Buying an Existing Pizzeria Part 2

Inspecting Mixers

After the oven, the mixer is probably the next most important piece of pizza equipment in a pizzeria. In any size pizza operation, the dough is going to have to be mixed and doing this by hand is not a feasible option. A large floor model dough mixer is a very common piece of equipment to see in a pizzeria. Some brands and models tend to last longer than others and knowing this is important when inspecting the existing mixer(s). Many pizza restaurant operators have their preferences when it comes to mixers and will only use certain brands and models. A really popular brand for used floor mixers is Hobart. This is because these were built like tanks until recently and can provide decades of effective use. There are a lot of restaurateurs who go out of their way to procure a used Hobart mixer, so if the pizzeria you are purchasing has one, you are generally in luck. Regardless of the brand, you must still inspect certain parts of a dough mixer to make sure it is going to function well. Check for any leaks around the gear box and see if the gear box is still greased adequately. Gears and motors that haven’t been maintained properly will have to be replaced or serviced. Another item to inspect is the movement of mixing arm. It should be fluid without any jumps and the mechanism should not make any grinding noises. Those two things are giveaways that the machine might not be in good condition. If everything checks out with the dough mixer itself, it may be a good idea to invest in some new mixer bowls as part of your pizza supplies purchases.

Inspecting Pizza Prep Tables

One piece of pizza equipment that is not as essential as an oven or mixer but will make your life much easier is a refrigerated pizza prep table. While a worktable will give you the space you need to make your pizzas, purchasing a pizzeria with pizza prep tables is a great thing to look for. Having all your ingredients easily accessible makes prep work more efficient and speedy. Also, having the refrigerated cabinet of a pizza prep table will allow you to save walk-in cooler space and have your perishable ingredients closer to where they are needed. When inspecting a used pizza prep table, the top thing to check out is the refrigeration condenser unit. Ensure that it is functioning properly and looks well maintained. Use a refrigerator thermometer to verify the temperature of the cabinet. Since electric equipment is more prone to failure than gas powered equipment, be very observant of the prep tables electric components.