Helpful restaurant statistics and a guide to indoor/outdoor furniture

The role of time in restaurants:

A restaurant needs to have good customer service, or they will find themselves with empty tables!

As a restaurant owner or manager, it is important that staff are fully trained to ensure timings are coordinated. Guests should be able to enjoy each course (since they’re expected to order an appetizer, entree, dessert, and after-dinner cocktails or coffee) without feeling rushed or ignored.

While timing plays a huge role throughout the meal, it often begins before guests are even seated. It can be hard to forgive a restaurant for not honoring a reservation time, so if the dining room is full and the promised table isn’t available, try treating guests to a free drink while they wait.

Once guests are seated and food has been served, clearing the table should also be considered. Guests can stay but should not be forced to wait. The check should be placed on the table with the assurance that there is no rush and they can stay as long as they want. After a long and enjoyable evening, they may just be ready to go, but if they’ve found the right place, they may never want to leave!

The first impression can mean guests coming back and hopefully becoming repeat customers. On the other hand, a poorly coordinated evening can result in guests never coming back.

Restaurant statistics:

• The primary goal of managing restaurant revenue is to manage facility capacity and customer demand in a way that maximizes profit/revenue for the restaurant.
• A restaurant MUST have comfortable and adequate seating to ensure a positive experience for all customers.
• Studies have shown that customers will spend more time in the restaurant when seated at a booth, compared to sitting at a table.
• Customers sitting in booths away from a window will spend even more time. Studies show that the more natural light people are exposed to, the less time they will spend eating.
• People sitting in a booth will spend an average of $56.67. People sitting at separate tables will spend an average of $38.92. This means booth seating will generate an average of $17.75 more PER PERSON! This is an average of 31% more revenue from booth seats compared to stand-alone tables.
• Contrary to popular belief, only 26.16% of independent restaurants fail within the first year of operation (the belief is that this statistic is much higher).
• Customers with a Chase Freedom® credit card have visited restaurants more frequently in the last two years than since the recession began.

Bottom line…studies show that seating style and location have a huge impact on customers deciding where they’ll eat…and how much money they’ll spend! These factors are even more important than the quality of the actual food!

Drop Down Seats:

A new craze is emerging in San Francisco, New York, and recently in Westport, Connecticut. Outdoor seating for restaurants on narrow, busy streets has been a stumbling block for restaurant owners for many years, until now. The solution? Turn parking spaces into street patios or “pop-out” seating for the public with tables and chairs. According to a West View News article written by Benny Benepe, “The pop-up has become an oasis that attracts workers and residents alike.” From May through mid-October, diners and walkers alike can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors. During cold months, the seats are stored and the street is restored to available parking spaces.

A couple of years ago in Westport, Connecticut, ten parking spaces were being transformed into outdoor seating. In New York City, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved applications for twelve of these temporary cafes. The cafes sit on platforms, creating a level surface between the sidewalks and the seats, making the dining room handicapped accessible. The number of parking spaces given to cafes and restaurants is determined by the size of the facility. Two restaurants in New York City have collaborated and together have a platform that is six (6) feet wide by one hundred twenty-five (125) feet long. Both restaurants were responsible for construction costs and, since creating the additional outdoor dining space, have seen a twenty percent increase in sales. Since the waiting service is not allowed, the capacity is open to the public without any commitment to purchase at the establishment.

To meet DOT safety guidelines, the removable platform was raised to street level and a barrier separates diners from motorists. Restaurants used concrete planters; however, they could also have installed security barriers (bollards) or yard fences. The furniture used to equip the extended sleeping areas is brought inside each night and must be stored for the winter. Folding tables and folding chairs are used to equip the expanded seats, as they are space-saving and lightweight, making transportation and storage quick and easy.

Safety is a top concern among diners, which is why pop-up cafes are usually only found on slow-moving one-way streets. Each request for pop-up seats is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure emergency routes or access points are not obstructed. Many establishments protect their patrons with cement planters filled with colorful flowers or fancy protective fences so diners can use and enjoy the extra seating without worry.

The elements of proper restaurant service:

• A prompt and proper greeting at the door – It is the responsibility of the host to greet guests when necessary. When the host is away from the door, others must stop to inform new guests that someone will be with them.
• A clean and well-maintained work environment – A clean and well-maintained area makes guests feel comfortable and confident that they are in a healthy, professional and caring environment.
• Appearance – When guests see well-dressed staff, they automatically relax. The appearance is part of the product; both you and the restaurant will be judged for it.
• product knowledge – Every employee of your establishment must know well everything you offer. Product knowledge increases your confidence and is essential for proper service.
• Salesmanship – The good art of selling improves the customer experience by offering attention.
• customer satisfaction – Be sure to check back with a table within three minutes of serving them. When you check back, stay positive and specific. Always try to get someone’s attention when you pass by the table.
• Teamwork and communication – If a guest needs something that you can’t get for them, find the person who can. There is no possibility of proper service without communication.
• Maintenance table – Always be aware of how the table looks; cutlery, dirty dishes, clean the table as needed, always cover the ashtrays and keep them clean.
• Going above and beyond / A reason to return – Always be on the lookout for the little things you can do for your guests to make you and your restaurant stand out from the rest! Be thoughtful, creative and extraordinary!

Remember: you sell two things in your restaurant; great service AND a great product!

Restaurant Furniture – Interior:

Interior Tables – Commercial grade indoor table collections have something for everyone. Guests will be so comfortable they’ll ask for seconds! Allow customers to sit back, relax and enjoy their dining experience without the worry of a wobbly table as the table bases are durable and sturdy.

Interior seats – Indoor restaurant chairs and bar stools are classic yet modern, and will perfectly accent any restaurant or cafe. Guests will be thankful as they enjoy fine dining while relaxing in beautiful seating! A restaurant will truly be the talk of the town with fabulous options! Choose from wood or metal frames, available with wood or vinyl seats.

Plymold Cab Seats – Plymold booths are available in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and materials, making each booth extremely customizable and unique. The cabins are available in wood, laminate or upholstered. The wooden cabins are made from red oak wood and are available with optional seat cushions. Contour and Signature laminate cabinets have a steel frame with a powder coat finish, making it easy to customize. There are 208 laminate finish color options! Upholstered booths are available in 295 different colors!

Restaurant-Outdoor Furniture:

Outdoor Tables – Restaurant tables are available in a wide variety of finishes and materials including resin, recycled plastic, aluminum, acrylic fiberglass, and molded melamine. Choose a molded melamine table designed to fold flat for easy storage. Help the planet by pairing a recycled plastic dining table with colorful recycled plastic dining chairs to create a bold and bright setting. Go ahead and buy extra tables to stock those busy weekends!

Outdoor seating – With a large collection of bar height and dining height seating available in numerous textures, finishes, colors and materials, you are sure to find the perfect chairs and stools for a restaurant or cafe. Choose from resin, recycled plastic, aluminum, all-weather wicker, strap, and sling. Built to withstand the elements and backed by a commercial warranty, you won’t have to worry about storing these commercial-grade chairs or stools indoors if the weather suddenly changes—just leave them where they are!