Consider who your restaurant will be serving when choosing tables for your restaurant. Will you be serving large families? Or will most of your guests be couples on a night out? Perhaps your restaurant caters to a business lunch crowd. Think about how these different groups will utilize your space.
Large groups of people, such as families, are going to need large spaces for dining. There are two ways you can accommodate them. 1) Purchase a large table that will seat at least 6 people. Round tables are ideal if you go this route because you can always squeeze another chair in. Or, you can keep a few banquet tables on hand, and simply pull them out when you know a large party is coming. This will work for restaurants that only take reservations, but can be a lot more work than necessary. 2) Purchase several smaller tables that you can pull together to create a large dining space. For this to work, square or rectangular tables are required. If your restaurant is extremely fancy, tables pulled together may not look as nice as you would like. Cover them in a large linen tablecloth to mask the bases and uneven edges.
If your restaurant caters mostly to couple looking for an intimate dining experience, you will want to primarily invest in small tables that seat 2 to 4 guests. This allows for the intimacy that some couples desire, while still providing space for larger parties. Again, small tables can always be pulled together making them extremely versatile.
Think about how you would use the space in different situations. What would you do if you walked into a deli and saw several friends or co-workers? Hopefully there would be an extra chair to pull up to the table so you could easily join them. Try to maximize the versatility of your space with small, movable tables and and a couple extra chairs. Ultimately, design your seating layout in a manner that will best suit your guests.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sustainability as a Trend in Restaurant Furniture
Over the last few years there has been an increasing emphasis on "going green." This trend has encompassed virtually all aspects of business, from manufacturing to transporting products, to green practices in the office. Restaurants are no exception to this trend and display their environmental awareness in many ways. From day to day practices that reduce the amount of waste produced, to cutting back on the amount of energy used in daily operations. The product cycle of restaurant furniture can also be modified to reduce the effect on the environment.
One way to "go green" when purchasing commercial furniture for your restaurant is to consider purchasing from a local company. This will help your wallet, as well as the environment. If the company doesn't have to ship the product across the country, the fuel and energy that would be used in transportation will be saved. You will not have to pay the sometimes outrageous shipping costs. So overall, the best option is to purchase locally. Hazelwoods is a local Phoenix, AZ commercial furniture supplier and manufacturer. Also, by manufacturing the product on site, Hazelwoods reduces the energy that would be used to transport goods, making them even more considerate of the impact they are having on our natural resources.
Another way to reduce the impact your restaurant furniture has on the environment is to reuse old furniture. By recycling your existing furniture, or purchasing used furniture, you are reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our nation's landfills and dumps. Booths and banquettes can easily be refurbished to save money and resources. Simply take them to a local commercial furniture supplier such as Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture and re-upholster the seat and back with new fabric or vinyl. You could even select an organic fabric to further reduce your impact on the earth. Even chairs and tables can be salvaged. Make sure all joints are tight to ensure they are safe for guests to sit on, and then either upholster the seat or distress the wood to create a unique, one-of-a-kind effect.
There are many more ways to think green and preserve our planet's resources. Be creative with your restaurant furniture and you may find that being sustainable is easier than you thought.
One way to "go green" when purchasing commercial furniture for your restaurant is to consider purchasing from a local company. This will help your wallet, as well as the environment. If the company doesn't have to ship the product across the country, the fuel and energy that would be used in transportation will be saved. You will not have to pay the sometimes outrageous shipping costs. So overall, the best option is to purchase locally. Hazelwoods is a local Phoenix, AZ commercial furniture supplier and manufacturer. Also, by manufacturing the product on site, Hazelwoods reduces the energy that would be used to transport goods, making them even more considerate of the impact they are having on our natural resources.
Another way to reduce the impact your restaurant furniture has on the environment is to reuse old furniture. By recycling your existing furniture, or purchasing used furniture, you are reducing the amount of waste that ends up in our nation's landfills and dumps. Booths and banquettes can easily be refurbished to save money and resources. Simply take them to a local commercial furniture supplier such as Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture and re-upholster the seat and back with new fabric or vinyl. You could even select an organic fabric to further reduce your impact on the earth. Even chairs and tables can be salvaged. Make sure all joints are tight to ensure they are safe for guests to sit on, and then either upholster the seat or distress the wood to create a unique, one-of-a-kind effect.
There are many more ways to think green and preserve our planet's resources. Be creative with your restaurant furniture and you may find that being sustainable is easier than you thought.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Table Design
From the floor up, table design can make a huge difference in the overall look of your restaurant furniture. There is more than meets the eye as far as tables go, and being aware of the many choices available is sure to enhance your restaurant table concept.
First of all, tables come in a variety of heights. The standard height for dining tables is between 28" and 30" while bar tables are generally 40" to 42" high. Counter height tables are about 36" high. No matter how high your table top is off the ground, keep in mind that the seat of the chair should be about 10" from the top of the table. These measurements will provide optimum comfort to the end users.
There are certain features below the table top that you might want to consider. Foot rungs are available for bar height tables and keep customers' feet from dangling in the air. This would be a good addition if your bar stools do not provide a place to rest feet. Another feature that can be added is under-table purse and coat hooks. These are especially convenient if your bar stools do not have back rests on which to place these items.
Another consideration to keep in mind when planning the table design for your dining room or bar include whether or not to have your tables bolted to the floor. Most places have free standing tables that can be moved, but it is not uncommon to find tables that are stationary. Stationary tables are more sturdy and less likely to tip, but are not very versatile. If you have large groups of people using your dining room, movable tables are ideal. But if you are looking to organize and control the flow of guests, stationary tables may be the correct choice.
The key to choosing the best options for you is to take a close look at the goals and ambitions of your bar or restaurant. Every decision is a matter of weighing pros and cons and only you can know what is best for you.
First of all, tables come in a variety of heights. The standard height for dining tables is between 28" and 30" while bar tables are generally 40" to 42" high. Counter height tables are about 36" high. No matter how high your table top is off the ground, keep in mind that the seat of the chair should be about 10" from the top of the table. These measurements will provide optimum comfort to the end users.
There are certain features below the table top that you might want to consider. Foot rungs are available for bar height tables and keep customers' feet from dangling in the air. This would be a good addition if your bar stools do not provide a place to rest feet. Another feature that can be added is under-table purse and coat hooks. These are especially convenient if your bar stools do not have back rests on which to place these items.
Another consideration to keep in mind when planning the table design for your dining room or bar include whether or not to have your tables bolted to the floor. Most places have free standing tables that can be moved, but it is not uncommon to find tables that are stationary. Stationary tables are more sturdy and less likely to tip, but are not very versatile. If you have large groups of people using your dining room, movable tables are ideal. But if you are looking to organize and control the flow of guests, stationary tables may be the correct choice.
The key to choosing the best options for you is to take a close look at the goals and ambitions of your bar or restaurant. Every decision is a matter of weighing pros and cons and only you can know what is best for you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Custom Outdoor Furniture
While the main focus of your furniture budget may be the indoor dining room tables, booths, and chairs, do not forget about the importance of outdoor furniture. It is meant to be eye catching and draw people into the restaurant, increasing the traffic to your restaurant. There are several ways to add excitement to you patio; in this article I will discuss custom outdoor furniture.
Nearly any typical patio chair or table can be altered to achieve a custom look. Changing the color and finish of a piece of furniture may be the most drastic change you can make, as bright colors are eye-catching. Metal can be powder-coated to create virtually any color and any finish. A high gloss, bright red chair would definitely make a statement next to your front door. Pairing bright, shiny colors with neutrals such as tans, whites, grays, and blacks can make for a very classy, interesting patio. Add a few umbrellas to keep the hot sun off the metal chairs and you've got a shady, inviting seating area for your guests.
A unique look for patio furniture that is just starting to emerge as a trend in restaurant furniture features booths and banquettes as outdoor pieces. Booth seats can be covered in durable materials that are weather and fade resistant. They provide more comfort than traditional patio furniture while being trendy and modern. Take a look at Hazelwoods booths to see how you can enhance your patio.
Nearly any typical patio chair or table can be altered to achieve a custom look. Changing the color and finish of a piece of furniture may be the most drastic change you can make, as bright colors are eye-catching. Metal can be powder-coated to create virtually any color and any finish. A high gloss, bright red chair would definitely make a statement next to your front door. Pairing bright, shiny colors with neutrals such as tans, whites, grays, and blacks can make for a very classy, interesting patio. Add a few umbrellas to keep the hot sun off the metal chairs and you've got a shady, inviting seating area for your guests.
A unique look for patio furniture that is just starting to emerge as a trend in restaurant furniture features booths and banquettes as outdoor pieces. Booth seats can be covered in durable materials that are weather and fade resistant. They provide more comfort than traditional patio furniture while being trendy and modern. Take a look at Hazelwoods booths to see how you can enhance your patio.
When To Hire A Professional Designer
When opening a restaurant, there is a limitless number of things to do, therefore the design and layout of the dining room often becomes an afterthought. Fortunately, professional designers are available to handle all the design details of the restaurant while you are busy with other matters.
Designers consult with the owner to determine the overall look for the restaurant. They then go out and shop for the materials and pieces of furniture that will be used in the dining room. This can include lighting, flooring, wall coverings, as well as tables and chairs and benches. Letting someone with expertise in designing can be a great relief, but it can also be quite expensive.
Handing over the cash for a professional designer can be worth it, but before you break the bank, take a look at some of the design ideas on Hazelwoods website, or come in to visit the showroom to see what your options are. The range of fabric samples is virtually limitless, while table tops can be made to match any decor. All booths are custom built to work with any design scheme and can enhance any layout. Whether you decide to hire a professional to do the design work in your restaurant or not, take an active role in the process of restaurant design and layout. This will ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.
Designers consult with the owner to determine the overall look for the restaurant. They then go out and shop for the materials and pieces of furniture that will be used in the dining room. This can include lighting, flooring, wall coverings, as well as tables and chairs and benches. Letting someone with expertise in designing can be a great relief, but it can also be quite expensive.
Handing over the cash for a professional designer can be worth it, but before you break the bank, take a look at some of the design ideas on Hazelwoods website, or come in to visit the showroom to see what your options are. The range of fabric samples is virtually limitless, while table tops can be made to match any decor. All booths are custom built to work with any design scheme and can enhance any layout. Whether you decide to hire a professional to do the design work in your restaurant or not, take an active role in the process of restaurant design and layout. This will ensure that your voice is heard and your needs are met.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Custom Booth Options
There are many instances where you may need a custom booth for an oddly shaped corner, or a smaller than normal space. Many furniture suppliers, such as Hazelwoods Restaurant Furniture, manufacture the booths on site and can customize them per your specific needs. Booths can be round to disguise an odd corner, square, or any shape in between. From contemporary curved benches to cozy circular booths, nearly any shape or size can be created.
Even the design of the back of the booth can be customized. Styles to choose from include tufted backs, like the round booth in the top picture, as well as channel backs, and plain, solid backs. Different styles of booth backs can make a huge difference in the atmosphere of the space. A tufted or channel back is very classic and reminiscent of older times while a plain, solid back has a more modern and contemporary look.
Even the design of the back of the booth can be customized. Styles to choose from include tufted backs, like the round booth in the top picture, as well as channel backs, and plain, solid backs. Different styles of booth backs can make a huge difference in the atmosphere of the space. A tufted or channel back is very classic and reminiscent of older times while a plain, solid back has a more modern and contemporary look.
Does the Economy Effect the Restaurant Industry?
The current economic environment has had a huge impact on the way we conduct our daily lives. It has effected every aspect of how we spend money as individuals and business owners. We have cut back on unnecessary purchases and recycled items we would normally throw out. How does this effect your restaurant, you may ask.
The restaurant and food service industry is largely dependent on the economics of their location and their target market. When budgets are tight, dining out is often one of the first expenses to be cut. Restaurants can take several steps to mitigate the effects of an economic downturn.
One idea is to increase the volume that your restaurant can handle. With the use of space-saving furniture, you may be able to comfortably add a few more tables to your dining room. Add a patio with furniture if you do not already have one. This will increase your revenue on those nights where your restaurant is extremely busy.
Another money saving idea is to recycle or refurbish your existing furniture. Many chairs and tables lose their feet or become wobbly. Rather than replace them, bring them into a commercial furniture supplier and get them fixed. This is cheaper in the long run than replacing them outright, and will ensure that your furniture stays safe for your guests. Booths and benches also may need some work if the fabric or vinyl is ripped or torn. Contact a Hazelwoods representative to see what they can do for you.
The restaurant and food service industry is largely dependent on the economics of their location and their target market. When budgets are tight, dining out is often one of the first expenses to be cut. Restaurants can take several steps to mitigate the effects of an economic downturn.
One idea is to increase the volume that your restaurant can handle. With the use of space-saving furniture, you may be able to comfortably add a few more tables to your dining room. Add a patio with furniture if you do not already have one. This will increase your revenue on those nights where your restaurant is extremely busy.
Another money saving idea is to recycle or refurbish your existing furniture. Many chairs and tables lose their feet or become wobbly. Rather than replace them, bring them into a commercial furniture supplier and get them fixed. This is cheaper in the long run than replacing them outright, and will ensure that your furniture stays safe for your guests. Booths and benches also may need some work if the fabric or vinyl is ripped or torn. Contact a Hazelwoods representative to see what they can do for you.
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