Which food should ideally be prepared first during a shift?

Bacon should ideally be prepared first during a shift for several reasons related to both efficiency and food safety. Cooking bacon typically takes longer than other ingredients, and by starting with bacon, you ensure that it has enough time to cook thoroughly and crisply before it's needed for customer orders.

Additionally, bacon can be a key ingredient in multiple menu items, making it beneficial to have ready as soon as possible to streamline the cooking process. Preparing bacon first can help in managing kitchen efficiency, as it allows for other items like burgers and grilled toppings to be cooked later, when bacon is already being cooked or can be finished while other ingredients are being prepared.

Furthermore, bacon releases fat while cooking, which can be useful when preparing other items like grilled onions and mushrooms if they're cooked on the same grill surface afterwards. This contributes to the flavor profile of those items and reduces the need for additional oil or fat.

In a fast-paced environment like a restaurant, prioritizing ingredients that require more time for preparation aligns well with maintaining a smooth workflow, ensuring that food is ready to serve promptly during peak times.