How automation is transforming commercial kitchens amid labor shortages

While a human touch in food service is still a must for restaurants and other hospitality-focused businesses, the strategic use of automated technology can support your team’s work and add much-needed efficiency.

By investigating new technology solutions for food service operators, you could better position your business to navigate the pressures of labor shortages, wage increases, labor disputes, supply chain issues, and other operational hurdles.

In addition to helping clients save money on almost everything they buy, from food procurement to FF&E, Entegra is a business performance improvement company that helps clients enhance operational efficiencies.

Driving commercial kitchen efficiency by tapping into automation is one way Entegra helps its clients beyond its role as a food GPO (Group Purchasing Organization).

Rise of the robots and other food-service automations

Today’s AI-enabled and machine-powered innovations allow operators to overcome issues with hiring and retaining workers.

Case in point: Fast-casual restaurant Chipotle is using “cobots” (collaborative robots)* to assist crew members in cutting, coring, and peeling avocados before they are hand mashed to create guacamole.

As labor becomes more expensive and harder to come by, and technology becomes more widely adopted, automation is poised to help operators save money and time — and avoid stress.

Entegra’s approach to automation in the foodservice industry

Entegra regularly works with operators to define areas of need and deliver solutions that address labor challenges including:

1. Back of the house. Automation that handles cleaning and food preparation
2. Front of house. Automated retail like self-service kiosks
3. Out of house. Delivery and service robots

The growing trend around robotics and automatization is morphing consumer expectations around what is possible. Consider these trusted Entegra supplier partners available to Entegra clients at discounted rates.

Nilfisk is an Entegra supplier partner helps clients:

• Automate mopping, sweeping and cleaning via floorcare equipment, vacuum cleaners and high-pressure washers
• Meet occupational and workplace safety regulations
• Cut down on the transmission of viruses and mitigate contamination concerns

Implementing tailored, automated solutions like these exemplifies what Entegra does for its clients.

Interested in learning more about how Entegra can help your business? Hear from satisfied operators who have worked with us, and contact us!

Learn more with resources from Entegra:

• What is a Group Purchasing Organization: 7 Common Myths... and the Facts
• Boost Your Business Performance
• Learn more about Entegra’s solutions for restaurants

_{* https://newsroom.chipotle.com/2024-09-16-CHIPOTLE-DEBUTS-AUTOCADO-AND-THE-AUGMENTED-MAKELINE-BY-HYPHEN-IN-RESTAURANTS}