In the restaurant business, moving isn’t just about packing up boxes. It’s about protecting your investment. For owners and managers navigating a shift to a new kitchen space, it’s clear that the challenge goes beyond relocating furniture. The sensitive logistics surrounding ovens, refrigerators, stainless steel prep tables, and fragile cooking tech demand more than just a basic moving service. It requires Tampa restaurant equipment movers who understand the value, weight, fragility, and timing involved.
Big Boys Moving & Storage has helped businesses just like yours for over 18 years. Family-owned and operating across the Greater Tampa Bay area, our team brings experience and efficiency to every relocation. Whether your restaurant is upgrading to a larger location or downsizing into a more streamlined space, we’ll handle the move professionally. Same-day, last-minute, or planned months ahead — no move is too big or too small for our team. Give us a call at 813-936-2699 or visit our contact page to get started.
Why Tampa Restaurant Equipment Movers Must Be Specialized
Moving standard office equipment is one thing. Transporting industrial kitchen equipment? That’s an entirely different landscape. These machines aren’t just expensive. They’re integral to daily operations, and if something breaks during a move, it’s not just a setback—it’s lost revenue, downtime, and repair bills.
Working with specialized Tampa restaurant equipment movers ensures that:
Appliances are disconnected, wrapped, and reinstalled correctly
Items are loaded and unloaded using the proper tools (liftgates, dollies, appliance straps)
Everything is labeled for precise placement at the destination
Fragile or custom-built installations are moved with care
Restaurant equipment moves also tend to involve irregular shapes, high weight thresholds, and narrow passageways — all potential issues that require advanced planning.
Commercial Moves That Require Expert Handling
Each food service business brings its own set of challenges. We’ve worked with a variety of operations across Tampa and the surrounding area, including:
Fast food chains
Full-service restaurants
Hotel kitchens
Cafeterias and buffets
Bars and breweries
Ghost kitchens
Catering operations
For every move, Big Boys Moving & Storage develops a customized approach, using floor plans, utility access points, and loading areas to build the strategy.
What Do Tampa Restaurant Equipment Movers Actually Move?
Here’s a closer look at the types of items we regularly relocate:
Walk-in refrigerators and freezers
Deep fryers and griddles
Commercial ovens and stovetops
Dishwashing stations
Stainless steel shelving and prep stations
Ice machines
Beverage dispensers and bar refrigeration units
Food warmers and display cabinets
POS systems and checkout counters
Fire suppression systems (if removable)
Every piece is evaluated for weight, dimension, and assembly needs before being packed. We often recommend pre-move consultations to identify equipment with special requirements or items that may need disassembly.
Prepping for a Successful Kitchen Equipment Move
Before the trucks even arrive, Tampa restaurant equipment movers need the right groundwork in place. Preparing your kitchen for transport minimizes risk and keeps your move on schedule. Here’s what we recommend every client do ahead of time:
1. Inventory Everything
Make a list of every piece of equipment that’s being moved. Include make, model, and condition. Not only will this guide the movers—it also helps in the event of insurance claims or maintenance needs.
2. Clean and Disconnect
All appliances should be cleaned thoroughly and disconnected from gas, electrical, or water lines. This step isn’t just for hygiene. Grease buildup, water leaks, and electrical shorts can all become serious issues during transportation.
3. Notify Utility Providers
If your new location requires new hookups, set up a transfer with gas and electric providers ahead of time. The last thing you want is to arrive with a truck full of equipment and no power source.
4. Remove Doors and Obstacles
Measure the largest pieces of equipment against doorways and hallways. If necessary, remove doors or clear narrow pathways before moving day.
5. Label and Document
Use waterproof, industrial-grade labels. Mark fragile items and indicate “this side up” as needed. Taking photos of current conditions is also a smart precaution.
How Our Process Works for Tampa Restaurant Equipment Moves
With Big Boys Moving & Storage, every restaurant equipment move follows a process tailored for precision and speed. Our step-by-step method ensures your commercial kitchen is back up and running as quickly as possible.
Step 1: Consultation and Site Visit
We start by understanding the scope of the move. This often includes an on-site visit to assess access, layout, and inventory. Based on what we find, we build a plan that includes estimated timelines, tools required, and the size of the crew needed.
Step 2: Disassembly and Packing
On moving day, we arrive with all necessary equipment: industrial shrink wrap, appliance dolly systems, protective padding, and more. Our team breaks down bulky equipment only when required, making sure to save hardware and label everything for reassembly.
Step 3: Loadout and Transport
We secure your items with tie-downs and protective barriers, preventing any shifting in the truck. For larger items, hydraulic lift gates and ramps allow for smooth loading without tipping or tilting.
Step 4: Unloading and Setup
Upon arrival at the destination, our team places each item based on your layout. We assist with basic setup, including positioning and leveling. For connections like gas lines or water hookups, we’ll coordinate with licensed technicians as needed.
What Makes Big Boys Moving Different?
You’re not hiring a couple of guys with a truck. You’re hiring a team that’s been trusted by Tampa’s restaurants, hotels, and foodservice vendors for nearly two decades. Here’s why we’ve remained a local favorite:
Speed and Flexibility: We offer last-minute and same-day services across Tampa Bay.
Experience Matters: With over 18 years in the industry, there’s not a move we haven’t handled.
Family-Owned and Operated: Our team treats every move with the care and accountability you’d expect from a family-run business.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges. We believe in upfront quotes and honest work.
Our reputation has been built on trust, reliability, and hard work. That’s how we move Tampa forward, one kitchen at a time.
Challenges We Navigate as Tampa Restaurant Equipment Movers
Not every move is straightforward. The food service industry often operates on tight schedules, regulatory requirements, and very specific equipment arrangements. That’s where our experience becomes essential.
Limited Operating Windows: Many restaurants can’t afford to shut down for long periods. We work overnight or during off-hours when needed.
Health Code Compliance: We understand how local codes affect layout, spacing, and appliance setup.
Delicate Equipment: Some newer devices use touchscreen interfaces or fragile internal components that must be handled with specialized care.
Multi-Floor Logistics: Whether it’s basement kitchens or rooftop vents, we come prepared for multi-level loading.
When Should You Call in Tampa Restaurant Equipment Movers?
There’s no such thing as “too early” when planning a restaurant relocation. Even if you’re still negotiating lease terms or permits, starting the conversation with a moving team can make everything easier. We’ve worked with clients in:
Grand openings for new restaurants
Relocations due to expansion
Remodeling projects requiring temporary storage
Closures or liquidations
Seasonal event setups (fairs, catering festivals)
Our flexibility means we can handle one-day setups or ongoing phased projects depending on your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to disconnect gas and electrical appliances myself?
Yes, for safety and legal reasons, we recommend you work with a licensed contractor to disconnect all gas, electric, and water lines. We can coordinate this step if needed.
Can you move equipment up or down stairs?
Absolutely. We have the tools, ramps, and expertise to move heavy kitchen appliances across multiple floors if required.
Do you offer short-term storage?
Yes, we can provide temporary or long-term storage for restaurant equipment if your new location isn’t ready yet.
What if something gets damaged?
We’re fully insured and take every precaution to protect your investment. In the rare event of damage, we work quickly to make things right.
How far in advance should I book?
As soon as possible, especially if your move is during a busy season. However, we specialize in last-minute and same-day moves when emergencies arise.
Can you help with installing equipment in the new space?
We assist with placement and can coordinate with professionals for technical installations if necessary.
Ready to Get Cooking? Contact the Pros in Tampa Restaurant Equipment Moves
Relocating your kitchen doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. Whether you’re moving a small café or a full-scale dining hall, Big Boys Moving & Storage is here to make sure your transition is seamless. From packing up fryers to reinstalling refrigeration units, we move what matters most—your business.
For fast, affordable, and trusted Tampa restaurant equipment movers, call us at 813-936-2699. We’re standing by to roll up our sleeves and make your move a success.