Professional kitchen under renovation: what are the options?

Commercial kitchens play a crucial role in the daily lives of many people: school cafeterias, company restaurants, central kitchens, and more. However, when these spaces require renovation, it can cause significant disruptions. We’ll outline the three main solutions available to you for keeping your business running during your kitchen renovation.

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1. Offshoring of production

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1.1. What is the offshoring of production?

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Relocating production involves temporarily moving kitchen operations to another facility. This can be particularly useful when renovations are expected to last a long time. There are several relocation options available to professional kitchens:

• Outsource to other kitchens: Establishments can partner with local restaurants, central kitchens, or other cafeterias to ensure uninterrupted service.
• Catering Services: In some cases, it may be a good idea to hire a catering service to provide meals during the construction period.

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1.2. Changes in Behavior and User Management

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Relocating production often requires adjustments to work habits:

• Staff Training: It is essential to train kitchen staff on the new work organization. This may include training sessions on meal logistics, inventory management at the new location, etc.
• Impact on staff: Relocation may result in staff reductions during the construction period. In such cases, the construction work has a direct impact on staff, both in terms of workload and human resources management.
• Communication with Users: It is essential to notify users as quickly as possible of any organizational changes, such as new service locations, hours, or service procedures. These changes may also have implications for the facility’s operations, such as the need to arrange special transportation to the new dining location or a longer lunch break.

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2. Phasing of the work

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2.1. What is phasing of construction work?

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Phasing the work involves renovating the kitchen in stages, which allows part of the kitchen to remain operational throughout the renovation. Although this method has certain advantages, it also has some disadvantages:

• Duration of the process: The work may take several months, which could disrupt daily operations. Users and staff are therefore asked to be patient.
• Noise and Odor Disturbances: Construction work can cause disturbances for staff and visitors. While mealtime is a time for relaxation and socializing, the noise from machinery and the odors from paint or construction materials can affect the visitors’ experience.

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2.2. Nuisance Management

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To minimize disruption during the phased implementation of the work, it is important to:

• Schedule construction work: Limiting noisy construction during operating hours can reduce the impact on users. If the kitchen is located near the facility’s activities (school, business, etc.), construction work may have a direct impact on users’ work.
• Informing staff and users: Proactive communication about the nature of the work and its duration can help manage users' expectations and reduce frustration.

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3. Use of Modular Solutions

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3.1. What is a modular kitchen?

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Modular kitchens, also known as temporary kitchens or modular cafeterias, offer an innovative solution for commercial kitchens during construction. These temporary facilities are designed to meet the specific needs of establishments while ensuring uninterrupted service.

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3.2. Advantages of Modular Kitchens

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Modular kitchens offer many advantages:

• Quick Installation: Modular kitchens can be installed in record time. This means that disruptions to kitchen operations during construction can be minimized.
• Flexibility: These solutions are often customizable to meet the specific needs of each kitchen. Whether for a school cafeteria or a corporate kitchen, modular kitchens can be configured to meet operational requirements.
• Maintaining Quality: By using a modular kitchen, it is possible to continue serving high-quality meals during construction without compromising safety and hygiene standards.
• Cost Control: Modular solutions can also be a cost-effective option, helping to reduce costs associated with service interruptions and the relocation of production.

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3.3. Modular Kitchen Rentals

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Renting modular kitchens is a particularly advantageous option for establishments undergoing renovations. By choosing a rental solution, professional kitchens can benefit from modern, suitable equipment without having to invest in permanent infrastructure.

• Financial savings: Renting eliminates the need for large upfront investments, which is particularly beneficial for organizations operating on tight budgets.
• Access to the latest equipment: Rented modular kitchens are often equipped with the latest technology, ensuring optimal efficiency in meal preparation.
• Short-term flexibility: Renting allows you to have a fully functional kitchen for the duration of the construction work, without a long-term commitment. In addition, the terms of the lease can be adjusted depending on how quickly the work is completed.

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At LOCACUISINES, we offer modular kitchens tailored to all types of establishments. Our kitchens are equipped with professional-grade, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient appliances. Our kitchen modules now feature a range of technologies that enable energy consumption monitoring, solar power generation, and energy optimization.

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When a commercial kitchen needs to undergo renovations, it is essential to evaluate the various options available. This helps minimize the impact on daily operations. Relocating production, phasing the work, and using modular solutions are viable alternatives. These options ensure continuity of service.

Renting modular kitchens offers great flexibility. Because they can be set up quickly, they are an ideal solution for establishments that want to maintain the quality of their services during renovations. If you’re planning renovations in your commercial kitchen, please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our modular kitchen rental options and how we can help you manage your project effectively.

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