The Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Supplies in Tulsa

Welcome to the ultimate guide to finding the best restaurant supplies in Tulsa, Oklahoma! Opening and operating a successful restaurant requires reliable vendors who can provide quality commercial equipment, ingredients, and other essential supplies. This guide will explore the top restaurant supply stores in Tulsa and provide tips on choosing the right products for your business.

Finding Quality Commercial Equipment

Investing in durable commercial-grade equipment is crucial for a successful restaurant operation. Here are some tips on finding quality products:

Stick with Trusted Brands

For heavy-duty cooking equipment, look for well-known brands like Vulcan, Garland, True, Hobart, and Manitowoc. Focus on commercial models, not residential appliances.

Check the Warranty

A longer warranty usually indicates a higher-quality, more reliable product. Look for at least a one-year warranty on most equipment.

Read Customer Reviews

Check online customer reviews to identify any common problems with an item. Look for consistent positive feedback on durability.

Consult the Experts

Talk to equipment specialists at stores like Restaurant Equipment World to get insight into the best products for your needs and budget. Let them know the menu you'll be serving.

Focus on Construction

Inspect materials, welds, hinges, fasteners, and more. Solid construction is essential. Stainless steel surfaces are ideal for kitchens.

Outfitting Front and Back of House Items

Beyond major cooking equipment, here are some must-have supplies for outfitting both customer-facing and behind-the-scenes areas:

Front of House Essentials:

• Dining tables, chairs, booths

• Plates, drinkware, cutlery

• Menu holders, displays, signage

• Host/cashier station equipment

• Highchairs, booster seats

Back of House Essentials:

• Food prep tables, stations

• Commercial refrigeration units

• Racks and shelving

• Sinks, cleaning supplies, mops

• First aid kits, safety tools

• Janitorial items like detergent, gloves, floor cleaner

Shopping for Disposables

Restaurants rely heavily on disposable paper and plastic supplies that are discarded after use. Here are some factors to consider when purchasing disposables:

Item Quality: Focus on durability - thin, flimsy plates or cups can result in breakage and waste. Inspect samples and materials first.

Eco-Friendly Options: Stock sustainable items like plant-based containers or recycled paper goods to reduce environmental impact.

Brand Reputation: Choose established brands known for reliable quality control and materials. Avoid no-name generics.

Order Volumes: Calculate the quantities needed based on your restaurant's size, capacity, and operating hours to optimize supply levels.

Food Safety: Ensure any disposables that come into contact with food are NSF-certified as safe.

Storage Space: Factor in the storage area needed for keeping disposable inventory on hand before purchasing.

Purchasing Commercial Kitchen Smallwares

Smallwares are the specialized cooking and prep tools used in commercial kitchens. Here are some tips for buying key small wares:

• Quality knives: Invest in durable, high-carbon stainless steel knife sets from brands like Dexter Russell. Opt for full-tang construction.

• Pots and pans: Look for heavy-gauge aluminum or stainless steel. Match pan size/type to menu needs.

• Sheet pans, hotel pans - Choose 18/300 stainless steel pans meeting NSF standards. Pick various sizes.

• Utensils - Collect essential tools like ladles, whisks, and spatulas in NSF-rated nylon or stainless.

• Measuring tools - Get commercial-grade measuring cups, spoons, and scales calibrated for accuracy.

• Thermometers - Have a selection of oven, refrigerator, and food thermometers for monitoring temperatures.

• Mixing bowls - Stainless steel bowls allow for easy cleaning. Have multiple sizes available.

Key Inventory Tips for Restaurants

Careful inventory management is vital for an efficient restaurant operation. Keep these tips in mind:

• Track inventory in a computerized system or ledger, recording all items purchased, sold, and wasted. Conduct regular physical counts, checking totals.

• Monitor stock levels frequently. Reorder food ingredients and disposables when stocks get low to avoid shortages.

• Implement FIFO (First In, First Out) organization, moving older items to the front and newest to the back. Rotate perishables.

• Store chemicals and cleaners separately from food and prep areas. Organize shelves neatly and logically.

• Protect inventory with security measures. Limit staff access as needed with locked storage areas.

• Control waste by tracking spoiled or unused food. First, utilize and then discard expired items. If possible, repurpose extra prepped ingredients.

Sourcing Quality Food Ingredients

The ingredients your restaurant uses are a key factor in the quality of the dining experience. Keep these tips in mind when sourcing ingredients:

• Find local suppliers and farms whenever possible for fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and dairy.

• For seafood, look for sustainable wild-caught or responsibly farmed sources recognized by organizations like Seafood Watch.

• Choose high-quality oils, vinegar, spices, salts, and other shelf-stable ingredients. Buy in bulk to save money.

• Research manufacturers thoroughly and ask for samples to identify top suppliers for packaged goods.

• Inspect deliveries for freshness, appropriate temperatures, damage, and accurate quantities before accepting.

• Build relationships with reps to stay informed on new products, availability issues, and deals.

Keeping Cleaning Supplies Stocked

Sanitation is critically important in a restaurant. Maintain ample stocks of these essential cleaning supplies:

• All-purpose cleaners and degreasers for floors, walls, and heavy-duty jobs

• Sanitizing sprays and wipes for food contact surfaces

• Disinfectant bleach solutions for sanitizing and stain removal

• Commercial-grade detergents for dishwashers and laundry machines

• Buckets, mops, brushes, gloves, and other janitorial tools

• Air fresheners and deodorizers for neutralizing odors

• Floor care like finish strippers, sealers, and polishes to protect surfaces

• Stainless steel cleaners and polishes formulated for kitchen equipment

Rotate in new mop heads, rags, and sponges frequently. Post cleaning schedules in all areas outlining daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.

Safety Gear and First Aid Essentials

Protecting the safety of employees and guests is a top priority. Have these supplies on hand:

• Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, emergency lighting

• Non-slip mats and floor signage marking wet areas

• Eyewash station for quickly rinsing eyes

• Fully stocked first aid kits with bandages, wraps, ointments

• Disposable gloves for handling food and medical emergencies

• Hairnets, caps, and masks for food prep hygiene

Ensure at least one employee trained in first aid is on duty per shift. Routinely inspect safety tools like fire extinguishers for functionality.

Partnering with the Right Restaurant Suppliers

Choosing the right suppliers is key to keeping your restaurant stocked with high-quality, affordable products and ingredients. Look for these traits when evaluating vendors:

• Reliable customer service and account management support

• Quick turnaround times on orders and deliveries

• Competitive pricing and discounts for bulk orders

• Wide range of products with flexibility for custom orders

• Food safety compliance and transparency

• Good reputation base

Conclusion

Successfully operating a restaurant in Tulsa requires more than just culinary skills; it involves sourcing top-quality supplies, maintaining rigorous safety standards, and building relationships with reliable vendors. From durable commercial equipment to essential cleaning and safety supplies, each aspect plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations and a superior dining experience. By partnering with reputable suppliers like Main Auction Services, Inc., you can access a comprehensive range of restaurant essentials, enabling your business to thrive in a competitive market.