When a customer walks into your restaurant there are three things you can automatically assume about them (other than they are probably hungry).

Aside from health regulations, cleanliness is one of the most important factors of business in the food service industry. The core of your success depends on what makes you unique, including: a great taste, an atmosphere that fits your target market, unmatched service from your staff, competitive pricing, customer perception, and much more.

Meanwhile, your customers are paying a great deal of attention to one very important factor: the tiny amount of dirt accidentally missed by last night’s shift that is in a corner of the bathroom, secluded, and a threat to no one. That’s just how consumers are these days. Given that perception is often reality, here are five tips to get your customers’ minds back on the food:

Your restaurant’s kitchen is the center of your universe. Proper planning, layout, and tools will help you raise profits. Conversely, a commercial kitchen with an inefficient layout may lead to long wait times and dissatisfied patrons. Remember, you only have one chance at making a good first impression.

It boils down to three basics for the productivity of your restaurant’s kitchen. Are you paying attention to these fundamentals?