In the current economic environment, many commercial dining operations are trying especially hard to cut costs and save money. It may seem tough to justify the expense of a new piece of kitchen equipment—unless the commercial appliance could save you money. By purchasing new energy-saving restaurant equipment you may be able to cut utility costs and increase your profits.

One of the best investments in Energy Star rated equipment is a commercial ice machine. Of all your kitchen equipment, the ice machine is important for its potential to waste huge amounts of water and electricity. When a commercial ice maker is running inefficiently, you’re basically paying to pour money down the drain.

Serv-U offers three lines of Energy Star rated cube ice makers, each with additional benefits.

Ice O-Matic cube ice machines are equipped with unique evaporators and super low temperature refrigerants to make ice quickly and efficiently. The Pure Ice antimicrobial protection built in to the ice machine prevents bacteria from growing in the ice bin. Additionally, the advanced “Harvest Assist” system pushes ice out of the evaporator freezing surface rather than relying solely on gravity. This function increases the compressor life, conserves energy and ensures consistent ice cube production.

Manitowoc ice cube makers feature a matched compressor and evaporator that work in tandem to reduce energy use by up to 25%. AlphaSan components reduce slime on the inside of the ice machine, and a Cupra-nickel condenser adds protection from water corrosion. Manitowoc ice machines are also available with an automatic cleaning system, eliminating the need for service.

Scotsman cube ice makers, specifically Prodigy models, have the benefit of a self-monitoring system. Replacing your old ice machine with a Prodigy ice cuber reduces the need for downtime and service calls. The Auto-Alert indicator informs you of interruptions before they occur and reminds you of routine maintenance such as cleaning and filter changes.

In addition to utility savings, some utility companies offer rebates for qualifying Energy Star rated kitchen equipment. Call a Serv-U sales representative for more information about upgrading your commercial ice machine!

Controlling costs is vital to a restaurant’s survival, and it’s become more difficult with rapidly increasing food prices.  The Wall Street Journal reports that some restaurateurs are opting to buy food products without going through a food supplier and without the protection of a contract.  To some, it might seem too risky, but to others, this strategy can save a lot of money over contracts that are locked in to high prices.  What’s your strategy for keeping food costs in check?

A savvy restaurateur also knows that there are savings to be had in other areas of the business.  Investing in high quality restaurant equipment and restaurant supplies can save money in the long run, and you can count on Serv-U to stock your restaurant or bar with high quality brands at the best prices.  And don’t forget our commercial kitchen equipment extended warranties to protect you against costly repair bills. 

Bargain hunters will find a new discounted item featured daily on the Servu-Online.com homepage, and those who sign up for our free e-newsletter will periodically receive exclusive discounts via email.  So take some time to shop around here at Servu-Online.com, and don’t forget to request a copy of our most recent catalog, the 2008 Full-Line Fall Edition (now also available online in pdf form).  It’s chock-full of great deals on the restaurant equipment and supplies that you need to keep serving up great meals!

For the professional bartender, shakers are one of your number one tools of the trade.  For the home bartender, they are not just functional; they also make you look really cool.

Of course, if the top piece and the bottom piece get stuck together, that really doesn’t look cool at all.  And on a busy night of bartending, it can slow you down, adding up to impatient customers and fewer tips.

Once you know why this happens, though, it’s easy to figure out how to remedy the situation.  When a material changes temperature, it also contracts or expands slightly.  With a quality martini shaker that’s built to be a snug fit, the chilling factor of ice inside can make that fit even tighter when the metal contracts.  So if your shaker is cold and the pieces are sticking together, simply run some warm water over it.  Running warm water over the top will be especially efficient; the top will expand, allowing you to disassemble the shaker without further trouble.

Now let’s say you have what is sometimes known as a “cobbler shaker.”  This is a shaker with three basic parts: a tumbler, a lid with a built-in strainer, and a cap to cover the strainer.  These shakers make it easy to shake and strain a cocktail with minimal fuss.  However, if you put this bar item through a dishwasher with the top cap on, you could have a very tough time removing the cap later.  The high temperatures can cause the top piece to expand into the cap, and it can be difficult to pull the two apart.

For best results, disassemble the entire shaker before washing and store it with the cap inside the tumbler and the top inverted into the tumbler.  Also remember that it is easiest to reassemble the shaker when all parts are at room temperature.  (If one part is very warm or very cold, it might seem as if the shaker is warped or inappropriately sized.)

It’s Friday and this is the weekend of the big game; get your liquors and your shakers in order and get ready to pour!