Video Surveillance in Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurants
Video surveillance is the ideal security solution for fast food restaurants. Because of their constant flow of customers, long hours and high employee turnover rates, fast food restaurants and franchises are more susceptible to theft and other crimes than an average bar or restaurant. A well-installed video surveillance system can help keep your customers, employees and building safe.
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Benefits of Chain Restaurant Surveillance
- Easy to install – Unlike analog CCTV cameras, modern surveillance systems with IP cameras are a snap to install. All you have to do is mount the cameras and your computer or digital recorder will do the rest.
- Prevent theft- Prominently placed security cameras have been shown to reduce theft. High quality images from your cameras can also help you more easily identify criminals in the event that your restaurant is robbed.
- Maintain quality – A system of cameras in your kitchen can help you ensure that your staff adheres to health codes at all times, which helps keep your customers safe and your health inspectors happy.
- Remote monitoring – Using an NVR (Network Video Recorder) in place of a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) allows you to broadcast your security footage over the internet, giving you the ability to check up on any of your cameras at anytime. This is especially beneficial if you manage multiple franchises or a particularly large restaurant.
- Flexible – Since IP cameras are so easy to install, they can be re-arranged at any time should your security needs change.
Risks of Quick Service Restaurant Security Cameras
- Privacy – To protect the privacy of your customers and employees, keep cameras in public areas like lobbies and dining rooms, kitchens, offices drive-through lanes and cash registers.
- Vandalism/theft - Cameras are often a target for theft or vandalism by potential thieves. A stolen or damaged camera can cause holes in your security footage and leave your restaurant susceptible to further theft or crimes. Make sure you have a backup security plan to protect your employees, customers and restaurant should one of your cameras be damaged or stolen.
- Outages – Power surges, outages, storms or wind gusts may damage your system or cause interruptions in your recording.
Things to Ask When Considering Fast Food CCTV
Security needs for fast food restaurants depend on many different factors. Consider each of the following when configuring your surveillance system:
- What do you consider to be your biggest security need?
- Have there been times where you wish you could have caught an incident at your restaurant on camera?
- Have you had problems with theft in the past year?
- How is your restaurant set up?
- Dining room and drive-through service
- Drive-thru service only
- Dining room service only
- Do you feel that your neighborhood contributes to your overall security?
- Do you have extended or all-day hours?
- Employees working during night shifts (12AM-8AM) may need more stringent security due to heightened risk of robbery and other crimes.
How to Set Up Security Cameras at your Franchise
- Place cameras in open areas like kitchens, lobbies, dining rooms, drive-through lanes, cash registers, and offices.
- Place fixed cameras near entrances and in drive-thru lanes in order to provide a clear picture every customer or visitor that enters and exits your restaurant
- Fixed cameras placed near cash registers and in administrative areas can help protect assets.
- Outside cameras (drive-through, perimeter cameras, et al) can help protect your outdoor dining areas, play areas, and drive-through.