THE CHALLENGE
A growing fast casual restaurant chain needed to optimize operational costs while maintaining strict cleanliness standards across multiple locations. Their existing linen-based cleaning program was expensive, inconsistent, and created compliance risks — especially in quat bucket sanitizing routines where linen was degrading sanitizer effectiveness.
THE SOLUTION
The chain transitioned from conventional linen to SMPLY foodservice towels across all locations. Disposable towels eliminated linen service contracts, reduced cross-contamination risk, and maintained optimal sanitizer PPM levels in quat bucket programs — something linen consistently failed to do.
THE RESULTS
vs. Linen Program
Maintained Properly
The introduction of foodservice towels delivered results across the board. The chain achieved 20% to 35% cost savings compared to their previous linen program, while cleanliness levels improved measurably. Tables, surfaces, and prep areas stayed consistently clean throughout every shift — and staff found the towels faster and easier to use than linen.
Using linen in quat bucket cleaning programs can reduce the parts per million (PPM) of the sanitizing solution, potentially compromising food safety. Switching to foodservice towels eliminated this issue entirely, keeping sanitization levels within compliance at all times.
Foodservice towels delivered a rare combination: lower costs, better hygiene, and simpler compliance — all at once.
THE IMPACT
Beyond the direct cost savings, the transition created a more efficient, hygienic, and predictable cleaning program across every location. Managers reported faster table turns, fewer health inspection concerns, and a more inviting dining environment for guests. The chain set a new internal standard that eliminated linen from all front-of-house and back-of-house cleaning.
This case study demonstrates how disposable foodservice towels can outperform traditional linen on every metric that matters to fast casual operators: cost, cleanliness, compliance, and speed.
*Client name anonymized at their request.
READY TO DITCH LINEN AND CUT COSTS?
See how SMPLY's foodservice towels can simplify cleaning and save 20-35% for your restaurant operation.