Soda Machine Proposal: When Customers Order A Soda

Soda Machine Proposal Currently, when customers order a soda, waitresses must walk to one of three bars in order to fill that order while all other non-alcoholic beverage orders can be filled from the kitchen. This means that when some people in a party order drinks that can be filled from the kitchen (coffee, tea, milk, and juice) and other people in the party order soda, the waitress must walk to two different places to fulfill this order. I would like to propose that Zelmder's, Inc., install soda machines in all kitchens at the restaurant.

This proposal aims to improve operational efficiency and customer service at Zelmder's restaurant by installing dedicated soda machines within the kitchen areas. Currently, waitresses must walk to three different bars to fulfill soda orders, which results in increased labor time, customer wait times, and employee fatigue. With the rising demand for sodas—over 300,000 served in 2016 compared to 150,000 in 2014—there is a clear need to streamline this process.

The core problem is the inefficiency caused by the distance and time consumed in fulfilling soda orders. Walk times include 30 seconds from the dining area to the kitchen, 140 seconds from the kitchen to the bar, and another 30 seconds back to the dining area. This totals approximately 200 seconds per order, or over 6 minutes daily, considering about 15 to 20 trips per day by each waitress. This not only reduces productivity but also contributes to employee fatigue and potential safety hazards due to constant walking.

Installing in-kitchen soda machines addresses these issues by reducing the number of steps waitresses and bartenders need to take. This change will allow staff to serve customers more swiftly, increasing customer satisfaction and potentially boosting tips and repeat business. Additionally, bartenders will have more time to focus on beverage preparation, which can lead to faster service and improved workflow in the bar area.

Benefits of Installing Soda Machines

The proposal emphasizes three primary benefits:

1. Enhanced Employee Efficiency and Well-being: Fewer steps mean less fatigue and lower risk of foot and leg fatigue among waitstaff. This improvement can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover.
2. Increased Customer Satisfaction and Revenue: Faster service results in happier customers who are more likely to tip well and return. Reducing wait times for sodas can also free up staff to serve more patrons, thereby increasing overall revenue.
3. Operational Streamlining: Allowing bartenders to focus on their core tasks by removing soda filling from their responsibilities leads to smoother service and better resource utilization within the restaurant.

Proposed Location and Design of the Soda Machines

The optimal placement involves installing soda machines near existing beverage areas within the kitchens. In the main kitchen, one machine can be situated between the coffee urns and the milk dispenser, without disrupting current operations. This space currently houses coffee cups and saucers, which can be relocated to shelves beneath the counter for efficient use of space. The second machine could be installed near the door to the Heritage Dining Room, adjacent to the coffee warmer, while a third machine could be placed in the lower-level kitchen to the left of the coffee urns.

Visual aids, such as diagrams, can support this layout plan by illustrating the proposed locations, ensuring clarity in implementation. These placements make use of available space and maintain accessibility for staff.

Cost Analysis and Equipment Selection

Procurement of soda machines includes initial costs, installation, and ongoing supplies. The selected five-spout soda fountain, costs $2,395 per unit, includes an ice and water dispenser, and is compatible with popular soda brands such as Coke, Diet Coke, Root Beer, Sprite, and Mountain Dew. Additional costs involve installation and setup, estimated at $150 per machine, and initial syrup and flavoring supplies at $139 per machine. Installing three machines totals approximately $8,052, while two machines would cost around $5,368.

It is necessary to purchase at least two machines for main kitchen placement and one for the lower-level kitchen to meet the operational needs effectively. Choosing the five-spout model ensures sufficient capacity to serve peak demands and simplify maintenance.

Implementation Timeline and Logistics

Wernette and Sons Soda Company, based in Bay City, supplies the required machines, which are currently in stock. If the decision is made promptly, installation could commence at the beginning of December, with technicians arriving to set up and test the units within a single day. Training on syrup addition and machine operation will follow, ensuring staff can efficiently utilize the new equipment.

Adopting this plan by November 13 would enable full operational use by December 1. The immediate implementation is expected to generate benefits such as increased efficiency, employee satisfaction, and enhanced customer experience, which over time, will translate into higher sales and profits for the restaurant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the installation of dedicated soda machines in the kitchens of Zelmder's restaurant is a strategic move to improve operational efficiency, employee well-being, and customer satisfaction. The projected cost and time frame align with the restaurant's goal of providing high-quality service without significant disruption. This investment will yield tangible benefits through faster service, reduced staff fatigue, and increased overall profitability, making it a prudent and impactful addition to the restaurant's infrastructure.

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