compared to the total cost of a new cooler. These can be fixed, rather than having to replace the entire unit.
Consultant Q&A: Rick Sevieri, president, RJS Barber Associates, Old Lyme, Conn.
Featured Products
-
ZAMBOOZY Adult Slushie Freezer
Taylor Co.
The Zamboozy adult slushie freezer creates custom alcoholic slushie and frozen beverages. It has rapid recovery for high-volume applications and includes branding with a backlit display.
-
SkyLine Chill Blast Chiller-Freezer 102
Electrolux Professional
This blast chiller can take 220 pounds of food from 195 degrees F to 37 degrees F in less than 90 minutes, according to the maker. Features include a high-resolution, touch-screen interface that translates into more than 30 languages; a cooling fan that operates at 7 different speeds and timer that can manage up to 20 different cooking cycles. The fan stops within five seconds of the door opening.
