Labor shortages and inflationary food costs have created significant challenges for restaurant and foodservice operators across the United States. With profit margins squeezed, operators are searching for ways to maintain efficiency and control overhead. The key to surviving this difficult climate is to focus on cost areas that can be controlled, and one of the biggest opportunities is in the management of cooking oil. By adopting innovative cooking oil management solutions like those offered by Restaurant Technologies Inc. (RTI), restaurants can reduce labor, minimize waste, and ensure a safer working environment—all while improving profitability.
“Restaurant owners today are juggling a lot of challenges,” said Jeff Kiesel, President and Chief Operating Officer of Restaurant Technologies. “What we offer is a way to take one of those burdens off their plate by automating the entire oil management process.”
Effective cooking oil management solutions go beyond simply ensuring the oil is fresh. It involves considering how oil is delivered, filtered, stored, and disposed of, as well as the safety risks involved in handling hot oil. RTI’s Total Oil Management system provides a comprehensive solution that automates every step of the process, from delivery and filtration to recycling and disposal.
Traditional oil management often involves handling heavy containers of oil—both fresh and used—which can be labor-intensive and hazardous. RTI’s system replaces manual handling with bulk oil delivery and automatic disposal. Fresh oil is stored in a clean, proprietary tank that is connected directly to the fryer, while used oil is automatically pumped into a waste tank for disposal.
“Lifting and carrying oil containers through a busy kitchen is not only inefficient but also dangerous,” Kiesel explained. “Our system automates that process, so employees don’t have to worry about burns or slips, which helps to create a safer kitchen.”
Regular oil filtration is essential to maintaining food quality and prolonging the life of cooking oil. RTI’s solution monitors oil usage and prompts staff when filtration is needed, ensuring oil stays in top condition.
“By automating the filtration reminders, we help operators get more life out of their oil without sacrificing quality,” Kiesel said. “This not only saves money but also ensures that customers are always served food cooked in clean, fresh oil.”
One of the most significant benefits of automated cooking oil solutions is the ability to track oil usage in real time. RTI’s system provides detailed reports that allow operators to monitor how much oil is used, helping them optimize their oil consumption.
“Operators can see exactly how much oil they’re using every day and compare that with the amount of food they’re frying,” said Kiesel. “We provide a metric called the food-to-oil ratio, which helps restaurants understand how efficiently they’re using their oil and make adjustments if needed.”
Handling hot oil is one of the most dangerous tasks in a commercial kitchen. RTI’s Total Oil Management eliminates many of the risks associated with manual oil handling, reducing the likelihood of burns, slips, and falls. In addition, the automated system helps kitchens comply with safety regulations and insurance requirements. “Safety is a top priority for any foodservice operator,” Kiesel noted. “Our system not only reduces the risk of injury but also helps operators lower their insurance premiums, which can be a significant cost-saving measure.”
In addition to improving safety and efficiency, RTI’s solutions also offer environmental benefits. The system ensures that used oil is collected and recycled, often converted into biodiesel or other sustainable fuels. This closed-loop process reduces waste and supports sustainability initiatives. “Green solutions are becoming more important across the foodservice industry,” Kiesel said. “Our system minimizes oil waste and contributes to a circular economy by repurposing used oil into green energy.”
Beyond oil management, Restaurant Technologies also offers AutoMist®, an automated hood and flue cleaning solution that eliminates the need for third-party cleaning services. Regular cleaning of hoods and flues is essential to preventing grease buildup, which poses a fire risk in commercial kitchens. AutoMist® continuously cleans these areas, reducing grease accumulation and improving fire safety. “Managing hood cleaning is a constant worry for operators,” Kiesel explained. “With AutoMist®, we’ve automated that process, so it’s one less thing for them to think about—and they no longer need to bring in an outside service to do it.”
The financial benefits of RTI’s solutions go beyond simply reducing oil waste. The system also helps restaurants cut down on labor costs. With automated oil management, employees spend less time handling oil and cleaning fryers, freeing them up to focus on more customer-centric tasks.
“We’ve had customers report saving tens of labor hours every week,” Kiesel said. “That’s time that can be better spent on improving service, cooking, and other essential functions that drive customer satisfaction.”
RTI’s oil management solutions also reduce the likelihood of costly workplace accidents, which can lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Additionally, the automated system helps restaurants avoid costly emergency hood cleanings and fire hazards, further improving the bottom line.
For restaurant or foodservice operators looking to improve kitchen efficiency, safety, and sustainability, Restaurant Technologies offers a suite of automated solutions designed to take the chaos out of back-of-house operations. To learn more about RTI’s Total Oil Management or AutoMist® systems, operators and distributors can visit the company’s website or reach out directly to Jeff Kiesel. “Whether you’re looking to control costs, improve safety, or reduce environmental impact, we’re here to help,” Kiesel said. “Our goal is to provide a seamless solution that allows you to focus on running your business.”
To explore the full portfolio of solutions, visit the Restaurant Technologies website or contact them directly at customercare@rti-inc.com.
