Takeaway

The pandemic has certainly left its mark on many of us. There are those who chose to cook everything at home in order to go out as little as possible, and those who preferred to order takeout and spend less time in the kitchen, either because of a lack of time or talent. One thing is definite, many consumers had to adapt their eating habits. While experts expect the trend towards takeaway food to accelerate in 2022, this may well present a long term opportunity for traditional restaurateurs to expand their reach.

What is a takeaway today?

What exactly is takeaway, sometimes known as takeout or carry out? Today, this takes many forms and is no longer limited to simple home delivery services. Takeaway channels have expanded to include various new concepts:

  • Nomadic outlets
    Mobile catering is a sector that attracts many entrepreneurs. It is a trend that offers flexibility and ease of installation, thanks to vehicles such as food trucks, trailers, trolleys, kiosks or stands and scooter bikes.
  • Click & Collect
    The Click & Collect version is a service aimed at customers living in the nearby vicinity who can easily drive by and fetch their orders themselves. It eliminates having customers pay any delivery charges. It is a local and economical solution.
  • Ordering kiosks
    Ordering KiosksSelf-service kiosks, where customers don’t have contact with the restaurant owner during ordering, are a growing solution. They are a further step towards the digital transformation of the fast food sector. The menu and the order are done via a touch screen.
  • Street picking
    Street picking is a new takeaway concept. Here, an order is placed on the restaurant owner's website and the customer chooses one of the proposed pick-up locations, typically halfway between the restaurant and the customer's address. A restaurateur simply needs to adapt his web ordering system to integrate this service.

Street picking is a new takeaway concept.
Street Picking

Who can benefit from offering takeaway services?

  • Traditional caterers
    In order to maintain their business during periods of lockdown, many catering establishments like restaurants, pubs and resorted to Click & Collect and home delivery.
  • Snack food spots
    Fast food outlets continued to grow in popularity during the health crisis. This was often as a result of people staying at home and needing to order food at any time of day, instead of just traditionally ordering at dinnertime.
  • Bakeries and butcheries
    Bakers and butchers who suffered during the crisis have diversified their offerings by proposing other specialities, such as pizzas or sandwiches to their customers. Some have also attracted interest by presenting their items in mobile food trucks.
  • Ghost kitchens
    A new concept in the restaurant industry, ‘shadow kitchens’ are virtual kitchens without a storefront or indoor seating area, intended solely for direct delivery or delivery platforms.

‘Shadow kitchens’ are virtual kitchens without a storefront or indoor seating area.


How do you equip yourself for takeaway sales?

The main equipment needed for takeaway sales depends largely on the environment you are selling in. For example, in a restaurant or a food truck. It also depends on the types of dishes prepared, either hot or cold, as well as the speed of service required.

Need help choosing the right equipment to adapt your business for takeout service? Maxima Kitchen Equipment offers a wide range of equipment that are well suited to takeaway sales.

Refrigeration equipment

To keep food and drinks cool, it is essential to have basic equipment such as a display fridge, a drinks fridge or even a saladette. Maxima Kitchen Equipment's refrigeration equipment offers a wide range of equipment suitable for fast food and convenience food.

Fast cooking equipment

Fast Cooking EquipmentIn order to cook and grill in a few minutes, it is essential to equip yourself with professional cooking equipment that offers a fast cooking times. Depending on the catering activity, equipment could include a deep fryer, a kebab grill, a hot dog warmer, a professional griddle, a waffle maker or a professional crepe maker. A professional microwave is also a useful addition to any fast food service.

Food packaging equipment

Takeaway sales cannot be carried out without quality food packaging to protect the preparations and maintain their flavour, as well as comply with hygiene rules. Food packaging material will also be used to store and facilitate the transportation of food. From food packaging machines like vacuum sealers  to items that facilitate transport more easily, like food trolleys, dedicated equipment will ensure the success of the takeaway business.

Warming equipment

Fast food kitchens also need specific warming equipment to keep food warm until it is packed or bagged for collection or delivery. From sous vides  to electric or gas hot plates and warmers, the right appliance can determine the success of any takeaway service.

 

The world has resolutely changed its food consumption habits, not only because we are looking for quick and easy food at any time of the day, but also because the takeaway offer is now more accessible, local and diversified. The takeaway trend will continue to grow in 2022, according to experts, and is a key reason that entrepreneurs and restaurant owners should look to invest in equipment and materials that can specifically facilitate takeaway sales.