Thanksgiving is one of the most food-centric holidays in the United States, and while many families gather around their own dining tables, a significant portion choose to dine out or rely on restaurants for catering. In recent years, dining trends have shown a growing number of people opting to eat out during Thanksgiving. According to the National Restaurant Association, approximately 1 in 10 adults dine out on Thanksgiving Day, and about 4% of consumers order takeout or catering from restaurants for their holiday meals.
This demand places restaurants in the spotlight, making Thanksgiving one of the busiest and most critical days for the foodservice industry. To meet these high expectations, restaurant kitchens must run like well-oiled machines—and that means their cooking and refrigeration equipment must perform flawlessly.
Key Equipment Chefs Rely on for Thanksgiving Service
From traditional roast turkey to sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pies, Thanksgiving menus require heavy use of specific kitchen equipment. Here are some of the most essential tools chefs lean on during the holiday rush:
- Ovens Whether it’s a traditional convection oven or a Rational combi oven, ovens are the backbone of Thanksgiving prep. They’re tasked with roasting turkeys, baking pies, and ensuring every dish comes out at the perfect temperature and texture. Combi ovens by RATIONAL AG and Alto-Shaam, Inc. or UNOX Inc are workhorses in a commercial kitchen!
- Refrigerators and Walk-In CoolersProper storage of large quantities of prepped ingredients, leftovers, and desserts is critical. A malfunctioning refrigerator during Thanksgiving can result in spoiled food and financial loss.
- Commercial Ice Machines From making beverages to chilling ingredients, ice machines like those from Hoshizaki America or Manitowoc are essential, especially in busy restaurants offering dine-in service.
- Fryers and Griddles For sides like fried onion rings, hash browns, or seared vegetables, fryers and griddles are indispensable.
- Food Warmers and Holding Cabinets These keep pre-cooked dishes at safe serving temperatures without compromising quality, making them invaluable for serving large groups of guests quickly.
- Dishwashers With dining rooms packed to capacity, efficient dishwashing is critical for ensuring a steady supply of clean plates, silverware, and glassware.
The Importance of Equipment Reliability During the Holidays
Equipment failures during Thanksgiving service can spell disaster. A broken oven can delay turkey cooking, a malfunctioning walk-in cooler could lead to spoiled desserts, and an unreliable ice machine might disappoint guests expecting chilled drinks. Such issues can not only harm a restaurant’s reputation but also cut into profits during a peak revenue day.
That’s why it’s crucial for restaurant operators to ensure all equipment is in top condition well before the holiday. Planned maintenance, thorough inspections, and quick access to repair services can make all the difference.
Building a Relationship with Your Local Service Company
A strong partnership with a trusted commercial food equipment service provider is one of the best investments a restaurant can make, especially during the holiday season. Companies like Malachy Parts and Service specialize in keeping critical equipment running smoothly. Here’s why having a go-to service provider is vital:
- Proactive Maintenance: Regular servicing reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns during high-demand periods.
- Emergency Repairs: If something goes wrong during Thanksgiving, a trusted service provider can respond quickly to minimize downtime. And when you have a strong relationship with your local service company, you become a priority! Many service companie are extremely busy with an overwhelming amount of calls, that means when you choose to use one company for all of your repairs, you are going to become a key account, that will absolutely get priority.
- Parts Availability: Working with an authorized service company ensures access to genuine replacement parts for brands like Hoshizaki, Rational, or PASMO America, which are essential for maintaining warranties and reliability.
Wrapping Up
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, and restaurants play a pivotal role in helping people enjoy this holiday with friends and family. By investing in high-quality equipment and building strong relationships with commercial kitchen service providers, restaurant operators can ensure their kitchens stay ready for the rush.
So this Thanksgiving, as guests enjoy their perfectly roasted turkey or creamy pumpkin pie, let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes efforts of chefs and their trusted partners in the food equipment service industry. Together, they keep the tradition of Thanksgiving dining alive, one plate at a time.
Are you eating out this year? Are you cooking at home? Let us know in the comments!