The holidays have wrapped and customers are curbing both caffeine and spending. So what’s a coffee shop to do when business seems to be grinding to a halt?
Embrace the downtime by leveling up your equipment maintenance game.
An ounce of prevention.
There’s an adage that says, “If you don’t make time for wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for illness.” The same is true for your equipment. Just as the body needs preventative care (and occasional repair) to function optimally, your loyal mechanical workers (a.k.a. your machines) need TLC to ensure they’re up for the grind when business perks up.
Avoiding the dreaded “It’s Not as Good as It Used to Be”
How often have you left your favorite restaurant, snack spot or watering hole and thought, “The quality just isn’t the same.”? When routine maintenance becomes an afterthought, the final product won’t be what it once was. In a business built on habitual purchases, even minute changes in a customer’s “usual” are noticeable. The fix: a consistent maintenance routine that catches small problems before they become bigger and helps prevent customer attrition due to subpar equipment performance.
Less grime and more shine: machine-safe cleaning products
Household products are for, well, households. When it comes to coffee equipment, you need specialized cleaning products to ensure a proper clean without damage. Barista Underground offers a clean sweep of cleaning products, including Urnex’s Cafiza espresso machine cleaner, Grindz grinder cleaner, and Rinza milk frother cleaner–all designed to dissolve coffee oils and remove stubborn residues to ensure that your equipment operates at its peak efficiency.
Set aside dedicated time for deep cleaning and maintenance checks during lulls in customer traffic. Start by dismantling and cleaning the removable parts of your espresso machine, such as portafilters and drip trays, using a solution like Urnex Cafiza. This not only enhances the flavor of your coffee but also extends the lifespan of your machine. Similarly, use Grindz to clean the burrs and chambers of your coffee grinder, eliminating any rancid coffee oils that may affect the taste of your brews.
Creating a culture of cleanliness.
For cafe owners, cleanliness is next to successfulness. Keep things humming by empowering your employees to carry out cleaning and maintenance tasks efficiently. Consider organizing training sessions on equipment maintenance, highlighting the importance of regular cleaning and demonstrating the proper use of cleaning products. Equip your staff with the necessary tools, including brushes, cloths, and Urnex cleaning solutions, fostering a culture of pride in maintaining a clean and efficient workspace.
Take advantage of slow periods to conduct more comprehensive equipment checks. Examine the internal components of your machines for signs of wear and tear. Replace worn-out gaskets, seals, and other parts to prevent unexpected breakdowns during peak hours. Investing time and resources in preventive maintenance can save you from the headaches and costs associated with emergency repairs.
