The popularity of delivery and takeaway food has been on the rise, with the recent pandemic accelerating the trend. As a result, more and more restaurants are turning to dark kitchens to meet the demand for online orders. Dark kitchens allow restaurants to focus on preparing food for delivery, without the need for a physical restaurant space.

However, managing a dark kitchen can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to packaging and general logistics. To help ensure your dark kitchen is a success, we’ve put together a selection of top tips to help you boost productivity levels and streamline your packaging process:

1. Organise your workspace: The first step to increasing productivity in your dark kitchen is to organise your workspace properly. Ensure that your packaging materials, including boxes, bags, and labels, are stored in a convenient location. It's also essential to have a designated space for packing and labelling orders.

2. Use technology: Technology can be a game-changer when it comes to streamlining your operations. Use a digital ordering system that integrates with your kitchen management software to ensure seamless communication between your team and your customers. You could also consider investing in a barcode scanner to track your orders and reduce the risk of errors.

3. Choose packaging wisely: Choosing the right packaging is crucial to ensuring that your food arrives at your customers' doorsteps in excellent condition, which will encourage repeat orders and positive feedback. When selecting packaging, consider factors such as durability, temperature resistance, and eco-friendliness. Opt for packaging that can withstand the rigours of delivery, such as sturdy boxes and printed paper bags.

Stickers on a reel are a convenient and cost-effective way to label your food packaging. They come in a continuous roll, making them easy to dispense and apply quickly. By using stickers on a reel, you can save time and reduce the risk of errors.

Another essential component of food packaging is greaseproof paper, particularly for oily or greasy foods. When choosing greaseproof paper, choose a roll instead of individual sheets, as it eliminates the need to cut individual sheets. Furthermore, a roll of greaseproof paper takes up less space in your kitchen, freeing up valuable storage space.

4. Monitor inventory levels: Maintaining adequate inventory levels is crucial to
ensuring a smooth packaging and delivery process. Keep track of your packaging materials, and order them well in advance to avoid running out of stock. Set up a system to monitor your inventory levels regularly, and establish a reorder point to ensure that you always have enough supplies available.

5. Train your staff: Your staff is the backbone of your dark kitchen operations,
therefore it’s essential to ensure that they’re well-trained in all aspects of the cooking, packaging and delivery process. Provide regular training sessions to update your staff on any changes to your operations, and ensure that they understand the importance of following procedures.

Tags: printed paper bags, stickers on a reel, greaseproof paper on a reel