When creating a snack bar menu having a balance of items is essential, but chefs need to make sure they have the necessary kitchen equipment to do so. A club’s snack bar kitchen is also most likely smaller compared to an a la carte kitchen. The menu and space available should be considered when deciding what the most important pieces of equipment will be.
Snack bars are about consistency and instant gratification with items that require little-to-no prep work once an order is placed. Snack bar kitchens need to have equipment that allows menu items to go from the kitchen to members quickly. To do so, open refrigeration has become a popular concept. Having refrigerated grab-and-go choices helps to take the heat off of the line while even providing members with fast, healthier options. Plenty of refrigeration within the kitchen is a must as well.
Snack bar menus should not be full of fried foods, but a deep-fryer is definitely a top piece of equipment needed for items such as chicken tenders or french fries. Depending on the space available, deep-fryers come in many varieties such as counter-top or stand-alone units. A countertop combi-oven, which combines the elements of both standard and convection ovens, can also be useful in a smaller and fast-paced setting. While they might not get used as often, having a few burners available is always beneficial.
Griddles and flat-top grills are used to cook a variety of foods and are perfect for cooking large quantities of foods at once. A char-broiler can handle a range of different cooking operations and is ideal for cooking meats for menu items such as hamburgers. If space is available, a pizza oven is also a great addition to any snack bar kitchen.
Snack bar equipment should be geared towards items such as appetizers and shareables, quick bites, sandwiches and burgers, salads, and ice cream novelties. Snack bars items should still be innovative and provide members with plenty of options while having the equipment and space necessary to serve members quickly.