A holiday weekend can be the busiest and most stressful time for commercial kitchens. With high order volumes and limited supplier availability, a walk-in cooler or freezer failure can spell disaster. Knowing how to act quickly can save thousands in inventory and keep your kitchen operational until help arrives.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Fast
The first moments after discovering a failure are critical. Assign a team member to assess the situation while you alert management.
Step 2: Check the Basics
Before assuming the worst, look for easy fixes:
- Is the power supply intact?
- Has a circuit breaker tripped?
- Is the door fully sealing?
Sometimes a simple adjustment or reset can restore function temporarily.
Step 3: Secure Perishable Items
If the walk-in temperature is rising, relocate critical items to backup refrigeration or use insulated food-safe containers with ice packs. Grouping items together can help them retain cold temperatures longer.
Step 4: Call Joe Warren & Sons Emergency Service
We understand that failures don’t wait for regular business hours. Our emergency response team is available to get your system back online quickly whether it’s a failed compressor, a refrigerant leak, or a door hardware issue. Or, one of Joe Warren & Sons Mobile Refrigeration Units might be a solution until your unit is fixed.
Step 5: Prevent Future Failures
After the holiday rush, schedule a full diagnostic check. Many holiday weekend emergencies can be traced back to preventable causes—clogged condenser coils, worn door gaskets, or lack of refrigerant maintenance.
By having a plan and knowing who to call, you can turn a potential disaster into a manageable hiccup. Contact us today.
