A restaurant business is among the most stressful businesses to operate in, as in addition to operations and marketing, you have food and health issues to consider. There are many more things that could go wrong with a restaurant, and people’s health and lives might be in your hands if you manage it incorrectly. When you run a restaurant, you want to use commercial contracting services that have all of your business needs in mind. But if you are new to the restaurateur life, then you may be feeling overwhelmed about where to start. You want to build a relationship with specific commercial contracting services so that you always have the same contractors to draw from. Start building that list today. Use this guide of dependable companies that you should hire when you own a restaurant.
Electrical Company
A key first step in running a restaurant is to make sure the lights will turn on. Then you need electrical work to get the lights started, and good commercial contracting services to keep the lights on. You also need to keep the fridge, the coolers, the pantry, and your stoves and ovens on. Take your time in researching the right commercial electrician services for the job.
The ideal electrical company will be current with all the technology and trends that will keep your kitchens and dining rooms running efficiently. You want electricians that are currently licensed and insured, and have good references. Spend time on your local social media portals to find recommendations and referrals to electricians from other restaurants in your area, even if they are your competition. A good electrician will know that your business is unique and specialized and will be happy to provide your restaurant with the attention to detail that it needs.
Hire an electrician who will not only be able to help you with startup but with annual or semi-annual inspections. You want someone who knows what your local community requires in the way of permits and industry changes. Of course, you want someone that you can afford and offers good rates. But, having someone reliable that you can count on may be a little more important here, so be sure to ask around.
Roof Company
When you own a restaurant, you need to take care of every aspect of your business and the physical building you run it in. You will need good roof contractors for your list of commercial contracting services. Having a good roof on your building is more than just ensuring the aesthetic appeal of your company. You need a good roof for your restaurant to prevent leaks and damage that could halt operations in the event of a storm or a crisis.
A roofing contractor can help to install a new roof if it has been more than a decade since your building had one. They can also help to maintain the roof that you have, and repair damage and problems caused by faulty roofs. You will want a roofing contractor that can help you to determine the best course of action for your roof. Materials, affordability, and efficiency will all be variables you want in your roof contractor. When you have a contractor that can offer you a wide range of services, you will never find yourself in an emergency where you need a contractor on short notice.
Find a roofer who has experience and testimonials in the area to help you achieve the results that you want. A roofer with good experience in your local community will be a contractor you can have for the duration of your business. Most roofs will last 10 years or more. Take your time in selecting the right one to ensure that you establish a successful working relationship with one so that you feel comfortable with them every time you need them.
Appliance Company
Appliances are an integral component of your restaurant business. If your appliances break down, your doors could close until they are up and running again. You want a good appliance service on your list of commercial contracting services that can help you to get the right appliances for your business, and then help you to maintain them when problems arise.
Appliance repair is a natural part of running a restaurant. Go into this expense like it is one that you are going to have, and not like it is one that you may need on occasion. Select an appliance company that can come on short notice, and offer you rates that can be affordable any time of the year, including holidays and weekends. Your restaurant is a business that is open when others are not, and you will need commercial contracting services that can do the same thing for you.
Look for an appliance service that has experience with many different brands of appliances. You also want one that is certified and can handle many different kinds of appliances, like gas stoves or electric appliances. You can often find a good appliance company that has a good reputation in your community through word of mouth or local testimonials. Appliance companies that have been in business for a long period of time are good ones to start with, as they will have the most experience and the best reputations.
Paving Company
Paving companies are an important part of your business. Like a roof contractor though, a good parking lot paving company will help you to save money down the road. This is one of the most important commercial contracting services that you might be able to get because if your parking lot has issues, you could be held liable for an accident or problem. In addition to offering curb appeal for your business, a good parking lot will also keep your customers safe when they are on your property.
A good parking lot will also have curb appeal that can bring new customers in. New customers will see that you are a professional business. At the same time, customers are more likely to select you if you have a parking lot at all. When a diner wants to go out to eat, they will be more likely to select you if you can offer them some parking.
There are different kinds of paving for you to consider. The most common kinds of restaurant parking lots are asphalt, concrete, or commercial interlocking. You may also use interlocking brick to trim your parking lots and elevate your aesthetic appeal. The most common kind of parking lot is asphalt, and a great starting point if you are paving your parking lot for the first time.
Sign Company
A sign is key to your business as it will be a critical factor that draws new business in. Investing in a good sign will be a one-time expense that will be an important part of your marketing plan. A sign installation service is one of the commercial contracting services that your business can use to make a good first impression on potential new customers. Take your time researching the different kinds of signs for your business. Signs with your business and logo and signs that can be changed for your customers will help to attract new business.
In addition to the sign on your business, you may want signs that can market daily specials or weekly promotions that will bring in new customers and help to create repeat customers. Your food will be the one thing that brings in new customers. However, a sign that can help your customers save money or inspire them to try new experiences can be a game changer for your restaurant. Invest in good signage for your exterior, and you will see the difference it makes in bringing in new business.
Landscaping Company
Landscaping is an important part of your business as well, particularly when it comes to establishing curb appeal. Most diners will not want to eat at a place where the grass is overgrown and the flowers are drying and wilting. Consider a landscaper company that can provide maintenance and garden installations on your property that will make it look like your location is blooming and booming. You will want a service that can offer you a lot of regular maintenance that will keep your curb appeal in top condition.
Commercial landscaping includes grass cutting, shrub and bush trimming, and even treating planting and trimming as well. You may also want to add an irrigation system to your restaurant. A landscaper who can come and manage weed control and seasonal cleanups would be ideal as well. Use a service that will work with your budget and schedule.
HVAC Company
An HVAC company can help you with your heating and AC service needs. This is one of the commercial contracting services that you likely won’t be able to survive without in your restaurant business. An experienced company in your region will be able to give you good service and affordable rates and become a solid connection for you. This is another business you want to take the time to find because you want a relationship with your HVAC company so that you don’t have to keep calling new contractors in when these services are needed.
Your HVAC company will be able to provide furnace installation maintenance and repairs when you need them. You’ll also want a company that can offer you air conditioner installation and repairs. Some businesses can get away without air conditioning in the summer months, but a restaurant is not one of them. Many customers will come to your location to get away from the heat at home and will expect you to be able to provide a clean and working service with air conditioning.
Painting Company
Painting companies are commercial contracting services that will provide interior and exterior painting for your location. A commercial painting contractor can help you create the image that you want inside and outside so that your diners feel comfortable when they are eating. You want to create an ambiance that customers want to keep coming back to. Your painting contractor is a one-time investment that can help you to bring your vision to life.
Fire Alarm Company
When you are looking for a commercial fire alarm company with your list of commercial contracting services, do your research. You will find that a lot of security companies offer this service. However, you may prefer to find a fire alarm company that specializes in fire suppression work. This kind of contractor is likely going to cost you the same amount that a security company would add to their services, but be much more experienced and provide you with a better product.
Plumbing Company
Plumbing is an important part of your restaurant business, as you may consume more water than the average business does daily. Establish a working relationship with a good plumbing company so that you save money in the long run. Of course, you want someone qualified and professional, with a good reputation in the community. However, you still want to choose a plumber that is affordable and can be there for you whenever you need them.
Be sure that you locate a plumber that offers commercial contracting services, because not every plumber is created equal. You want a plumber who knows how to offer industrial-level plumbing and pipe maintenance and can do so in an emergency if necessary. This means that plumbers with schedules that can accommodate your business hours, and be there in the off hours as well, will be ideal for you. Take the time to find out what kind of experience your plumber will have.
You want a commercial plumber experienced in many different areas of water control in your business. Backflow prevention, crossflows and pressure systems, and hot water heating or water filtration experience are very important for your plumbing system. You’ll also want help with plumbers who know how to work alongside commercial boilers or sump pumps. The more experience your commercial plumber has, the better for you and your business.
When you are looking for commercial contractors for your restaurant, take your time doing the research. It will be a time investment well spent.