The Ultimate Restaurant Equipment Guide for Foodservice Venues

You'll be surprised to learn that it takes more than just a coffee machine to set up a new venue. And the last thing you need when opening your venue is to realise that you’re missing an essential piece of equipment or that you urgently need hard-to-find commercial cooking utensils.

We’ve pulled together the ultimate list of equipment you’ll need to open the doors to your brand-new foodservice venue, from advanced refrigeration systems to top-of-the-line coffee grinders!

Of course, your individual needs might vary based on several factors, such as:

• The kind of restaurant or café you’re opening. For instance, a Moroccan restaurant might need tagines or other specialist equipment. A boutique coffee shop might need a cold drip machine.
• The range of food or drinks you’re serving. A bar with an extensive cocktail list might need a greater variety of glasses.
• What you’re serving up on the menu

You can always accumulate more equipment as you go, but having the right equipment will set you up for success. It also means that there’s one less thing to worry about on the open day!

Restaurant and Cafe Equipment List

These general items are essential for almost any foodservice venue. Narrow down the things you need and add any other speciality items.

• A high-quality security system
• Point-of-sale equipment such as a till, electronic payment system, calculators, paper, and pens
• Ovens
• Hood ranges and ventilators
• Mixers and slicers
• Freezers and refrigeration systems
• Cooking equipment
• Counters for food prep
• Cutting boards
• Storage racks and shelving for dry goods
• High-quality knives, cutlery, knife sharpening stones and other implements
• Storage containers
• Safety equipment
• Kitchen display system
• Washing equipment
• Dishwashers
• Microwave
• Cleaning products
• Ice maker
• Sinks
• Grill
• Grease trap
• Kitchen scales
• Serving ware including plates, bowls, serving platters, and cutlery
• Furniture
• Individual menus
• Take away bags, containers and paper goods
• Tableware like tablecloths, vases, napkins and table settings

Find out more about how to choose your tableware here.

 Coffee Shop Equipment List

• Commercial espresso machines
• Commercial coffee grinders
• Drip coffee brewer
• Sandwich press or toaster
• Jaffle maker
• Display cases
• Froth pitchers
• Milk pitchers
• Teapots
• Decanters
• Cold brewing systems
• Syrup pumps
• Porcelain mugs
• Menu boards
• Small wares like mugs, cups, spoons
• Organisers to put cups, lids etc
• Paper goods like serviettes etc

Bar and Pub Equipment List

• Cocktail shaker and other equipment
• Strainer
• Blender
• Wine coolers
• Ice buckets or sinks 
• Ice maker
• Muddler
• Jigger
• Ice cube trays
• Garnishing tools
• Fruit peelers
• Stirrers
• Liquor dispensers
• Cap catchers
• Cutting boards
• Stainless steel tubs and containers for garnishes
• Bar spoons
• Bottle openers
• Corkscrews
• Wine cradle
• Display fridges
• Glasses; wine glasses, rock glasses, tumblers, middy glasses, pint glasses, shot glasses, mixing glasses, champagne glasses
• Any other speciality glasses to make cocktails or other drinks
• Straws, either stainless steel, paper, or bamboo
• Paper goods
• Bar mats

Customise Your Equipment List

Every foodservice venue is unique in its own way. Review your menu and check it against your equipment list, ensuring you have the equipment to make every dish.

It pays to invest in high-quality equipment that will last a long time, so be sure to support where needed. If you’re just starting, you may not necessarily need a top-of-the-range coffee machine or the most expensive brand for your sandwich press when a more affordable one will do the job just as well. Think carefully about where you can save money versus where you’d like to invest a little more.

Finding Foodservice Equipment

Did you know that Foodbomb offers high-quality equipment for the foodservice industry? That means if you’ve forgotten to order a piece of equipment for your venue, you can place an order  with the click of a button.

Foodbomb suppliers like Nisbets have an enormous range of commercial catering and kitchen equipment.

To access these suppliers (and more), simply sign up to Foodbomb or log in today to find the equipment you need. If you’re new to Foodbomb, you can create a free account today – no commitment necessary!