FALL PREP CHECKLIST: SAVE ON LINENS, TECH, AND MORE

groupexadmin August 27, 2025 0 Comments

As summer winds down and the leaves begin to change, foodservice operators know what’s coming: the fall rush. Whether you’re gearing up for back-to-school crowds, holiday catering seasons, or the general uptick in business that cooler weather brings, now is the perfect time to prepare and save money while doing it. Proactive planning during the quieter late summer months can mean significant cost savings and smoother operations when business picks up. Here’s your comprehensive fall prep checklist to help you stock up on essentials and upgrade your systems.

Linen and Uniform Essentials

Kitchen Linens:Now’s the time to stock up on kitchen linens before the busy season hits your bottom line. Replace worn chef coats and aprons while you can secure better pricing and guaranteed availability from suppliers. Build your inventory of kitchen towels and bar mops; you’ll need them when orders start flying and your kitchen is running at full capacity. Front-of-House Presentation:Refresh table linens and napkins with seasonal colours that create warmth and ambiance, ensure staff look professional with well-fitted, clean uniforms, and increase your supply of cleaning cloths to handle the higher guest volumes. Pro tip: Our partner Chef Works offers professional-grade chef coats, aprons, and kitchen uniforms designed for durability and comfort during high-volume service. Groupex members get exclusive pricing.

Technology and Equipment Prep

Before the rush hits, ensure your POS system is ready by updating software, testing hardware components like printers and card readers, and training staff on new features. Don’t let outdated systems fail during peak times when every order counts. Review essential kitchen technology, including digital thermometers for food safety compliance, timer systems for managing multiple orders, and inventory management software to prevent costly shortages. Pro tip: Groupex members get exclusive discounts and rebates on Chase terminal rentals, helping you upgrade payment processing systems at reduced costs while improving transaction speed for busy periods.

Smart Purchasing Strategy

Stock up on shelf-stable essentials while prices are stable, including flour, sugar, and baking ingredients for holiday menu items, along with canned goods, paper products, and cleaning supplies. Replace cookware, serving pieces, and storage containers before demand peaks and prices rise. Pro tip: We partner with GFS to provide members with competitive pricing on ingredients, paper products, and kitchen supplies. Lock in better rates on your fall inventory needs through our exclusive partnership.

Deep Cleaning and Facility Prep

Use the slower late summer period to tackle major cleaning projects that become impossible during peak service. Schedule professional hood and exhaust system cleaning, deep clean and re-seal floors, and organize walk-in coolers and freezers for maximum efficiency. This is also the perfect time for equipment maintenance and calibration, preventing breakdowns when you need your equipment most. Pro tip:Diversey provides members with professional-grade cleaning and sanitizing solutions. Access specialized products for deep cleaning that meet foodservice industry standards.

Preparing for Staffing Changes

Fall brings unique staffing challenges as summer employees return to school and seasonal workers transition out. Start recruiting early for both full-time positions and seasonal help, waiting until you’re busy makes it harder to find quality candidates. Cross-train existing staff now so they can handle multiple positions when you’re short-handed, and create backup schedules for key roles. Pro tip: Managing schedules becomes critical during staffing transitions. 7 Shifts offers a scheduling software that simplifies staff management, tracks labour costs in real-time, and sends automated shift reminders to reduce no-shows. Ready to tackle your fall prep list? Our Key Account Consultants can help you source everything from kitchen linens to technology upgrades at competitive prices. Contact us today here