Operating Your Restaurant in a Tough Economy

We at C&S Insurance know how hard it is to run a business, especially a restaurant, in a struggling economy.  This is why we have come up with 10 small steps that can make a HUGE difference in your overhead that will not only help you increase profits, but also help to lower your restaurant insurance: 

 

 1.  Change light bulbs from incandescent to Florescent or LED lights in all fixtures that remain on for extended periods including exit signs.

2.   Use timers where possible to make sure lights are not on unnecessarily.

3.  Schedule regular maintenance and thorough cleaning of all equipment. Clean and, well maintained equipment cost less to operate and won’t have to be repaired or replaced as often.

4.  Unplug or at least turn off any equipment, appliances or electronics when not in use.

5.  Keep your AC and heating equipment clean and filters changed on a regular schedule. Also, consider electronic thermostats and locking boxes to control access to unnecessarily warm or cool settings. Use fans to help control temperature and move air around your business.

6.  Window tints, blinds, and interior and exterior shades can reduce AC cost significantly. Stop air leaks around windows and doors with caulking and weather stripping.

7.  Fix water drips and leaks regularly, consider motion activated faucets in restrooms, and switch to tank-less water heaters, low flow toilets and waterless urinals. Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.

8.  Use a broom or blower to clean your sidewalks, porches, and parking areas instead of a water hose.

9.  Install sprinkler systems for plants and set to water at night to eliminate evaporation. Regularly inspect for repairs and to eliminate watering of parking lots, sidewalks etc.

10.  Increase the use of reusable products where possible such as cloth napkins instead of paper. Recycle all paper, plastic, glass, & aluminum, and consider air drying table cloths, cup towels, dish rags etc.