Seven Ways To Prep A Facility For Big Crowds

It’s two hours before tipoff and your restaurant is having a plumbing issue. None of the toilets will flush properly and they’re threatening to overflow. It’s downtime like this that can make-or-break your reputation as a go-to for the NCAA championship. To help foodservice operators prepare for increased traffic during March Madness, Cintas Corporation shares seven situations every restaurant should be ready for in preparation for the big day.

“No restaurant owner wants to close their doors on the day of the big game – let alone following a situation that could have been easily prevented,” said John Engel, Director of Marketing, Cintas. “By identifying and preparing for potential issues ahead of time, foodservice organizations can limit opportunities for downtime and help optimize revenues during the NCAA championship.”

Cintas identifies seven incidents that every restaurant should be prepared for to limit downtime ahead of the big day:

1. Front door issues. A broken or malfunctioning door gate can be one of the quickest ways to keep customers from entering your restaurant. Carefully inspect all parts of exterior-facing doors, including the door handle, locks and silicon wipers at the bottom. Tighten any loose screws and replace worn or damaged parts to ensure entryways remain secure.
 
2. Drain clogs. Pipe blockages and backed-up drains can create big problems, and in some cases cause water or sewage to drench restaurant floors. To prevent the downtime and costs associated with cleanup, implement a drain line maintenance program that prevents clogs and buildup by flushing drains with “good” bacteria to keep lines clear.
 
3. Injuries during business hours. Be sure first-aid cabinets are well-stocked and easily accessible. This will allow staff and customers to treat minor wounds and potentially reduce the impact of an injury.
 
4. Severe weather. Create an emergency preparedness plan and make sure restaurant staff are knowledgeable about what to do in case of a weather emergency.
 
5. Kitchen fires. Regularly clean and maintain hood suppression and kitchen exhaust systems to help limit the impact of a fire and help prevent property damage. A trained fire protection specialist can also identify other issues, such as grease on the roof, faulty fan wiring or excess grease in the ductwork that could disrupt operations.
 
6. Bug or rodent infestations. Nothing can get people talking negatively about a restaurant more quickly than the presence of bugs or rodents. Prevent a full-on infestation by hiring a pest control specialist to conduct regular inspections.
 
7. Know who to call. Be sure your emergency repair provider is still in business by updating your contact list monthly. If you don’t already have an emergency repair provider in place, find a provider that can offer 24-hour services, such as boarding up windows and doors, electrical repairs, hazardous waste cleanup and storm preparation such as sandbag placement and professional storm cleanup and repairs.