A Guide For Specifying Equipment For Buffet & Open Kitchen Service

Speed and variety are of the essence when operating a successful buffet/open kitchen service, which is why operators must be well-equipped in the kitchen.

The most important thing when choosing any food-holding equipment is to think about the menu items it will be used for. High moisture products, for example, will hold better than dry products, therefore it is vital to have the correct systems in place to suit individual items.

The good news is, that there is a much wider choice of holding products on the market than there ever used to be – across hot, cold and ambient – which means more flexibility for businesses to meet their individual needs.

Hatco’s product portfolio has adapted over the years, introducing new products and technologies to help overcome evolving challenges across different catering sectors. Prime examples include its drop-in solutions – perfect for both hot and cold front of house/buffet solutions, as well as its commercial induction cooktops – extremely efficient and powerful for commercial kitchen operations.

Although hot holding equipment and refrigerated drop-in wells are must-have kitchen items within buffet setups, it’s also worth considering the likes of commercial toasters, waffle and crepe makers as they can also add to the variety and create an element of theatre when eating out.

Heated lamps are also an ideal addition to a buffet/open kitchen service as they are pivotal in preserving the heat, flavours and textures of meals awaiting their service. When opting for a heated lamp, it’s important to find one that can offer optimal performance and functionality. Hatco has the largest decorative lamp range available on the market that offers simplicity, efficiency, and great value for money.

Hatco UK stocks readily available products, with a two-year onsite warranty.

For more information on the Hatco range of products and current available stock levels, please contact us at:
Email: sales@prorepsuk.com  or  Call Us: 01162 599393

Case Study – The Boxford

Background

WSH Restaurants launched The Boxford in November last year on the site of the former Bell at Boxford pub, which had fallen into disrepair. The brief was to transform the Victorian public house and 1980s annex into a modern, relaxed, open-plan space – bringing a reinvigorated all-day dining concept to life.

The Boxford has achieved what it set out to do; serving a delicious range of sourdough pizzas and freshly made pasta, all prepared using locally sourced produce.

Innovative Ideas

At the core of any restaurant’s success lies one crucial element – quality catering equipment.

The addition of Hatco’s decorative lamps and a pasta boiler to the main kitchen have worked wonders for executive chef Peter Eaton and his team of 5-8 chefs. Not only do they play a key role in delivering the site’s high-quality food offering, they are also instrumental to the smooth operation of the service.

Infusing style and functionality, Hatco’s DL-775-RL decorative lamps – available in a classy antique brass finish – offer the two-fold benefits of keeping food at optimal serving temperatures, whilst also enhancing the restaurant’s ambience and decor.

The site, which serves 900-1100+ covers a week, also benefits from Hatco’s RCTHW-6B pasta cooker due to its rapid heating capabilities and robust design. Its innovative features, including water auto-fill and precise temperature control systems, also ensure consistent cooking results.

The Right Choice

Gratte Brothers Catering Equipment Ltd, designers, and installers for the project were appointed to oversee and manage the installation process within the kitchen.

Sales director Paul Gilhooly said: “Gratte Brothers has designed, supplied and installed commercial kitchens and bars for the WSH group for over a decade. Therefore, we were delighted to be approached by The Boxford Inn to help them with this project”.

“We have years of experience working with Hatco and fully trust their products to deliver for our client’s requirements. Hatco products offer top quality and fantastic value for money and we look forward to working with them on our next project – the Braywood – due to open later this year.”

We know the quality we can expect from Hatco appliances. They are built well with innovative features and are designed to last. All three products are serving their purpose efficiently and effectively, and we would certainly consider Hatco again.

Peter Eaton, Executive Chef

The Boxford

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