Owning lightweight, yet durable knives is important when preparing food. Regardless of what type of restaurant you are running, not having the appropriate knives can make preparing food very difficult. At Citisco food service equipment, we have a wide range of knives that will help any kitchen staff prepare any type of food. Some of the knives we provide include:
• Boning Knives
• Bread Knives
• Sandwich Knives
• Steak Knives
• Heading Knives
• Poultry Knives
• Produce Knives

See a complete list of our commercial kitchen knives, and feel free to make a purchase online today for all of your commercial kitchen needs.

Your preferred restaurant style will largely determine the type of equipment and supplies you need to purchase during your first few months. By purchasing equipment that is most conducive to your restaurant’s style, you can exceed target your niche markets more effectively and exceed customer expectations. Overall, restaurants may fall into one of three style categories: quick-service, midscale and upscale.

Quick-service restaurants
Quick-service restaurants, often referenced as fast-food, aim to deliver food quickly to each customer. Menus at quick-service restaurants are typically limited, and the food items can be purchased at relatively low prices. Drive-thru windows and take-out orders are common at these restaurants as well.

Equipment recommendation:
Because these restaurants turn out large volumes of food, it is important for the owner to purchase equipment that can keep up with the restaurant’s fast-paced culture. Equipment such as fryers, grills and sandwich presses can cook food quickly, and items such as warming units and working tables enable employees to minimize the time it takes to prepare and deliver food to the customers. Because of the fast-paced nature of these restaurants, a fairly basic dining area will usually suffice.

Midscale restaurants
Midscale restaurants offer limited and full-range menu options to their customers. Often, customers will order their food and have it delivered to them at a table in the restaurant. The menu items are typically a bit more expensive than those served at quick-service restaurants; however, most customers perceive them to be worth the price. Sometimes these restaurants will offer salad bars or buffets.

Equipment recommendation:
Since midscale restaurants provide a more extensive menu than quick-service facilities, these restaurants often require commercial kitchen equipment such as ovens, ranges and steam equipment that can cook higher quality food. Many of these equipment items require a bit more cooking time, yet because many of these customers wait at comfortable dining tables, they do not mind the additional waiting time.

Upscale restaurants
Upscale restaurants are top of the line when it comes to restaurant styles. These restaurants focus on providing high-quality food and a fine-dining ambiance to their customers. As a result, the meals at these restaurants are the most expensive.

Equipment recommendation:
At these fine-dining restaurants, owners should expect to invest in a full-range of commercial equipment. From ovens to broilers to display cases, owners of upscale restaurants should purchase equipment that can produce a variety of high-quality meals, and they should be prepared to display some of their cuisine for customers. Many times, the fine-dining experience is enhanced by strong attention to details. For instance, selecting fine china and cutlery and high-end dining arrangements improve a customer’s dining experience by adding to the dinner’s ambiance.

Lastly, as with all restaurants, storage and sanitation are integral elements to consider when purchasing equipment. Dishwashers and refrigeration systems are needed at any style of restaurant. And, the storage and organization of food preparation items and supplies are key to operating a restaurant more efficiently.

Restaurant Commercial Equipment

As a commercial equipment provider, Citisco offers a full-range of kitchen equipment to meet any of your restaurant needs. From display cases to grills to sandwiches presses to warming units, our extensive kitchen inventory provides you with the necessary equipment to make your restaurant successful and efficient. We even have furniture and bareware to help you bring style and comfort to your restaurant. Among our most popular items is our refrigeration equipment. You may also be interested in one of the following subcategories:

• Accessories
• Barware
• Broilers & Catering Concessions
• Dishwashers/Ware Washers
• Food Preparation
• Ice Makers
• Ovens
• Ranges
• Sinks & Faucets

Restaurant Kitchen Supplies

Great restaurants need durable, commercial-grade kitchen supplies. At Cisco, you will find all the kitchen supplies you need from bakeware and cookware to thermometers and towels. Large or small, Cisco is your one-stop shop for stocking your kitchen with all the needed instruments and tools to cook great meals. Check out some of our additional kitchen supplies:

• Apparel
• Bakeware
• Cutlery
• Dining Room
• Food Pans and Covers
• Pizza Supplies
• Scales and Timers
• Small Appliances
• Storage, Shelving and Sanitation

No matter your restaurant’s needs, Citisco has a solution. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Let’s face it. Starting a restaurant or catering business is not a cheap matter. Yet, opting for the most inexpensive tools and equipment is not in your best interest. When purchasing your equipment and kitchen supplies, be willing to invest in quality materials. Often times, the cheapest of equipment is very outdated, which results in you having to frequently fix items (not to mention having a hard time finding parts). Outdated kitchen items often are less energy efficient and can be harder to clean.

Purchase stainless steel equipment

When deciding on kitchen tools to purchase, make sure you invest in stainless steel supplies for those items that come in contact with food. Not only is stainless steel more sanitary, it is also easier to clean and maintain over time when compared to other materials. Additionally, before purchasing a stainless steel item, make sure that any of its parts that come in contact with food can be easily dissembled and washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. By removing these items, you better ensure proper sanitation and avoid contaminating other food products.

Be detail-oriented

Any great chef can produce high-quality food, but it’s the details of your restaurant that make your customers’ dining experiences one-of-a-kind. Keep this perspective in mind when making decisions such as which cutlery or china set to buy or which dining table to purchase. Even top-notch refrigeration systems can add an element of sophistication to your restaurant. Put simply, remain just as attentive to the smallest elements of your restaurant as you do when making the larger purchases.

Focus on functionality

Two things can be considered within the realm of functional kitchen equipment. First, what is the size of the room in which you will be preparing or serving food? If you’re working within a small area, you will want to make certain that your equipment and supplies are relatively small so as to maximize your working space. Secondly, pay close attention to how easy or difficult it is to operate equipment. With various employees working with these items, you do not want to invest in equipment that is hard to learn. By purchasing items that are easy to understand, you will better ensure efficient use of your employees’ time.

Budget, budget, budget!

We all want nice things in our restaurants; however, we must remain level-headed when choosing which items to buy. Before making any purchases, sit down and set your budget. How much can you afford to pay on small kitchen appliances? How much can you invest in restaurant décor? Setting budgets allows you to live within your means and still focus on quality items. Keep in mind you can always upgrade your equipment and supplies later; however, keeping a frugal mentality when opening your restaurant will certainly serve you well in the first initial months.

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Atlanta Kitchen Supplies

From commercial ovens and refrigerators to table number stands and kitchen accessories, we have an assortment of products for our customers looking for a kitchen supplier in Atlanta. Although we deliver products around the U.S. (and used around the world), we know that Atlanta is a prime location for all types and sizes of restaurants. And because all of our customers’ needs are different, we respond differently to each of our customers.

If you have a question about one of our products, or are looking to start a food service business, we can help answer your questions. Many of the questions we receive revolve around the manufacturers themselves. We carry a wide range of products from an assortment of manufacturers including:

• Panasonic
• Accutemp
• APW Wyott
• Hobart
• Cambro
• Amana

Commercial Refrigerators
One of our biggest selling products are commercial refrigerators. We know that properly storing food in a restaurant comes down to the proper temperature. Our inventory of refrigerators includes freezers, salad units, under counter units and, of course, refrigerators just to name a few. Many restaurants in Atlanta have relied on Citisco for their commercial kitchen equipment needs not just because of our vast inventory, but for our superior customer service.

To learn more about Citisco, the types of commercial kitchen equipment we provide or if you would like to learn more about our commitment to our customers and their individual needs, please contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Wash your hands
Those that prepare the food in a restaurant should be regularly washing their hands. This should especially be done before and after handling any raw foods. Contact after working with raw meats or produce can infect already cooked items.

Wash your produce
Wash produce, even if it looks clean. If eating a fruit that can be peeled, scrub the surface to be sure any germs on the outside do not make their way into the interior section.

Use clean plates
Serve food on clean plates or trays. If surfaces used for raw meats are not cleaned correctly before cooked meats are placed there afterwards, bacteria is spread.

Replace serving plates
If fresh food is placed on an old tray, then the food becomes contaminated.

Take advantage of food thermometers
Use a food thermometer and be aware of Minimum Cooking Temperatures for each item. If an exact temperature is not provided, know the characteristics of the food to know when it is ready to serve. For example, different seafood items have certain colors or textures once they are prepared properly.

Find the right hot temperature
Keep hot foods at 140º F or above by using slow cookers or other appliances. Before cooking, thaw frozen meat in a fridge, microwave, or under running water.

Find the right cold temperature
Keep cold foods at 40º F or below by sitting foods in ice or keep in small serving trays. Foods- hot or cold- should never sit out on a counter for longer than two hours.

Properly handle leftovers
If there are leftovers after a meal, put them into the refrigerator or freezer immediately. When putting them into containers, divide food into shallow ones to allow the food to cool faster. Be sure to eat the leftovers within four days of cooking.

Use two cutting boards
Be sure to have two cutting boards in the kitchen- one for raw meats and one for ready-to-eat foods. This will keep the risk of cross-contamination at bay within your home.

Buy the right products
When purchasing canned foods, be sure to buy cans without any holes, bumps, or bulges. Any evidence of careless handling will most likely be visible and a warning sign to buyers.

Citisco is a food service equipment provider located in Gainesville, Georgia. We provide a wide range of equipment such as commercial ovens, refrigerators and freezers just to name a few. If you are interested in the equipment we provide, start by shopping online or give us a call if you have questions about any of our food service equipment.

Purchasing green kitchen equipment is usually a product of technology.  Convention ovens, ice machines and commercial refrigerators are now being manufactured with energy conservation in mind.  Don’t settle for purchasing used or older equipment in order to save a buck.  Make the wise investment on the equipment that will help cut down on energy costs over the life of that equipment.

The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have worked together to create a standard of energy efficiency for all commercial kitchen equipment.  Look for the ENERGY STAR logo on the equipment you are looking to purchase for your restaurant’s kitchen.

A food thermometer is a tool that every chef needs to regularly use especially when cooking meat.  It is important that digital thermometers are calibrated properly to ensure a proper reading.  It is also important that the thermometer is inserted at the proper area and inserted correctly.  If not used properly, you could experience a false reading which can lead to undercooked food.  The USDA states that the only way to gauge whether food is properly cooked is by temperature.

There are many types of thermometers available when looking to make a purchase.  Pocket thermometers, digital thermometers and oven thermometers are just a few examples of the types of food thermometers you can purchase.  Purchasing the right food thermometers is important so that you prepare food that is safe to consume.

Purchase products that automatically shut down or “sleep”.  When this equipment is not being utilized, they can automatically shut off or “sleep” to avoid unnecessary energy use.

Look for equipment that conserves water.  Water is something that isn’t always taken into consideration when talking about restaurant waste.  Some kitchen equipment manufactured today requires less water therefore saving you money over the life of the equipment.

Lastly, locate kitchen equipment that utilizes a programming system.  Food production is made much simpler and efficiently when automated cook times are applied.  Certain ovens with programmable timers are an example of this type of kitchen equipment.

Making wise decisions today when purchasing commercial kitchen equipment can help you save significantly tomorrow.  Let technology work for you and make the best purchases for your commercial kitchen and for your budget.

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Pizza Ovens

Commercial Refrigerator

Looking to save on costs shouldn’t come at keeping your food properly stored.  Purchasing the right commercial refrigerator is priority number one when looking to open a restaurant.

Commercial Oven

There are many types of commercial ovens from which to choose, so be sure to ask a lot of questions and select the one that makes most sense for your restaurant.  For example; sandwich shops and pizzerias probably need very different ovens when it comes to meeting the demands of their patrons.

Food Preparation

Preparing food is just as important as serving the food.  In order to properly prepare the food you will later serve, it’s important to have the right equipment.  This includes products such as:

• Mixers
• Slicers
• Choppers
• Food Processors
• Blenders
• Dough Rollers

Ice Makers

Having the right ice maker may seem trivial, but is sometimes overlooked.  Being able to provide a positive customer experience should be your top priority.  Running out of ice is an easy problem to avoid with the right ice maker.  Other ice making considerations include the type of ice you want to offer.  This includes cube ice, flake ice and pellet ice.

Kitchen Supplies

There are a number of various kitchen supplies you need to purchase when opening a restaurant.  These include:

• Apparel
• Bakeware
• Beverage Dispensers
• Cookware
• Scales & Timers
• Thermometers

These are just some of the commercial kitchen equipment products you need to consider purchasing when opening a restaurant.  Make a budget, plan for growth and ask a lot of questions when you begin making purchases for your commercial kitchen needs.