Choosing the right furniture and layout for your restaurant is just another example of what makes working in the culinary industry so much fun. It requires balancing creative artistry with considerations of operational efficiency, and doing it all on a budget….just another day in the life of a food entrepreneur.
Furnishings are a large investment and a major component of setting the restaurant’s atmosphere. The style of your furnishings will influence how people experience your food and service, and the layout is critical to restaurant operations and profitability.
For a deep dive, consider learning from restaurateurs who have made these decisions before with an associate degree in Food & Beverage Operations. In the meantime, here are the basics:
The more seats you have in your restaurant, the more potential for paying customers at any one time. But if you try to squeeze too many people into your space, things will feel cramped.
Maximizing seating needs to be balanced with designing a space that feels open and not too crowded. Guests should feel comfortable and able to experience some degree of privacy and intimacy.
You can use graph paper or an online service to experiment with different layout options. Try Affordable Seating’s Restaurant Design Guide, which offers guidelines on how much space to have in between tables.
Most restaurants have preferred seating by the windows, booth seating, or tables with extra privacy. Once these seats are filled, how can you make the rest of your seating as appealing as possible?
Undesirable tables tend to be near the bathroom, front door, wait station, or other loud, high traffic areas. By building additional walls or adding large plants, you can block out noise and traffic while creating cozy and private areas throughout your restaurant.
COVID-19 restrictions have created additional challenges for restaurants, and regulations may vary by state, county, and city. Guidelines and links to state and local health guidelines can be found at the CDC website.
In most cases where indoor dining is allowed, customers need to be seated at least six feet apart. The CDC also recommends that restaurants “install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions, particularly in areas where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet apart.” These factors should be factored into your planning as well.
In the age when restaurants are promoted on social media, the look and feel of your restaurant is more important than ever. New customers may be drawn to your restaurant just because they like the ambiance of your space displayed in photos posted on Instagram, Facebook, or Yelp.
To ensure that you are designing a space that appeals visually, you may consider hiring an interior designer to assist you.
If you aren’t using a designer, spend some time researching. Visit other restaurants and take note of what works well. Look online, or thumb through magazines to collect samples of styles that will provide the dining experience you want.
Most current style trends veer towards clean and modern. Selecting wood or solid colored tables provides a neutral base for your restaurant’s theme.
Chairs can also be matching neutral colors, or you can choose ones that add a splash of color. Plants, lighting, and artwork can then be used to add natural and colorful aspects to your design.
Some things to consider when taking functionality into account are how long guests will be sitting, what the average party size will be, and how often you will need to move tables.
Guests dining in a fast casual restaurant generally do not stay for long, and the comfort level of seating is not that important. For those establishments the focus will be more about durability. On the other hand, fine dining guests may sit for over an hour, and attention needs to be paid to selecting chairs that are comfortable for a long period of time.
Booths are a desirable seating option if you have enough space. Guests overall find them comfy, they offer privacy, and research shows that guests’ spending per minute is slightly higher at booths versus tables.
Tables and chairs, on the other hand, provide greater flexibility and can be moved to accommodate larger parties. That’s why many restaurants go with a combination of booths and tables.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some restaurants are using pods or igloos to create individual seating areas. Most are providing as much outdoor seating as possible. Furniture selected for patios and rooftops needs to be weather-resistant. These areas may also need additional accessories like heat lamps for cold weather, and umbrellas to protect guests from sun and rain.
There will be a lot of wear and tear on your furniture, and selecting pieces that will last saves money in the long run. That’s why it’s important to pick pieces that wear well, are commercially- rated, and can be easily replaced.
Ask other restaurateurs for recommendations. Scour reviews not only of companies but of the specific furniture pieces you are interested in to find out what others are saying. Look for comments about durability, and if the company is reasonably-priced. While you don’t want to purchase pieces that are cheap and will quickly need replacing, you also don’t want to overpay.
Remember to look at return policies and warranties. Carefully inspect all furniture upon arrival to ensure it is in pristine condition. Ask how long the line will be in stock and order some backup furniture. You don’t want to be stuck in a jam if you need to replace or add a few new chairs or tables, and they are no longer available.
Following these guidelines, you can make a thoughtful, strategic design for your restaurant and wise purchasing decisions. With a bit of research and planning you can feel confident you are selecting furniture that will be comfortable, functional, long-lasting, and will integrate well with your theme.
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Here are a few more articles on starting a restaurant:
Designing and launching a restaurant requires time, patience, and strategy. Restaurants don’t succeed by chance. Owners put a lot of thought and effort into designing their space and planning their menus. One of the most important investments you’ll make is in your restaurant's furniture. The right furniture will make guests feel comfortable and create the impression you want to create.
But how do you find the right furniture? Let’s take a closer look at the types of furniture you may need and how to find the right options for your restaurant.
When designing your restaurant, it’s important to understand your furniture options. There are many things to consider, from seating to tables and even the back office.
When it comes to restaurant furniture, seating is arguably the most important thing to consider. If you want guests to enjoy their stay, your seating must be comfortable and stylish.
While you can find dozens of seating options on the market, most will fit into one of three categories: booth-style seating, chairs, and bar stools.
Booths
If you want guests to be comfortable during their stay, booths are the ideal choice. They come in a range of sizes and styles:
You can also find booth-style waiting benches as well as booths that are bar-height. Bar height booths are especially popular at sports bars and restaurants.
Whether you run a fast-casual establishment or a fine-dining restaurant, you can find booths that will fit your budget and style.
Chairs
Chairs are the most common type of furniture for restaurant seating, and for good reason – they're incredibly versatile.
If a large party shows up unexpectedly, you can push multiple tables and chairs together to accommodate everyone. The same can’t be said for booth seating.
Chairs allow for a more flexible layout in your restaurant, and they also allow guests to have their own personal space while eating.
Restaurant chairs come in a wide range of styles and sizes.
From mid-century modern to contemporary and traditional, you can find restaurant seating in virtually every style.
Bar Stools
Bar stools have a higher-than-average seat height, making them ideal for bars and high-top seating. Like regular restaurant chairs, these seats come in a variety of styles and options.
Some stools are backless, while others have backrests. Some have cushioned seats, while others have a classic wood or metal design.
Heights vary, too.
Bar stools can be found in virtually every style and price range, making them an ideal option for restaurants.
A restaurant’s tables are just as important as its seating. The wrong-sized tables can sour a guest’s experience. The goal is to ensure that everyone has enough space to sit and eat comfortably.
Restaurant tables come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, including:
Restaurants often have a mix of tables to meet customer needs. The type of food you serve will likely dictate the size and shape of your tables.
These are the most basic types of restaurant kitchen furniture, but you may also have unique needs that require specialized furniture. Understanding which factors to consider when choosing your furniture will help you determine what types of furniture you’ll need.
When patrons walk into your restaurant, you want them to feel welcome. You want your space to make them feel a certain way. The furniture and décor you choose will help you accomplish this goal.
It’s important to be thoughtful and strategic about the furniture you place in your restaurant. Here are some important things to consider.
If you want guests to be comfortable, you need to give them an appropriate amount of seating space.
Following the standard sitting space rules will help you create a layout that works well for customers and staff alike.
The distance between tables in a restaurant and chairs will also depend on the type of restaurant you run. For example, fast-casual restaurants aim for 24” for every person at the table. However, fine dining restaurants aim for 30” for every person.
If you serve full-course meals, expect to have fewer people per table compared to a café or a fast-casual restaurant.
The furniture you choose should match the theme of your restaurant. If you run a fine dining establishment, make sure that you’re purchasing high-end restaurant furniture that matches the vision for your restaurant.
Everything from the cuisine you serve to the type of restaurant you run will affect the theme of your décor and the furniture you choose.
Restaurant dining tables and chairs are an investment, and you want yours to provide a good return. For this reason, it’s important not to skimp on quality when purchasing tables, chairs, and other furniture for your establishment.
The best restaurant tables and chairs may have a higher upfront cost, but you’ll save money in the long run because you won’t be repairing or replacing items as often.
The best restaurant furniture will make your establishment feel welcoming and comfortable. But it’s important to ensure your furniture is high-quality, meets customer needs, and matches the theme of your restaurant. Whether you’re in need of fine dining restaurant chairs or tables for a bar, you’re sure to find options that fit your style and budget.
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