Labour shortages continue to challenge foodservice operators across North America. Hiring is harder, training takes longer, and turnover remains high—putting pressure on teams to do more with fewer hands.
According to the 2026 State of the Foodservice Industry, operators are increasingly turning to automation, simplified workflows, and labour-saving equipment to stay competitive while maintaining quality and consistency. https://www.fermag.com/articles/2026-state-of-the-foodservice-industry/
At DSL, we see this shift every day. The right equipment doesn’t replace people; it supports them, helping kitchens run smoothly, reduce stress, and deliver great food and drinks even with lean teams.
Here are three key ways foodservice equipment helps operators mitigate labour shortages without compromising quality or creativity.
1. Automation Makes Training Faster and Consistency Easier
When staffing is tight, equipment that removes guesswork becomes essential.
Smart Frying with Henny Penny
Henny Penny fryers are fully programmable, allowing operators to set precise cooking times and temperatures for each menu item. Once programmed, any team member—new or experienced—can execute consistently by following the preset program.
- One-touch operation
- Built-in safeguards for food quality
- Automated oil filtering reduces labour and manual handling
Paired with Frontline International oil management systems, oil handling becomes safer, cleaner, and far less labour-intensive—freeing staff to focus on guests instead of back-of-house maintenance.
2. Multi-Function Equipment Does More With Less Space and Fewer Hands
Modern kitchens need flexibility—especially when staffing fluctuates.
The Combi Oven: A True Kitchen Workhorse
Combi ovens are one of the most effective tools for reducing labour strain. With a small footprint and multiple cooking modes, a single combi oven can handle:
- Proofing
- Convection cooking
- Baking
- Roasting
- Steaming
This means fewer pieces of equipment, fewer steps, and fewer people needed to execute a wide menu. Operators can batch cook, hold quality, and adapt quickly during peak periods.
Two-Sided Taylor Grills: Built-In Guidance
Taylor two-sided grills are programmable and step-driven. Once recipes are set, the grill guides the operator through each stage of the cook cycle.
- Consistent results, every time
- Minimal supervision required
- Ideal for high-turnover kitchens
The result? Anyone on the team can deliver the same quality, shift after shift.
3. Beverage Automation Delivers Barista-Level Drinks
Coffee programs are often hit hardest by labour shortages. Skilled baristas are difficult to hire and even harder to retain.
Barista-in-a-Box Coffee Systems
Franke Coffee Systems automatic and semi-automatic machines act as a barista in a box, delivering:
- Fresh coffee
- Lattes and cappuccinos
- Iced coffee beverages
- Consistent quality, cup after cup
With automated cleaning cycles and guided maintenance, daily upkeep is simple. Using Franke-approved cleaning products—available through DSL’s online shop—helps protect the machine, maintain taste quality, and reduce service interruptions.
This allows operators to run a premium coffee program without specialized labour, even during busy periods.
Service & Support That Keeps You Running
Equipment only helps if it’s up and running.
At DSL, service is a core part of how we help operators manage labour challenges.
- Preventative maintenance programs act like an oil change for your equipment—keeping it clean, efficient, and reliable
- Routine PMs allow our team to catch issues early, before they cause downtime
- All-In-One service programs bundle PMs and service calls for predictable costs
- Emergency service is available when equipment goes down unexpectedly
With 70+ technicians on the road and a first-time fix rate of 92% or higher, our focus is simple: minimize downtime and keep your operation moving.
The Bottom Line
Labour shortages aren’t going away, but the right equipment makes them manageable.
Automation:
- Reduces labour requirements
- Speeds up training
- Improves consistency
- Protects quality and creativity
From combi ovens and fryers to grills and coffee systems, DSL equipment is designed to support your team, not replace it—helping you serve better with fewer hands.
If you’re looking to future-proof your operation while creating great guest experiences, we’re ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can foodservice equipment help with labour shortages?
Automation and programmable equipment reduce manual steps, shorten training time, and improve consistency. This allows operators to do more with fewer team members while maintaining food and beverage quality.
What equipment reduces training time the most?
Programmable fryers, guided-cook grills, multi-function combi ovens, and automatic coffee machines standardize processes and prompt operators through each step from cooking to cleaning, making them ideal for high-turnover teams.
Why are combi ovens considered a kitchen workhorse?
Combi ovens combine proofing, convection cooking, baking, roasting, and steaming in one compact unit. This versatility helps operators run broader menus with less space, less equipment, and fewer hands.
How does automation improve consistency across shifts?
Automated equipment uses preset programs to control cooking times, temperatures, and steps. This removes guesswork and ensures the same results regardless of who is working the shift.
How does preventative maintenance support labour-strained operations?
Preventative maintenance keeps equipment running reliably, supports deep cleaning, and helps identify issues early. This reduces unexpected downtime and prevents service disruptions when staffing is already tight.