A successful kitchen renovation will solve problems and improve efficiency to ensure that a club’s kitchen operation thrives.
In order to run effortlessly and meet club standards, a club’s kitchen needs to be efficient. With inefficiency comes chaos which inhibits the growth and success of a club’s dining program. With dining being involved in almost every area and activity of a country club, it is crucial for a kitchen to be well designed and have the proper equipment.
In order to operate successfully, a kitchen should be spacious, resourceful, energy-efficient, meet health and safety standards, and can be maintained easily. If a club’s kitchen does not have these characteristics, it is probably time to renovate to help solve major problems and improve efficiency. A kitchen renovation could be an investment that would pay for itself in the long term.
Usually, club kitchens are not seen by members. As a result, rather than aesthetics, kitchen renovations are typically focused on improving efficiency, upgrading appliances, installing the latest energy-efficient fixtures, and either redesigning the layout or making smarter use of the space.
Most clubs need their kitchens in order to function, but a kitchen renovation is a large undertaking and can be disruptive for both members and staff. Before beginning the process, a club must decide how they will manage the process to ensure the least disruption possible. Some factors to consider that affect timing include whether walk-ins and hoods will be reused, which equipment will be replaced if the flooring will be updated, and if the layout will change. Clubs will usually do any renovations during their off-season or annual shutdown. A club needs to decide if the kitchen can temporarily close for renovations or if construction will be done in phases with the kitchen staying open.
Considering a lot of clubs have kitchens that are older and limited in space compared to the high volumes they oftentimes serve, a kitchen renovation can be highly beneficial. Redesigning a kitchen space can reinvigorate underperformed areas and increase productivity. Add in modern equipment with advanced technology and kitchens can speed up cooking times and increase production while also increasing member satisfaction.