Grilling Season Essentials for Restaurants

1. Commercial-Grade Grill Tools

The foundation of any successful grill operation starts with reliable fuel and ignition supplies. Stock up on high-quality charcoal, such as Kingsford 16 lb Briquets, for consistent heat and authentic flavor that customers can truly taste. Pair this with Kingsford 64 fl oz Lighter Fluid to ensure quick, even lighting every time you fire up the grill.

Beyond fuel, your team needs long-handled tongs, spatulas, and grill brushes built for high-heat commercial use. Durable tools help staff work faster and safer on a busy line, reducing the risk of burns and dropped food during those crucial dinner rushes. Heat-resistant gloves and aprons are equally important investments that keep your team protected and confident when working over intense heat for hours at a time.

2. Quality Grill Grates & Cooking Surfaces

Versatility is key in today's restaurant kitchens, and portable griddle options provide the flexibility to expand your cooking capacity wherever needed.

The Franklin 4 Burner Portable Griddle Top provides an ample cooking surface for high-volume operations, while the Franklin 2 Burner Portable Griddle Top offers perfect portion control for smaller batches or specialized items.

Make sure your grates and cooking surfaces are clean and in good condition to prevent flare-ups and sticking issues that can slow down service. Additionally, you can replace worn-out components regularly to improve cooking consistency and safety standards.

It’s also important to consider accessories like grill toppers or cast iron plates for small ingredients that might otherwise fall through standard grates. These small additions can significantly expand your menu possibilities.

3. Food Holding & Warming Equipment

Timing is everything in restaurant service, and proper holding equipment ensures your grilled items stay at optimal temperature and quality until they reach the customer.

Holding equipment reduces waste and keeps service fast during peak hours when every second counts. Properly maintained warming equipment also ensures food safety compliance while preserving the texture and flavor that make grilled items so appealing. Consistency is key, especially across multiple locations where brand standards must be maintained regardless of volume or staffing levels.

The Nemco 4 qt Twin Well Countertop Food Warmer provides precise temperature control for sauces, sides, and smaller portions, while the Vollrath Cayenne® Full Size Countertop Hot Food Merchandiser offers both functionality and attractive presentation for buffet-style service or display cooking.

4. Prep and Storage Essentials

Efficient prep work sets the stage for smooth grill operations throughout your busiest shifts.

Use color-coded cutting boards and storage containers to prevent cross-contamination between proteins and vegetables. Marinating bins, squeeze bottles, and organized setups speed up the grill station and reduce the chance of errors during busy periods. Having a prepped, well-organized grill line keeps things moving during high-volume times and helps maintain quality standards when pressure is highest.

The Winco 14 3/4 in x 5 1/2 in Mandoline delivers consistent cuts for vegetables and garnishes, ensuring uniform cooking times and professional presentation. Pair this with the Cambro 18 in x 26 in x 9 in Camwear® Food Box for organized storage that maintains freshness and prevents cross-contamination.

5. Cleaning Supplies for Daily Maintenance

Grills need daily attention to stay safe, efficient, and compliant with health regulations.

Stock up on heavy-duty grill cleaners, scrapers, degreasers, and scrub pads to handle the demanding cleaning requirements of commercial grilling equipment. A simple, end-of-day cleaning routine can extend equipment life, maintain food safety standards, and ensure your grill is ready to perform at peak efficiency every day.

The Malish Coarse Bristle Broiler/Grill Brush with Handle tackles tough buildup and grease, while the Nemco 6 in Grill Scraper provides precise cleaning for detailed maintenance work.

Bonus: Summer-Ready Menu Add-Ons

Take your grilled offerings to the next level with specialty smoking chips that add distinctive flavors customers can't get anywhere else.

Consider adding grilled seasonal produce or signature sauces to spice up your summer menu and differentiate your offerings from competitors. Offer limited-time items that showcase your grill skills—customers love variety and seasonal specialties that give them a reason to visit more frequently during peak grilling months.

Mr BBQ Mesquite Smoking Chips provide bold, southwestern flavor perfect for beef and game meats, while Mr BBQ Apple Smoking Chips offer a milder, sweeter smoke that complements pork, chicken, and even grilled desserts.