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If you’ve recently opened your first commercial kitchen, you undoubtedly have a lot on your plate. Organising kitchen equipment, purchasing backup stock, and designing your menu are just a few of the aspects you’ll be busy with. Have you given any thought to what your kitchen staff are going to wear?
Your staff don’t need to be working in a 5-star restaurant to wear a chef’s coat. There are many positive reasons to invest in chef’s uniforms with the custom embroidery Sydney restaurants are boasting. This post takes a more in-depth look at why these shirts are a better option than the usual polo shirts.
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Hospitality Uniforms are a Must
Many larger commercial kitchens regard it as somewhat of a tradition for kitchen staff to wear chef’s coats. These coats not only symbolise a chef’s profession but also help to maintain hygiene and keep skin safe from hot ingredients. If you’re still not sure if you should invest in these uniforms for staff that are largely unseen by your customers, keep reading as we highlight the reasons why it’s a good idea.
- Offers Heat Protection
One of the top reasons chefs and other kitchen staff wear this ever-popular kitchen coat is to add an extra layer of protection against the heat of the kitchen. Commercial kitchens often have open flames, searing cookware, and hot surfaces putting everyone working in the space a risk of burns and scalding.
Since chef’s coats are made from thick, heat-resistant materials, they are ideal for shielding staff from burns. The material also shields against spills and splatters. With both long and short-sleeved options, you will easily find the best one to suit your staff’s needs. Chef’s coats are essential for anyone working with broilers, woks, and frying pans.
- Good for Hygiene
A lot is going on in any kitchen, making it an ideal place for bacteria and contaminants to breed. This can hamper the food safety levels you’re trying to maintain. Most chef’s coats are made from cotton or cotton-polyester blend.
This material type is excellent for adding a barrier between the food on counters and in pots and the chef’s skin. This prevents skin flakes, sweat, and hair from falling into the space where the employee is working.
- Pockets for Small Kitchen Tools
Another huge advantage of a chef’s coat is that many of them are designed with multiple pockets. This is convenient for everyday kitchen tools such as pens, notepads, thermometers, and kitchen utensils.
Having tools on hand allows your staff to have quick access to what they need, reducing the need to leave a customer or a dish waiting unnecessarily. This is a quick and simple way to add to the efficiency of a demanding kitchen.
- Super Durable
Wearing regular clothes such as t-shirts or polo shirts can see your clothing items getting stained or requiring everyday washing. This means that your clothes can lose their shape and require constant replacing.
Chef’s coats, on the other hand, are made from durable materials capable of handling the rigours of a busy commercial kitchen. The fabric is also able to maintain its shape even after extended use. Your employees will be able to look their best while feeling comfortable at the same time.
- Employees Look Professional
If your staff are working in an open kitchen where customers can see their food being prepared, it’s essential to have them looking their best. Looking professional sends a positive message about your brand and the people who work there.
It’s a good idea to get different coloured chef’s coats to identify different levels of staff. For instance, your chefs shouldn’t wear the same colours as the junior staff. This will help to identify your chefs, highlighting their expertise. Clean, crisp coats instil confidence in your guests that your kitchen has high standards.
- Amazingly Comfortable
Chef’s coats may look like they are thick and uncomfortable, but they’re the opposite. Quality chef’s coats are well-known for their durability and are designed with comfort in mind. Breathable fabrics also ensure that your kitchen staff are cool and comfortable, which is especially handy when working in a super-hot kitchen.
- Complies with Local Regulations
In some cases, local regulations in the hospitality industry dictate that specific uniforms must be worn in commercial kitchens. Chef’s coats meet the requirements of breathability, durability, hygiene, and safety required in any commercial kitchen. It’s necessary to check what your local regulations require, but it’s an even better idea to be proactive and get your staff kitted out with the right chef’s coats from the get-go.
Final Thoughts
Having your kitchen staff wearing the necessary uniforms is an excellent way to project a professional image, maintain hygiene, and protect against burns and spills. Jackets, chef’s coats, and shirts can also provide space for tools. Identify your senior staff from students by choosing different colours.
When customers catch a glimpse of your kitchen staff they will have peace of mind that their food is being prepared by professionals. This instantly gives your brand a massive boost.
