Restaurant Supplies Checklist
You probably didn’t start your restaurant because you love to buy tables and chairs, order cookware and utensils, or stock general office supplies. It just comes with the job. Quill understands. And we’re here to help make the task as fast and convenient as possible so you can get on with what you really love – providing a great dining experience for your customers.
In addition to thousands of quality products, Quill has resources and online tools like this Restaurant Supplies Checklist to make your life easier. The checklist below offers tips for buying supplies and links to our most popular items. At Quill.com, you’ll also find insightful articles on running a restaurant, special savings, and exclusive offers. Think of us as your silent business partner!
Shopping for tables? Make sure to consider how portable they need to be. If you want something that can be set up and taken down quickly, a folding table is probably your best bet. But even there you have a few options. Is sturdiness a top concern? If so, a wood laminate folding table is probably your best bet. If cost and ease of set up are the main drivers, plastic folding tables may be the way to go. If portability isn’t even on your radar, then sturdy steel tables works best. You’ll find several at Quill.com.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Tables
For comfort, flexibility and strength, it’s hard to beat stacking banquet chairs. They’re easy to set up, store nicely and stand strong even under heavy wear and tear. If you’re looking for classier chairs, check out the many restaurant chairs available here at Quill.com. They come in all sorts of designs and many have padded seating if a comfortable tush is your number one priority.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Chairs
Table covers ought to do more than just provide a clean and tidy surface. They should look good too! After all, they’re the background to your whole food presentation. For more formal affairs, table skirting is probably what you want and what your guests expect. If you have a more contemporary setting, check out Pinterest for some eye-popping ways to dress up your tables with inexpensive plastic table covers. Everything from ruffled table skirts to matching streamers. Wow!
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Table Covers
Sturdy is key when you’re buying utensils for your restaurant. Whether it’s cutlery for your guests or serving scoops for your employees, you need items that can stand up to daily wear and tear. This applies even when you’re buying disposable cups, forks and spoons. Plastic forks or spoons that break when patrons use them reflect poorly on your restaurant. Make sure to spend a little more and get durable ones. Your customers will notice.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Utensils
You’ve got lots of options when it comes to food storage and containers including the shape of the containers themselves. They come in two basic forms: round and square. And each shape has its advantages. Square food storage bins take up less space because they can be tightly stacked. As a result, you can store more stuff in a smaller space. But round containers minimize food waste and that, of course, saves money. Whichever option is right for you, you’ll find it here at Quilll.com.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Food Storage
Picasso had his brushes. You have your cookware. A wide variety of reliable cookware is absolutely critical for any commercial kitchen. From roasting pans to entire cookware sets, Quill can outfit your restaurant with everything you need to create tantalizing dishes that will get rave reviews from your diners. And don’t miss this article about how to choose the best cookware for your restaurant concept in the Quill Restaurant Resource Center.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Cookware
The right cart makes moving food or drinks a breeze. Work without one (or use the wrong cart) and you could end up with a big, costly mess. So what should you look for when buying a cart? Well, swivel casters for sure, preferably ones with locking mechanisms so you can be sure the cart remains in place while you unload or even serve off of it. The size and weight of your typical load matters too. Quill.com offers everything you need, from heavy duty hand trucks to cherry wood topped bar carts.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Carts
Think about it: your kitchen staff works at top speed in tight spaces, often while surrounded by razor sharp knives, hot burners and scalding water. It’s a recipe for serious injury. It’s also why it’s so important to take kitchen safety seriously. The pot holders, oven mitts, pan-grippers and hundreds of other safety items you need are waiting for you at Quill.com. We’ll help keep you, your employees and your customers safe.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Kitchen Safety
Your kitchen employees do more than just prepare delicious food. They represent your company. So it’s wise to outfit your staff with kitchen apparel that works as hard as they do. At Quill, you’ll find chef coats, server clothing, aprons, hats, shoes and more each designed to withstand the toughest conditions. The clothing looks crisp even after repeated washings, your staff will feel comfortable, and everyone looks good.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Kitchen Apparel
Java. Joe. Brew. Call it what you like, but for many people the day doesn’t really start until the coffee is done. All sorts of tasty varieties are available these days. There’s the ever-popular Folgers classic roast -- great for employees and restaurant patrons alike. And there are lots of k-cups varieties from Green Mountain Coffee®, Starbucks®, and Caribou Coffee®. Fortunately, it’s easy to find and order all the brands and flavors you like at Quill.com.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Coffee
Single serve coffee makers are everywhere now. And brewers offer a dizzying array of delicious k-cup options. So if small, individualized cups are what you want to serve, k-cups are a great option for your restaurant or catering service. But for large gatherings such as meetings or receptions, self-serve coffee urns are still the way to go. Just don’t skimp on the coffee. In fact, consider splurging for a gourmet bean and then post a sign by the urn letting your customers know you serve the best.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Coffee Makers
Coke, Pepsi, juices and water are a must at virtually any event, meal or bar. And how you present these beverages can really set your restaurant or catering service apart. If you’re serving beverages in plastic cups or glasses, consider adding a clever garnish. There are plenty of simple yet eye-catching ideas on Pinterest and YouTube. For just a little more cost and prep time, you can really wow customers. For other bar tips, check out this article in the Quill Restaurant Resource Center.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Beverages
Break time at meetings and events is snack time. Make sure your customers have a mix of options available to help them satisfy their cravings. Include some legendary guilty pleasures like potato chips and Chex Mix® as well as healthy snack options like bananas and apples for the diet conscious. And don’t forget the serving utensils. It’s a smart way to prevent the spread of germs.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Snacks
Running the business side of a restaurant can be a pain in the asparagus. Quill can help make it easier. Order all of your general office supplies from the convenience of your computer or phone and we’ll ship the order directly to you. There’s no need to take time out of your busy schedule to shop for printer paper, ruled pads, manila folders and other office supplies at some big box retailer. Turn to Quill. After all, you’ve got a kitchen to run.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Office Supplies
It’s the final touch point with your diners—the checkout. Make sure your staff has the cash handling tools they need to make the process go smoothly and protect you from theft. From registers to cash boxes to counterfeit detector pens, everything you need is right here at Quill.com. You should also make sure to go over the basics of cash handling every time someone new starts. Make sure they know how to count change, how to properly balance a register’s till, and to never leave the register unattended.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Cash Handling
Bathrooms. They’re the not-so-glamorous side of any business. But for restaurants, clean washrooms are an absolute must. Quill can help you stock up on the bathroom supplies needed to maintain sanitary conditions for your staff and patrons. From toilet paper to paper towels to hand sanitizer, you’ll find everything you need. Better yet, Quill bulk discounts and free shipping mean you can get your supplies for the same low price that discount clubs offer and have it delivered right to your door.
Here are some customer favorites:
Want to see more? View all Bathroom Supplies
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