Rats in a Restaurant are Only Cute in the Movie Ratatouille!

Remember the Disney movie Ratatouille? This film was a delight for all children and even adults! Disney movies are never a disappointment. While a rat as an all-star chef is cute and fun on screen, that is never the case in the real world. Rats in the restaurant business are a liability concern because they may affect your employees, your guests and the food. Rat prevention and control should be a concern!

How can you prevent rats from affecting your restaurant?

  • Have your building inspected for access holes and entrance ways. It is important to have these holes closed up!
  • Eliminate excess food that may attract rats and mice. It is important to have a dumpster to properly discard of all leftovers.
  • Have a professional go through the building, checking the physical structure to a plumber coming in and checking pipes.
  • If you have a growing issue with rats, it is important to hire a professional rat remover company and have traps set up.

Another way to protect your restaurant is to look into a restaurant liability insurance policy. This policy is specially designed to cover the specific needs of the food industry. It can provide protection for the following: general liability, kitchen equipment, food spoilage, liquor liability, workers compensation, loss of business income and much more.

Sure, Remy the rat may know how to season a dish and cook exquisite meals but he is an exception!

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Are Your Customers Coming Back for More?

As a restaurant owner and chef, you should always be aiming to improve your dishes and keep your customers coming back for more. If not, your restaurant is sure to miss out on potential business! So how are you keeping your customers happy?

Here are a few tips:

  • Continue to update your menu and add new dishes.
  • Feature specials on the menu on a daily basis.
  • Smile, smile, smile. Cheery service will go a long way.
  • Pick up the pace! Fast service is always appreciated.
  • Ask your customers for input and take their comments into consideration.
  • Keep the dining area clean, as well as the kitchen area.

Your restaurant, café, bar, or grille is sure to be hopping once you incorporate a few of these tips into your kitchen. The more business, the more money…the more risks.

Yes, we mentioned risks! If your restaurant is going to be full of people, it is crucial to make sure each and every risk is covered. You cannot predict the moment someone chokes in your restaurant, slips and falls or even falls victim to food poisoning. Luckily, our restaurant liability insurance is there to take care of any unexpected issues, whether out in the dining area or behind the scenes in the kitchen.

Until then, good luck with the initiatives!

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Attention Restaurant Owners: New Year, New Recipes!

Happy New Year! As a restaurant owner, you know what this means: time to change up the menu with a few delicious additions. In the food business, it is important that you keep your customers coming back for more. The number one way to do this is by trying new recipes and challenging yourself to create better dishes.

Need a few pointers? We have some advice to offer…

  • If you are unsure of a dish, make it a special. If you get good feedback and the dish is in high demand, add it to the menu.
  • Does your restaurant have a classic item? Never rid of that classic item, but what you CAN do is make a new item with a twist on the classic recipe.
  • Look into new ways to present your dishes (new plates, new colors, new garnishes etc.)
  • Buy an ingredient that you not normally cook with and get creative.

With a few new additions to your menu this year, you are sure to see a change in pace. Having the same menu for years may get old and boring- that is the last thing you want your customers to think about your restaurant.

While you are getting ready for the new year, it may also be a good idea to check on your restaurant liability insurance. Any changes in your business may result in a change in policy. Once you are done making up that new and improved menu, be sure to come speak with us!

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Should Your Restaurant Buy Organic This Season?

As a restaurant owner, you know how important it is to prepare for the busy season ahead! Between catering parties and changing up your menu, you are sure to be busy. However busy you may be, it is never too busy to make sure the quality of your food is nothing less than perfect. Has your business considered buying organic?

Buying organic ingredients for your kitchen is an easy way to perfect your best dishes. Here are a few reasons to go organic:

-Organic meat is healthier and fresher. The animals are raised in an organic and humane environment, which makes the meat much better for you!

-Shows customers that you care. By investing more money into organic products, you are showing your customers that you care about the quality of your ingredients.

-You protect the environment. The more people support organic products, the larger step we take towards saving our environment. The less chemicals the better!

-Support your locals. Restaurant owners can decide to buy fresh meat, eggs and other ingredients from a local farmer. This is a great way to team up with your community!

-Increase your profit. Sure, the products may be more expensive, but you will make up for your extra costs when it comes to sales. Americans are beginning to choose organic restaurants over chain restaurants.

With the holidays right around the corner, there is no better time to go organic! Your customers deserve the quality meal that they pay for. Going organic is a great way to show them that you are serving grade-A dishes.

In order to protect your fresh products, it may be a good idea to look into our restaurant liability insurance. Here at Dagley Insurance and Financial Services, we believe that the best restaurants deserve the best coverage. With this specialized policy, you will be covered from: general liability, kitchen equipment, food spoilage, liquor liability, workers compensation and much more.  Coverage during such a busy time is crucial; the last thing you need is an issue during the holidays!

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Is Your Restaurant Prepared for the Holiday Season?

As we approach the holiday season, we cannot help but think about all the restaurants in Texas. By jazzing up their menus with a few holiday favorites, restaurant owners will start to see a spike in business. From business parties to catering services, this season is sure to be a busy one. With the increase of business, it is important to remember a few important safety tips in the kitchen. The last thing you need is an accident that is not covered by restaurant liability insurance!

#1: Provide training. Make sure all incoming employees are properly trained on equipment and machines in the kitchen.

#2: Keep your knives sharp for the perfect cut. However, make sure your employees know how to handle the knife they are working with to prevent an injury.

#3: Keep it clean. If the kitchen is cluttered with spills all over the floor, there is surely going to be an accident. Make sure your employees clean up after themselves for everyone’s safety.

#4: Make sure food is fresh. Your ingredients should be fresh and of great quality. If not, a customer may fall ill with food poisoning.

#5: Change your gloves. If you go from working with pastries to a seafood dish, make sure you change your gloves. First, you would not want the taste or smell to rub off. Second, you never know who may have an allergic reaction.

Safety in the restaurant business is so important, especially around the holidays. To ensure a great holiday season, make sure you follow these tips. However, the unexpected is not completely unavoidable. If an accident does happen, it is best to have restaurant liability insurance. Our policy will cover: general liability, food spoilage, kitchen equipment, liquor liability, workers comp and much more.

Stay safe and enjoy your busy months!

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