Choosing the Right Security System for a Restaurant

As a restaurant owner, the safety and security of your employees and guests should always be a top priority. Though restaurant break-ins may not always happen in the middle of the day, they are most often targeted after hours when the register is full with earnings from a day of business.

While you probably have your head full with a never-ending to-do list, adding a security system for your restaurant is not only crucial for protecting your customers and your early-morning and late-night staff but also for safeguarding funds and protecting the restaurant’s reputation. 

You know better than anyone that most restaurants can’t afford to be closed up while an investigation is underway. It is best to avoid that altogether by choosing a security system that can get the job done as quickly as a line cook during the weekday lunch rush. 

The importance of security for restaurants

Restaurants are vulnerable to theft, break-ins, and vandalism, generally due to the large amount of cash, equipment, and inventory they hold. Though outside burglars can certainly target restaurants, the high volume of staff and customers coming in and out of the establishment creates potential security risks as well. Sometimes, whether we like to admit it or not, it’s an employee who may snag some extra cash from the register or leave with restaurant property at the end of their shift. 

A restaurant manager or owner has to be constantly vigilant, which is a little difficult in a fast-paced work environment. Without a security system in place, restaurant owners risk not only financial losses but also potential harm to their staff and customers.

Can a restaurant use a home security system?

Many smart security systems are advertised as smart “home” security systems. This may leave you wondering whether or not such a security system can protect a building as well as it can protect a home.

The short answer: a home security system can expertly protect a commercial property like a restaurant. Using a smart home security system such as SimpliSafe allows you to customize your security needs specifically for your restaurant space. Not only do smart home security systems offer multiple products to protect against theft and vandalism – such as indoor and outdoor cameras, entry and motion sensors – but they also offer a variety of products that protect against some of the more common kitchen hazards, such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and water sensors. 

Additionally, most smart home security systems give you the option to add on professional monitoring. With professional monitoring, you can leave the protecting the security agents, so you can keep yourself focused on running your business. 

What’s an ideal restaurant security system?

Smart security systems offer a customizable approach to security based on your needs and budget. But, with so many options available, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some security features that could be useful in a restaurant setting: 

Cameras: Cameras are an essential component of any restaurant security system. It allows you to monitor your restaurant, staff, and customers in real time, providing you with visual evidence if an emergency were to occur. Cameras can also deter potential intruders from committing a crime. 

Entry sensors: Entry sensors are an important part of a restaurant security system, as they alert you when someone is coming in and out, whether that be the front door of the restaurant or the delivery garage in the back. 

Glass Break Sensors: If sneaking into a window won’t work, some bold burglars may simply try to break a window to get inside the restaurant. With a glass break sensor, you will be alerted as soon as broken glass is detected. 

Motion Sensors: Motion sensors are designed to detect movement inside the restaurant after hours. These could be placed in areas of the restaurant that should only be accessible to management.

Extra Alarm: An extra alarm or auxiliary alarm is a high-decibel siren that will immediately deter a burglar and alert you and the authorities in the event of a break-in, ensuring a prompt response.

Panic Button: To protect your staff from danger, consider installing a panic button under the register, or the host(ess) stand. In the event that a burglar comes in wielding a weapon, your staff can secretly hit the panic button, triggering a silent alarm that will alert the authorities that help is needed immediately. 

Additional SimpliSafe features for restaurant security

SimpliSafe is a popular choice for restaurant security systems. SimpliSafe’s equipment is designed to be easy to install and use, making it accessible to even the smallest of businesses. Here are some of the features that make SimpliSafe a good choice for restaurant security:

Smart Lock: A smart lock might not make sense for the main entrance to the restaurant where customers are coming and going, but it may make sense at a staff or employee entrance for extra security. You can control the lock remotely and also assign different access codes to your staff. You can also let in deliveries even if you’re not there. 

Temperature Sensor: A temperature sensor won’t protect you from theft, but it’s an aspect of a security system that can help ensure your restaurant is safe from extreme temperatures that could damage your food supply.

Mobile App: SimpliSafe's mobile app allows you to access your security system remotely, giving you peace of mind even when you are not in the restaurant. The app also allows you to receive alerts and notifications if the security system is triggered.

24/7 Professional Monitoring: SimpliSafe offers 24/7 professional monitoring services, which means that if an alarm is triggered, a team of professionals will be notified and respond immediately. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your restaurant is being monitored even when you are not there.

The Bottom Line

Investing in a security system is essential to any restaurant business and should always be included in business expenses. In addition to giving you and your staff peace of mind, a security system can also help you save money by reducing losses due to theft and vandalism. And, because a smart security system offers customization options based on your needs and budget, you can build a system that works for you and your space.