How Having an Automated Fryer Counteracts the Impact of Higher Wages

Foodservice operators have to overcome increasing challenges, including wage increases. The demand for higher wages has grown significantly in recent years, meaning operators must adapt to maintain their workforce and balance their bottom line. Fortunately, having a Pitco automated fryer in your commercial kitchen can alleviate this issue by streamlining the kitchen and cutting operating costs.

The Journey of the $15 Minimum Wage in Labor Activism

It was 2012 when a group of quick-service restaurant employees first picketed for a $15 minimum wage. Within a few months, more and more workers around the country joined the protest. By 2014, Seattle became the first city to respond, with Mayor Ed Murray announcing the $15 per hour wage increase over the next few years. San Francisco and New York followed, with California eventually decreeing the statewide increase by 2023.

Although higher wages are a win for workers, it also puts business owners in a bind as they have to increase their labor costs without hiking menu prices. Such sudden changes mean operators must adapt quickly to stay ahead of the curve.

Challenges for Foodservice Businesses: Navigating Higher Wage Costs

The entire foodservice industry is affected by higher wages, among other problems (i.e., supply chain constraints). With so many challenges, the sector has had to take drastic action. For example, nearly 90 percent of restaurants have already increased the price of menu items, and 48 percent of foodservice businesses have cut their hours of operation. With an extended labor shortage and demand for higher pay, many owners are looking to automation to fix some of these issues.

How Automation Counters the Impact of Higher Wages

Automation can help alleviate the impact of higher wages. Many commercial kitchens have already been transformed by streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and optimizing resource allocation. Some restaurants have implemented AI ordering assistants, remote workers to take orders and real-time inventory tracking.

Automation is also easily implemented when using commercial fryers, especially in kitchens with integrated oil management systems. Some benefits include reduced oil use, extended oil life, and better food quality. A smart rethermalizer can also take the manpower out of reheating and maintaining food at the proper temperature.

Frying Smarter, Not Harder: How Pitco’s Automated Fryers Cuts Labor Costs

An intelligent commercial automated fryer from Pitco helps restaurants mitigate higher operating costs in several ways. Consistency and efficiency are better achieved with automated cooking times that don’t lean on labor. That leads to better food quality for customers as well. Hands-free features and one-touch controls allow staff to multitask and tend to other duties in the kitchen. And the ease of using Pitco fryers reduces training time. User-friendly interfaces help staff new and old focus on more pressing tasks.

In addition to intuitive controls, Pitco Solstice Supreme Fryers automatically filter oil and remove food particles during a shift. Not only does this feature help streamline operations, but it also ensures that each dish tastes the same. Additionally, with the rising costs of cooking oil, restaurants can cut down on unnecessary waste and improve their profit margin.

Struggling to find the commercial automated fryer best for your restaurant, bar, or hotel? Take our quick quiz to find out how Pitco can help: