Author Archives: Gayla

How to End Restaurant Furniture Problems

There are so many tasks before opening a new restaurant, or the daily responsibilities of running the restaurant once open, that furniture for the customers tends to be overlooked. Because of these time constraints, ordering restaurant furniture may be quick with very little thought put into the decision, other than the price, the style or look and when can the furniture be delivered. There may be a lot of pressure to quickly get a restaurant open, such as bank loans or staff being hired. Beware, though that quick decisions when purchasing restaurant furniture can lead to excessive costs, primarily maintenance and replacement costs. Below are some suggestions on how to end restaurant furniture problems, saving restaurant owners money.

1. For new or existing restaurants, select the right product

Order the right furniture for the target customer is important, because the architect, designer and owner have a style in mind that coordinates with the rest of the décor. Someone with expertise needs to make specifications for the anticipated customer so that the right furniture product can be selected. Without specifications in place to compare products, it is impossible to get the correct price. Appropriate materials for the type of restaurant should be used. For example, furniture constructed with fabric or upholstery may not be right for a fast food location where food and drink are commonly spilled, and the furniture may be treated roughly.

2. Picking the right vendor is important as picking the right product

Picking the right vendor is important because it is critical to be able to trust the source of restaurant furniture. One vendor may have a lower price, but if that vendor does not give the specifications or does not know how the product is built, it is a risk to base the purchase based on price alone. As with most purchases, get references and perform the due diligence with all vendors.

3. Proper use of the furniture

Using the restaurant furniture properly is next on the list of keeping the furniture in the best shape. It is common in restaurants to see chairs being used as ladders, table tops to be used for work benches and cleaning people moving around furniture too roughly. Proper use should fall in the hands of restaurant managers, to supervise how the furniture is used and correct anyone not following procedure.

4. Maintenance of the furniture

Furniture maintenance is commonly ignored until it is too late and the furniture needs to be replaced. Many people in the restaurant business may not realize the importance of preparing a written maintenance plan to care for furniture. Just as oil should be routinely changed in a car, the screws and hardware on table bases or chairs should be tightened on a regular basis. Prepare a written plan involving how furniture is to be maintained, and then follow up to make sure the plan is being completed. This advice sounds simple, but it is may be difficult to incorporate because of the myriad list of daily tasks. Hiring the right manager is a key to making sure maintenance gets done. The same new restaurant furniture purchase of $10,000 may last 3 years without maintenance, or could last up to 10 years with the proper maintenance.

Solving restaurant furniture problems before they happen may take more time, but the effort put into researching restaurant tables, chairs and barstools and preparing a maintenance plan will be time well spent.

Using Restaurant Granite Table Tops to Increase Sales

granite restaurant tables Granite table tops are very popular, and you can use their popularity to make more sales whether you place them inside your restaurant or on your restaurant patio. Homeowners have been using granite on their kitchen counter tops and islands for many years. Many other surface materials have been introduced, but granite is as popular as ever today. With many customers being aware of the benefits of granite, you can increase sales in your restaurant by giving your customers the same experience with granite table tops. Below is the inside scoop and the many benefits of restaurant granite table tops.

Ambiance

The uniqueness and solid feel of granite really adds to the restaurant experience, helping to attract repeat customers. Before buying granite for your restaurant, go to a restaurant that has granite and consider for yourself if it is something your customers would enjoy.

Indoor and outdoor use

Granite can be used indoors or outside on the patio. Many people are not aware it can be used outdoors, even though it is a rock that makes up much of the crust of the earth. Actually, granite is an igneous rock, which means that it has been cooled from molten lava and frozen into the rock. Be aware if considering restaurant granite tables for outdoor use, if they are used in combination with wood support or wood that makes up the interior part of the table top, the wood needs to be protected from moisture.

Durable

Granite tables are very durable for normal restaurant dining use, and require little maintenance. Knowing the following 4 secrets to keeping a granite table looking great will help you extend the life of your tables.

Do not bang granite tables together as they tend to chip if hit together hard enough.
Make sure to use a substantial restaurant table base or the weight of the granite may crack the granite table top. Two “T” bases may be required for supporting long rectangular tables.
Have a regular maintenance program to catch any defects that occur, so they don’t escalate into a major issue.
Some granite tables, especially marble, will need to be sealed regularly to avoid stains and to keep debris from the voids. Be aware that all granite does not consist of the same density.

Easy cleaning

Granite restaurant tables are very easy to clean. Use the regular cleaning solution recommended by your purveyor of cleaning supplies. Chemicals and liquids, along with sharp objects like knives, will not hurt granite.

Unique

Separate your restaurant from the competition by using granite to bring in more sales. Unlike laminates where each color can be reproduced exactly, each granite table will be slightly different, as granite is made by nature, not manufactured by a factory. Some granite tables have muted colors and others can be rather exotic. As expected, the more exotic the granite colors are, the higher the price.

Low Relative Cost

The cost of granite tables is very comparable to solid wood table tops, and more expensive than laminates. Consider that cost is only a function of your return on investment, because if granite is something your customers would like and you think you could turn more tables with granite, then granite tables become relatively inexpensive. Remember, unlike many tables, like wood for example, which may wear out and need to be re-finished, granite will not have that future expense as it should maintain its’ fresh look for as long as the restaurant is operating.

So do some homework, see if granite table tops meet your target customer, and wow them with the beauty of granite. Excellent sales can follow the use of granite in the right application.

Buying Commercial Folding Chairs

As any event planner or manager knows, being adaptable is a great skill to have in an industry where things are changing quickly and often without notice. When it comes to seating arrangements to seating capacity, being able to add or subtract seats as needed is a result best achieved with folding chairs. When looking to add to your seating options here are a few reasons why you should buy commercial folding chairs.

Buy Commercial Folding Chairs

When considering why you should buy commercial folding chairs, keep in mind the benefits of such a purchase to the overall functions of your business. Being able to quickly increase seating capacity means you can easily serve more guests who will increase profits. They are great for not just unexpected guests but for expected events. When planning an event outdoors of your venue, folding chairs allow you to set up you event practically anywhere an open space is available.

Another reason to consider why you should buy commercial folding chairs is the durability and longevity they offer. High-quality folding chairs manufactured for commercial use are known to last for years with proper care. In addition to being durable, they are easy to store and transport with the use of helpful dollies. They are also able to be stored in abundance, thanks to their smaller size and compact nature, so you can purchase a large amount and only bring out the amount you need. They are an easy addition to any seating plan.

Another benefit of commercial folding chairs is the ability to custom them to match a variety of needs. Whether you are looking for folding chairs in a certain color scheme to match your restaurant lobby, chairs with a metal frame to accentuate the surrounding patio furniture or classy wooden folding chairs for classy events, commercial folding chairs offer many options to make them perfect for you. Folding chairs can be customized not just for appearance, but also for increased comfort. There are folding chairs with padded cushions, arm rests, and foot rests, for a truly comfortable and easy seating option perfect for any event or venue.

3 Ways to Determine the Right Size Restaurant Table Top

Choosing appropriate table sizes is crucial for a restaurant, since their dimensions and arrangement will determine the layout of the dining area. This impacts both the diners’ experience and the ease with which staff members can navigate the restaurant. Owners and designers should keep the following information in mind to choose the right size restaurant table top.

wooden restaurant table tops

By Space and Layout

The layout and desired capacity of the restaurant itself is perhaps the single most important factor for choosing table sizes. In most cases, restaurants will maintain multiple “classes” of seating, with a main dining area and more removed restaurant booths or alcoves, each of which may require different table sizes.

To most effectively judge how different table tops will work within the space, it’s best to spend time plotting the relevant dimensions using graph paper or design software. This will allow a wide variety of configurations to be tested and will provide insight as to how different layouts will alter the ability of staff and customers to move through the room.

By Customer and Service

The type of customer and service in a restaurant has a big hand in determining an appropriate table size. In general, the industry standard is to allot 21” to 30” linear inches along the table edge for each diner. This figure is suited for a basic service in which the diner will never have to contend with more than one plate, one or two glasses, and a single set of silverware.

Some cuisines or service levels will involve more dishes and utensils, or designers may want to provide customers with more space while dining. In these cases, the 21” to 30” specification can be increased accordingly.

By Party Configuration

Restaurant owners should determine what types of parties they anticipate. For example, large family parties are likely to be more comfortable sitting close to one another, while customers on a first date may prefer a more intimate distance between each table setting.

To maintain flexibility, designers should anticipate accommodating a variety of party types within each table, particularly for large or banquet-style table tops. To ensure maximum flexibility, consider more small table that can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups when necessary. This will allow restaurant staff to easily adjust a table arrangement as necessary to serve varying customer configurations and different service levels.

How is My Restaurant Furniture Delivered?

The simple answer is by truck, and since Missouri Table & Chair is very familiar with shipping, we will handle the fastest, most cost effective way for you, but as you can imagine it’s more complicated than just calling a trucking company. There is paperwork that needs to be signed, furniture boxed and packed properly for shipment, and all kinds of rules to follow. There are major differences between small package delivery companies such as UPS or FedEx, and freight lines with long haul or over the road trucks that are commonly used for larger orders of restaurant tables, chairs and barstools. Keep reading for more detail of what happens with your furniture delivery to help make receiving your products run smoothly.

Is the cost of freight included in the items I want?

Many companies that cater to homeowners and the retail industry offer free shipping, especially for smaller items that can ship USP, FedEx or UPS. In the hospitality food service business, most customers like freight broken out as a separate line item on the invoice with the freight typically being shipped by common carrier or dedicated truck. It is very difficult to include freight into the product due to the many variables such as the weight, type of items, distance to travel and carriers charge different rates. Each order is unique which creates different costs for each shipment and is another reason why freight is not included in the cost of the item, and is most commonly a separate line item. Quoting the shipping separately also ensures that each customer gets the best discounted shipping through our freight line partners.

Why is freight so expensive?

Over the road trucks have always been relatively expensive because of all the costs they have, like the drivers, trucks, fuel, terminals, dock employees, etc. Many truck companies, have a minimum freight charge whether you order 1 restaurant chair or 20. This means a shipping cost may be similar for 20 chairs as it is for only 10 chairs, for example. This is because exceeding the minimum freight charge by a few chairs does not increase the cost very much. Also, trucking companies have their own rates and depending on their routes, the freight rate will vary. We select the truck lines that are the most cost and time efficient to your area. Occasionally, we cannot pick the lowest price carriers, as they may have a reputation of handling freight badly or not carry enough insurance if they damage the freight, costing customers more in the long run.

Can I pick the time and date of my shipment?

It may work out that your shipment arrives exactly when you requested it, but that is not something we can promise. We cannot control freight lines or the number of variables that go into a perfectly timed delivery. Traffic, weather, dispatchers, and the amount of freight a truck line is handling are all things that can delay shipments. Sometimes freight arrives earlier than expected which can cause a problem just like if it were late, if your restaurant isn’t ready for deliver or you don’t have the manpower to unload your furniture.

If you can arrange to receive your shipment 1 day before or 1 to 2 days after your estimated date, you can save on expedited or guaranteed delivery fees. However, if an exact window of time is needed to accept your order, then we would suggest ‘guaranteed delivery’ which means the carrier will handle you freight with a high priority to get it to you on an agreed time frame. There is an extra fee for this service from the carrier.

Will the truck driver put the freight where I want it located?

Truck drivers are only responsible to get the freight off the end of the truck. They are not paid to take it inside, unless you order inside delivery which is an additional cost. You will find some drivers with a great customer service that will help you as much as they have time and other drivers not as generous. Assume the driver will not take boxes past the end of his truck. Depending on the size of your shipment have the appropriate number of people to assist moving boxes. Note that drivers will not assemble any items, even if you pay for inside delivery.

Are there papers to sign when freight is delivered?

Yes, the most important paper you will be asked to sign is the Bill of Lading, which is a legal document. The Bill of Lading is very important as title to the goods will transfer to you with your signature. The Bill of Lading will indicate several important items. One of those is the quantity, so it is very important to carefully count the boxes and make sure that number matches the amount on the bill of lading.

The driver will be asking for you signature, but you should wait on signing until the count is correct and inspection for damages is made. Check immediately for damage, and note on the Bill of Lading if there is any damage, because if you sign your name without writing the damages you see, then it is very unlikely the carrier will provide any insurance payments. If you are unsure of how to handle incorrect amounts or damages, call Missouri Table & Chair while the driver is still there and we will help. If there are damages or incorrect quantities, we will file the proper paperwork for you.

Can you help the delivery process go smooth as possible?

Yes, you absolutely can help, first by having a responsible and knowledgeable person accept the freight for proper quantity and noting any damages. Have a camera on hand, or take pictures with your cellphone of any damage. Take pictures up close and at a distance so another person can understand the extent of damage without actually being there. If there is damage, keep all the boxes and packing materials because claims will not be honored if the original packing is not kept.

If you feel the damage is too extensive to accept you have the right to refuse the shipment. In situations of overages, shortages or damages, you may want to call Missouri Table & Chair for advice while the driver is still at your location, so we can provide assistance. Finally, time is of the essence because if you do not report damages to Missouri Table & Chair immediately then it becomes more difficult to make a claim. Acting immediately means within an hour. Take the damage pictures and contact Missouri Table & Chair with details while all is fresh in your mind.

Are there other special conditions?

Yes, there are many special freight circumstances, like inside delivery, guaranteed delivery, dedicated trucks for large loads, how billing is done, liftgates, concealed damage and all are handled with respect to the specific shipment. There are too many to detail in this article. If you have any questions or have a special request, please just call us and ask.

What should I expect from my delivery?

Most shipments go very smoothly, and that is what should be expected. The remote possibility exists that something could go awry, but you are now aware of how to handle most situations. And finally, you can rely on Missouri Table & Chair for a satisfying experience with your shipping.

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