As the year comes to an end, people are looking toward the new year for improvement and change in their lives. Whether it be eating healthier and exercising more or making the effort to stay in touch with old friends, most people are looking for a fresh start with the new year. The turning of the year is a great time to refresh the furniture in your restaurant or bar as well. Whether you completely overhaul your dining areas, or make a few simple changes, the new look will give your restaurant the fresh start it needs for the new year.
If possible, try changing to color scheme to a fresher, brighter look. Use clean, bright colors to achieve this energizing look. Painting furniture and re-upholstering booths and chairs are quick and easy solutions. Changing wall coverings can be a quick fix as well, simply paint or cover dingy walls with fabric to brighten them up.
Replacing scratched, chipped or damaged table tops with durable laminate or resin table tops is another way to improve your restaurant for the new year. The same approach can be applied to damaged chairs and booths. Make sure that your furniture is safe and functional, and that it will last through the new year.
Ultimately, pay attention to trends in restaurant furniture so that you stay in touch with the times.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Furniture for a Growing Society
It is an undisputed fact that as a whole, the American society is heavier than ever. The obesity epidemic is so profound, it is affecting the way businesses are run. From low-fat menu options to wider doorways, businesses are adapting to the needs of a heavier clientele. Restaurants are no exception to this trend and are finding ways to comfortably accommodate larger guests.
It is imperative that your restaurant furniture be sturdy and built to last. Purchase your furniture from an authorized furniture supplier as they will likely offer warranties on their products. From ripped seats to missing casters, a local commercial furniture company will be able to help with basic maintenance. All chairs should meet some kind of weight requirement, especially if they are to be used in a public setting. The last thing you want is a lawsuit claiming that your restaurant is at fault for having unsafe seating.
There are some things that you can do on a regular basis that will keep your chairs from collapsing. Every night, or after you close for the day, wipe down your tables and chairs. Not only will this keep them clean, it is also a good opportunity to notice any weak spots. Check for loose or missing screws on the legs, seat and back. Make sure that chairs and tables do not wobble. If they are missing casters or feet, contact a local commercial furniture supplier to replace the missing parts. By keeping your furniture in good condition, it will be safe for America's growing society.
It is imperative that your restaurant furniture be sturdy and built to last. Purchase your furniture from an authorized furniture supplier as they will likely offer warranties on their products. From ripped seats to missing casters, a local commercial furniture company will be able to help with basic maintenance. All chairs should meet some kind of weight requirement, especially if they are to be used in a public setting. The last thing you want is a lawsuit claiming that your restaurant is at fault for having unsafe seating.
There are some things that you can do on a regular basis that will keep your chairs from collapsing. Every night, or after you close for the day, wipe down your tables and chairs. Not only will this keep them clean, it is also a good opportunity to notice any weak spots. Check for loose or missing screws on the legs, seat and back. Make sure that chairs and tables do not wobble. If they are missing casters or feet, contact a local commercial furniture supplier to replace the missing parts. By keeping your furniture in good condition, it will be safe for America's growing society.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Customize Your Booth Design
Restaurant booths have become a bore to the everyday diner. Most booths are simple benches covered in vinyl and placed along a wall in the restaurant. This a very functional way to seat guests, but not always the most exciting. Here are some simple ways to spice up your restaurant booth design while still providing functional, comfortable seating for your guests.
1) The simplest way to add pizazz to your booths is to use bright, or unique fabrics for the seat and back. From bright neon colors to elegant brocades, there is a virtually unlimited variety of fabrics and vinyls to choose from. Choose one with just enough detail to make people notice it when they sit down to eat.
2) Experiment with different designs in the back rests of your booths. Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture has several different designs available, but because all booths are custom manufactured, personalized designs are also an option. Visit the Hazelwoods website to view their existing designs and come up with new ideas for your own design.
3) Instead of placing your booths along the perimeter of your dining room, integrate them among your other tables and chairs. Perhaps a row of booths in the middle of your restaurant will help divide the space and create intimacy. Or a double sided banquette would create an interesting aesthetic. Using booths and banquettes to manage the flow of traffic in your restaurant is an excellent way to spice up your design.
1) The simplest way to add pizazz to your booths is to use bright, or unique fabrics for the seat and back. From bright neon colors to elegant brocades, there is a virtually unlimited variety of fabrics and vinyls to choose from. Choose one with just enough detail to make people notice it when they sit down to eat.
2) Experiment with different designs in the back rests of your booths. Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture has several different designs available, but because all booths are custom manufactured, personalized designs are also an option. Visit the Hazelwoods website to view their existing designs and come up with new ideas for your own design.
3) Instead of placing your booths along the perimeter of your dining room, integrate them among your other tables and chairs. Perhaps a row of booths in the middle of your restaurant will help divide the space and create intimacy. Or a double sided banquette would create an interesting aesthetic. Using booths and banquettes to manage the flow of traffic in your restaurant is an excellent way to spice up your design.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Planning for the Party: The Micro Event
The micro event is an emerging trend among party planners and party goers. A social and economical demand for small, intimate gatherings is leading people to forgo the large, lavish engagement and anniversary parties and opt to have a few friends and family together for a dinner or cocktail party. Restaurants have become a main venue for these parties, especially restaurants with private rooms that can be rented for an evening.
Planning the furniture layout for a micro event can be complex, and even aggravating, depending on the event organizers you are working with. One way of dealing with these types of parties is to completely hire out the furniture, linens, and tableware and make it the party planners responsibility. However, if you are planning to host many parties in the future, you can simplify the process by having several options available for the client.
Having several large banquet tables on hand at all times provides a simple seating solution. They seat many people at the same table and are great for large crowds. However, some people do not like the aesthetic of banquet tables and would rather have more of a typical restaurant setting for their party. For this approach, smaller tables that seat 6 to 8 guests are ideal. Tables do not have to be matching if they are covered by linens and, to mix things up, try a combination of round and square tables. As far as chairs go, you will want to keep them as minimal as possible. Curved legs and arm rests only get in the way when crowded around a table. A chair such as the Diamond Back Chair from Hazelwoods pictured here is an example of a great chair for micro events.
Planning the furniture layout for a micro event can be complex, and even aggravating, depending on the event organizers you are working with. One way of dealing with these types of parties is to completely hire out the furniture, linens, and tableware and make it the party planners responsibility. However, if you are planning to host many parties in the future, you can simplify the process by having several options available for the client.
Having several large banquet tables on hand at all times provides a simple seating solution. They seat many people at the same table and are great for large crowds. However, some people do not like the aesthetic of banquet tables and would rather have more of a typical restaurant setting for their party. For this approach, smaller tables that seat 6 to 8 guests are ideal. Tables do not have to be matching if they are covered by linens and, to mix things up, try a combination of round and square tables. As far as chairs go, you will want to keep them as minimal as possible. Curved legs and arm rests only get in the way when crowded around a table. A chair such as the Diamond Back Chair from Hazelwoods pictured here is an example of a great chair for micro events.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Finding The Right Finish For Your Wood Furniture
Finding the perfect stain color to match your decor and represent the atmosphere of your restaurant can be a very difficult task. If you have existing furniture that you are looking to match exactly, the task can be downright daunting. Browsing through the thousands of samples your furniture supplier has is one option for choosing your finish color, but there are other ways to cut down the time it takes to find the perfect stain color.
To match the stain color of an existing piece of furniture, simply bring the piece to Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture where the experts there will find the perfect stain for you. The professionals in the Hazelwoods shop have experience matching stain and paint colors for wood chairs and tables. And if the exact finish is unable to be attained due to discontinued items or weathering processes, the designers will suggest other options that may be more time and cost effective, and yet still enhance the look of your restaurant.
To match the stain color of an existing piece of furniture, simply bring the piece to Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture where the experts there will find the perfect stain for you. The professionals in the Hazelwoods shop have experience matching stain and paint colors for wood chairs and tables. And if the exact finish is unable to be attained due to discontinued items or weathering processes, the designers will suggest other options that may be more time and cost effective, and yet still enhance the look of your restaurant.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Searching for Durability in Your Tables?
At some point in our lives, we have all been seated at a table that is wobbly or has scratch marks and chips taken out of the corner. There are instances where the distressed, destroyed look enhances the aesthetic of the environment, but in most restaurant settings, a clean, classy look is the goal. There are steps that you can take to maintain the quality of your tables, starting with the material they are made from.
Synthetic materials are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant furniture industry. They are generally less expensive than the real thing and can often are available in custom colors and finishes. In addition, synthetic materials have evolved to be extremely durable.
Faux stone table tops from Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture are an excellent example of how synthetic materials are both inexpensive and high quality. They are scratch-resistant and can withstand the extreme temperature of hot plates. Because of their durability, faux stone table tops are ideal for outdoor dining and will hold up to moisture, direct sun, and cold weather.
Synthetic materials are becoming increasingly popular in the restaurant furniture industry. They are generally less expensive than the real thing and can often are available in custom colors and finishes. In addition, synthetic materials have evolved to be extremely durable.
Faux stone table tops from Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture are an excellent example of how synthetic materials are both inexpensive and high quality. They are scratch-resistant and can withstand the extreme temperature of hot plates. Because of their durability, faux stone table tops are ideal for outdoor dining and will hold up to moisture, direct sun, and cold weather.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Customize Your Table Tops
A great way to add custom flair to your restaurant is to be creative with your table tops. Technology has made it easier and cheaper to add an interesting graphic or company logo to the top of your table. Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture has perfected a technique that involves laying the image on the table top and then coating it with layers of thick resin. The hardened resin ensures a quality table top that will withstand the rigors of daily use, while showcasing the creative graphics on the table top.
As far as graphics go, nearly anything is possible. Be creative with your logo or use images that follow the theme of your restaurant. A collage of surf boards on a table would be ideal for a restaurant with an island themed menu. For a jazz bar, sheet music coated in resin would add a touch of whimsy. Be aware of copyright issues if you are using a branded image such as a sports team logo or athlete. Have fun with your table top design, or if you are short on time or creative thoughts, the experts at Hazelwoods can come up with a design that is sure to enhance any decor.
The process that Hazelwoods uses to add custom graphics to a table allows the shape of the table to be unique as well. Feel free to break out of the bounds of simple geometric shapes and go wild. Keep in mind the purpose your tables serve when designing them however. Dining around a table shaped like a guitar could be awkward, but if the table was in a bar or cocktail area and meant to simply hold drinks or appetizers, be creative!
As far as graphics go, nearly anything is possible. Be creative with your logo or use images that follow the theme of your restaurant. A collage of surf boards on a table would be ideal for a restaurant with an island themed menu. For a jazz bar, sheet music coated in resin would add a touch of whimsy. Be aware of copyright issues if you are using a branded image such as a sports team logo or athlete. Have fun with your table top design, or if you are short on time or creative thoughts, the experts at Hazelwoods can come up with a design that is sure to enhance any decor.
The process that Hazelwoods uses to add custom graphics to a table allows the shape of the table to be unique as well. Feel free to break out of the bounds of simple geometric shapes and go wild. Keep in mind the purpose your tables serve when designing them however. Dining around a table shaped like a guitar could be awkward, but if the table was in a bar or cocktail area and meant to simply hold drinks or appetizers, be creative!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)