Todd Saroki knew he was taking a risk when he decided to dive head-first into the quick service restaurant industry on his own.
Saroki founded Saroki's Pizza and Chicken in 2011, a quick-service franchise that serves New York Style pizza, Cajun fried chicken and hand-battered chicken tenders for both takeout and delivery.
Growing up, Saroki's family owned a liquor store called Tomboy's Liquor. The building had a single fryer as the store also served french fries. His cousins owned liquor stores, too, and served homemade pizza. Todd had previously been involved in the quick service food industry with a fried chicken brand. So, he decided to combine the two and Saroki's was born.
Todd opened his first store, it was connected to a busy gas station in the area, which he thought would help bring business to the store.
I have been working in kitchens for 15-16 years now and know the importance of the process of handling hot grease," Saroki said. "I didn't want any of our employees spilling it or getting burned."
Restaurant kitchens are often busy and crowded spaces.
Saroki's needed a secure, automated used cooking oil storage tank that fit within its kitchen footprint. Space is at a premium and safety is of the utmost importance.
Saroki's called DAR PRO for reliable service and a seamless fit
Todd called DAR PRO to inquire about using DAR PRO's proven service method that assists thousands of commercial kitchens across the country when it comes to handling used cooking oil.
DAR PRO's diverse selection of automated used cooking oil storage systems gave Saroki's a variety of options to choose from in order to find the right fit for its kitchen footprint. We conducted a site survey of a Saroki's kitchen and recommended the Space Saver model -- a dual functioning storage tank that transfers oil from fryer to take with a single push of a button while also taking the place of a standard four-foot shelf rack -- completely eliminating employees from encountering hot used cooking oil while conserving saving precious kitchen space. Senior Account Executives Amy Matthews and Bill Wardle, assisted in the quick, decisive evaluation which led them to a solution that fit their needs.
"There were two main things: a previous provider we used had a method that included a new oil and the used oil tank," Todd recalled. "I only wanted a used oil tank. I wasn't interested in having a new oil tank and having two tanks in the kitchen, which was a big part of the decision. After meeting Amy, she is a big part of the reason I use you guys. She is always on top of her game and makes things easier for me."
DAR PRO's method also allows Saroki's to use any type or blend of cooking oil they prefer and the ability to order new oil as needed, rather than purchasing a set monthly amount from their service provider, which allows for more efficient use and is more cost effective.
The two tanks was a spacing issue. It was also about being able to buy my own oil and not being forced to buy (the provider's) oil," Todd said. "We use the Space Saver as shelf space. It basically takes the place of a four-foot wire shelf rack. It is very convenient and helps conserve space."
Easy-to-use equipment and an even easier recycling process
Because Saroki's chose DAR PRO as its service provider, it now has an efficient, safe and reliable method of handling used cooking oil in all its stores. They utilize DAR PRO's portable filter machine to safely transfer their oil to the Space Saver model. The whole process is simple and user friendly, eliminating the need for extensive training of Saroki's staff.
There is a huge peace of mind aspect of not having to worry about my staff carrying hot oil to an outdoor bin. The automated aspect makes it easier and safer," Todd said.
"I have used it myself. Transferring the oil is so easy. If anyone tells me it is not easy, I know they are not paying attention, because the transfer process is quick and seamless. We have not had a single issue handling oil."
In DAR PRO, Saroki's found a reliable used cooking oil provider whose equipment fit within their kitchen footprint and prioritized safety and efficiency. With service plants across the country, DAR PRO also has the infrastructure to handle Saroki's rapid growth. We have installed nine pieces of equipment and with many budding franchising opportunities on the horizon for 2023, Saroki's calls DAR PRO when they plan to open up a new location.
"It is starting to become real for us now. Signing new deals and opening new stores much quicker, we are growing fast," Todd said. "We want quality employees and quality partners. Having solid people in place is a huge part of making this successful." Saroki's found a partner equipped to grow alongside them -- and one that allows them to focus on what is important: creating their tasty chicken tenders and delicious pizza.
Want to learn more about Saroki's? Visit their website, follow them on Facebook and Instragram to keep up with the latest and greatest.
Make peace with your grease
Connect with Amy Matthews the Senior Account Executive at DAR PRO Solutions that helped Saroki's make peace with their grease. Amy is a seasoned salesperson that works hard to understand the business in order to better serve her customers.
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