
Dish returns as teamwork
Clearing and returning items to the dishwashing area is a resource-intensive step in food logistics. It requires time and staff – two things that are often in short supply in commercial catering. This makes it all the more important to organise this process more efficiently. Many operators are already relying on the support of guests, alongside high-performance equipment such as that offered by the B.PRO Group.

Efficiency, cost savings and more: the benefits
There are many ways to involve diners in the dish returns process. Such steps and routes should be taken into account when planning food serving and distribution, and this is precisely where the professionals at B.PRO are happy to help in collaboration with specialist retailers and planning studios.
However, it is the products and modules themselves that lie at the very heart of the clearing and returns process. They are designed to make it as easy as possible for guests to pre-sort pieces of cutlery, china, trays and other items.
- This compensates for staff shortages and enables workers to be deployed more effectively elsewhere, which often significantly reduces operating costs.
- In addition, a structured returns process speeds up cleaning and optimises the workflow in the kitchen.
- Goodbye clutter: A direct returns procedure minimises the accumulation of used crockery in the guest area, which in turn improves hygiene and order.
- And last but not least, the use of specially developed units for returns ensures optimal space utilisation.
However, it is not just operators who benefit when guests help out. The guests themselves also enjoy numerous advantages:
- Clearly structured returns processes mean that diners can return their dishes quickly, thus reducing waiting times.
- Dining areas are quickly and easily tidied up after guests have eaten, in turn enhancing well-being.
- Units used for returns can be skilfully integrated into the interior design concept in terms of both function and aesthetics, thus creating an ambience previously only reserved for restaurants.
- Active participation in the returns process can strengthen the sense of community and personal responsibility, an important factor in children's daycare centres and schools, for example.
- Ergonomically designed, returns systems enable easy handling, which enhances comfort, even for the youngest guests

Equipment for dish returns systems
The B.PRO Group offers a wide range of products for efficient and hygienic dish returns.

The mobile clearing stations form the centrepiece of these solutions. They allow dishes, cutlery and trays to be sorted and returned directly in the dining area before being quickly and easily transported to the dishwashing area. The stations are also characterised by a wide range of options: Hanging frames for the side positioning of GN containers for cutlery or as collection containers, shelves for returning trays, a drip tray for glasses and cups and a privacy shield that can also be used to show where to sort residual waste, paper, glass and cutlery.

Serving trolleys and clearing trolleys are other valuable additions, and can be extended with a wide range of practical accessories. This also applies to the tray clearing trolleys, which are available for various Euronorm, Gastronorm and canteen tray designs. And if dishes and cutlery are collected in Euro crates, our transport trolleys are on hand to ensure they are taken safely from A to B.
A clever solution for those who have to contend with a large number of glasses is to consider serving drinks in bottles. This not only reduces the cleaning effort – with the help of our beverage crate transport trolley, guests can also sort their bottles themselves.

Numerous B.PRO products, such as the tray clearing trolleys and serving trolleys, can be customised to adapt both their visual appearance and functionality to the existing interior design concept. A wide range of panelling and various decors guarantee they blend in perfectly with their surroundings. Lower serving heights ensure that even the littlest gourmets learn independence and personal responsibility.
Conclusion
Involving guests in dish returns presents countless advantages for everyone. With the B.PRO Group's sophisticated solutions, operators can organise their processes more efficiently and save valuable resources, while guests actively contribute to order and hygiene: a win-win situation that everyone enjoys.
Are you interested in our food logistics solutions or do you have any questions?
- Expertise from one single source
B.PRO supplies system solutions that have it all: They increase the attractiveness of the culinary offer and facilitate work processes. This holistic approach is also evident in project management.
- Where product ideas come to life
The company site in Frydek-Mistek in the Czech Republic plays a central role in the B.PRO Group's production and logistics operations. We met site manager Petr Brož to find out more.
- Serving trolley update: Price reduction and new accessories
An inherent part of everyday food logistics is ensuring the safe and efficient transport of heavy loads, whether dishes, drinks or food in large containers. To make this work even easier, we have revised and improved our serving trolley range.