The Latest Trends in Restaurant Supplies for 2024

The restaurant industry is constantly evolving with new trends, technology, and innovations. As a restaurant owner or manager, it's essential to stay up-to-date on the latest supplies and equipment to keep your establishment running efficiently and providing the best possible dining experience. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top trends in restaurant supplies expected for 2024 that you may want to consider for your restaurant in Tulsa with the help of restaurant supply in Tulsa.

New Tech-Enabled Tabletop Supplies

One growing trend is tech-enabled tabletop supplies. This includes things like tabletop devices that allow customers to order, pay, and play games right from their table. Handheld POS systems like Ziosk are gaining popularity, allowing customers to order dessert, request their check, and pay all from a tablet at their table. These portable payment systems integrate with the restaurant's leading POS to allow customers more control over their dining experience. Self-service tap walls for drinks are another option, letting customers pour their beer, wine, or soda and pay by the ounce. As consumers become increasingly reliant on technology in restaurants, innovative tabletop supplies provide added convenience. Restaurants like Frida Southwest in Tulsa are already embracing this trend.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Supplies

Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, so as a restaurant supply, Tulsa providers have seen demand grow for eco-friendly disposables and cleaning products. Compostable take-out containers made from plant-based materials like sugarcane fiber break down quickly and divert waste from landfills. Reusable straws and food containers also reduce disposable waste. When purchasing napkins, paper towels, bags, and other disposables, look for recycled and sustainably sourced options. Using green cleaning supplies also signals your restaurant's commitment to sustainability. Brands like Butcher's Boston in Tulsa aim to be as green as possible, from their supplies to building materials.

Innovative Cooking Equipment

Restaurant supply companies are designing more ingenious, more efficient cooking equipment to help restaurant kitchens work better. Improved functionality and energy savings are common trends for the latest ovens, fryers, and other large equipment. Induction cooktops heat up and cool down quickly while using less energy. Hybrid ovens combine convection, steam, and microwave cooking to provide maximum flexibility. Energy-efficient fryers with advanced filtration systems maintain oil quality longer. Automated cooking technology allows you to program recipes so equipment operates consistently without constant supervision. Investing in innovative equipment like this leads to long-term savings and better food quality. Kitchens like Dilly Diner in Tulsa stay cutting edge with the latest cooking technology.

Specialty Drink Dispensers

Specialty beverages like cold brew coffee, nitro coffee, kombucha, and craft sodas are growing in popularity. To serve these trendy drinks on tap, restaurants need specialty dispensers. Countertop nitro coffee and cold brew taps allow you to serve small-batch brews fresh. Kombucha kegerators let you offer a rotating selection of flavors. Specialty soda fountains provide a unique experience for craft sodas made in-house. Having self-serve dispensers for these types of beverages makes your restaurant more inviting for patrons interested in the latest drink trends. The booming craft beverage scene has expanded options for beverage equipment, so take advantage by adding unique dispensers that set your restaurant apart. Louie's Grill & Bar, an Oklahoma restaurant supplying Tulsa eateries turn to, stays on-trend with their drink selection and equipment.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

With rising energy costs impacting restaurants' bottom line, it's essential to outfit your kitchen with energy-efficient appliances. ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators, dishwashers, ice makers, and other kitchen appliances consume less energy and water than standard models. Induction cooktops and convection ovens are more efficient than traditional stovetops and ovens. Innovative HVAC systems with programmable thermostats help minimize unnecessary energy use. On-demand tankless water heaters provide hot water only when needed, without constantly reheating a tank. Though energy-efficient appliances often have a higher upfront cost, they pay off over time through utility savings. Your local restaurant supply store in Tulsa can help you identify the most energy-efficient options.

Ergonomic Equipment and Furniture

To keep staff happy and healthy, ergonomic equipment and furniture should be a priority. Standing all day on a commercial kitchen floor can take a toll. That's why commercial kitchen mats provide extra cushion and support. Adjustable height worktables allow prepping at a comfortable position. Ergonomic chef knives with grips reduce strain. Sitting stool stations give staff a chance to take the weight off their feet during shifts periodically. In dining rooms, sturdy yet comfortable chairs enable better posture. Booster seats and concave table edges accommodate children and patrons with mobility issues. A host stand with an adjustable height surface provides proper alignment for hosts of different heights greeting guests. Prioritizing ergonomics minimizes fatigue and injury risk for hard-working staff. Tulsa restaurants like In the Raw use ergonomic design to keep energy levels high.

Specialty Display Cooking Equipment

Having specialty display cooking equipment lets your culinary team put on a show while preparing food. These include options like:

• Wood-fired pizza ovens allow guests to watch pizzas bake in an open flame. Fire distinguishes the flavor, while the showpiece oven attracts attention.

• Hibachi grills placed front and center provide an engaging dining experience when chefs perform tableside hibachi cooking.

• Rotisseries for roasting meat vertically give a spin to traditional cooking. Ribs, whole chickens, pork loins, and more rotate slowly inside the glass-enclosed ovens.

• Flat-top griddles sizzle up dishes like fajitas or Korean BBQ that guests can hear and see cooking.

Having chefs prepare dishes in dramatic ways adds a sense of theater and appetizing visuals to the dining room. Specialty equipment allows you to cook and display creatively. Restaurants around Tulsa, like Stonehorse Cafe, draw in crowds by preparing meals with flair on shining specialty cooking equipment.

Cost-Saving Water Filtration Systems

Installing a commercial water filtration system is one-way restaurants can significantly reduce operating expenses. Refiltered water leads to costly breakdowns and mineral buildup in equipment like coffee machines, ice machines, steamers, and soda fountains. Water filtration removes contaminants that damage equipment—and filtered water just plain tastes better for beverages and cooking. High-performance systems filter both incoming water and tanked water to optimize quality. While it's an upfront investment, filtration systems drastically cut maintenance and replacement costs in the long term. They also improve workflow by reducing downtime waiting for equipment repairs. For restaurants looking to save on plumbing expenses, water filtration is often the solution. Local Tulsa spots like Wild Fork see the savings firsthand.

Conclusion

To sum up, installing specialty beverage dispensers, adopting sustainable supplies, investing in innovative cooking equipment, and implementing water filtration systems are intelligent moves for restaurants aiming to be fully equipped with the latest supplies in 2024. Main Auction Services, Inc. can be a valuable partner in sourcing such equipment. As the restaurant industry continues advancing, pay attention to equipment innovations and consumer preferences to determine what new supplies you should integrate into your establishment. And remember the value of the customer experience - something as simple as an interactive tabletop device can give your brand an edge.