The right restaurant table and layout is guaranteed to increase sales, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, but with so many options, where do you start? Consider the following factors when finding the right restaurant table:
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Design Styles
- Traditional - Classic mainstream designs
- Rustic - Think antique or farmhouse style
- Modern - From contemporary to art deco
- Mid-century - Perfect for obtaining a classy, retro look
- Industrial - Think the warehouse feel
- Retro - Adds to the nostalgia factor
Materials
- Wood - Multiple species, thickness and color stains
- Metal - Designed to withstand heavy use
- Resin - Great price and easy to clean
- Stone - From real marble to look-alike materials
- Laminate - Mimic real wood at a fraction of the price
- Outdoor - Durable against the elements
Shapes
- Square - Best for small groups or combining tables
- Rectangle - Offers more space for larger groups
- Circle - Great for customers seeking longer dining experiences
Floor planning
- Various sizes: 2-tops, 4-tops, 6-tops
- Consider your restaurant's square footage vs table size.
- 24” spacing between table and open walkways
- Corner seating increases sales
Flexibility
- Three 2-tops can be turned into one 6-top if needed vs. buying one 6-top that can't be changed
- Buy stackable chairs that can be easily stored
- Booths can’t be moved once installed--make sure that is what you want
- Too many tables in the dining room can hurt the overall customer experience
Cleanability
- Tables that are hard to clean will inhibit your customer experience
- Tables that are hard to clean eventually stain, fade, or become unsightly
- 75% of people would stay away from restaurants with cleanliness issues
- Of all businesses, restaurants take the biggest hit for cleanliness issues referenced in reviews
Indoor vs. Outdoor
- Indoor tables cannot be used outdoors since they’re not treated for the elements
- Treated metal and resins are more outdoor friendly than wood
- Use outdoor furniture indoors, so they have the flexibility to be used anywhere
- Durability of outdoor tables can withstand wear and tear indoors as well
Cost
- Wood can be expensive. Laminates look-alikes are a fraction of the cost
- Your design choices matter--mid-century more expensive than industrial
- Paying a little more for higher quality upfront, saves sooner replacement costs
- Choose value over price - higher quality lasts longer in high traffic areas
Sources:
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https://www.gotable.com/blog/considerations-for-buying-restaurant-furniture/
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https://www.gotable.com/blog/4-factors-buying-right-number-restaurant-table-tops/
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https://rddmag.com/sponsored/3427-the-top-10-considerations-when-buying-restaurant-furniture
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https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/the-psychology-behind-great-restaurant-design-infographic/
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https://www.smallbizgenius.net/by-the-numbers/restaurant-industry-statistics/
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https://prinzwolf.nl/helpful-restaurant-statistics-and-a-guide-to-indoor-outdoor-furniture/
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https://www.gotable.com/blog/4-reasons-not-to-buy-residential-for-restaurant-chairs-and-tables/
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https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/outdoor-furniture-market
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https://onthepulsenews.com/3-reasons-to-use-outdoor-furniture-indoors/