Author Archives: Gayla

Restaurant Furniture Delivery Driving Getting Signature

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.

 

What color restaurant tables and chairs should I buy?

color paletteHave you ever noticed when entering a restaurant the lovely shade of blue used for the interior?  It is quite unlikely you have encountered many blue restaurant decors. Why is this?  In general, the color blue is an appetite depressant, so it’s very seldom used in restaurant décor.

Why does this matter when it comes to restaurant tables and chairs?  Most restaurants will want the restaurant furniture to accent and highlight the restaurant décor, either by matching or contrasting the restaurant colors.  This blog article covers just a few of the infinite colors available, and some typical effects and uses of each color in restaurant design.

Blue, Purple and Black

As discussed above, in general blue is seldom used in restaurants as blue, along with purple and black, are the least appetizing of colors.  That said, if you look at the inventory available at various restaurant furniture suppliers, you will notice there are plenty of restaurant furniture options in blue, purple and black.  Why is this?  Well, it is certainly all right, and even suggested, to use some of these visually exciting colors as accents, just use them sparingly.  Lively colors like blue and purple, when placed correctly in the restaurant design scheme, can create the chic, ultra modern design look which is very trendy now.

Red and Yellow

Have you noticed driving down any street where there are multiple dining establishments the predominant use of red and yellow?  Many popular international fast food chains use red and yellow in their logo, restaurant and advertising design.  McDonalds, one of the biggest food chains in the world, uses red and yellow in its décor and brand.   This is because the colors that stimulate appetites the most are the primary colors red and yellow.  Numerous businesses use this knowledge when designing their restaurants colors, themes and advertising.

Does this mean you should paint the walls of your restaurant bright yellow and buy 100 red plastic chairs?  Maybe, depending on the type of restaurant, but in general, accenting red and/or yellow with other more neutral colors and materials, such as metal chair legs or silver table bases will achieve a great restaurant interior design.  For example, using metal restaurant chairs with red vinyl seats and some matching laminate tables is a great look for many restaurants.  Yellow resin chairs on an outdoor patio will give a great sunny look and a visual pop of color.

White, Black, Brown and Grey

These four colors are considered neutral colors, or passive colors, depending on how they are used.  You will see white, black, brown and grey used in many restaurants in restaurant furniture and as background colors.  That is because a neutral background allows for a lot of flexibility in restaurant design.  When you create a neutral background in your restaurant, this allows for the use of almost any color of restaurant furniture and accent pieces.

There are a few general things to consider when using these colors.  White walls may encourage restaurant turnover, allowing you to turn more tables during a shift.  The use of white can also make a small space feel larger.  In contrast, the use of black or brown, can make a cavernous dining room feel smaller and cozier.  Black or brown wood tables, such as restaurant butcher block dining tables, add visual interest and a warm feeling to restaurants.  Glossy black metal dining chairs, or black granite tables, are perfect as an accent when using other colors.

To achieve the best look for your restaurant interior or outdoor dining space, perform your own investigation.  Look at pictures on the internet of restaurant dining spaces you find attractive.  Take note of the other restaurants in your locale with interesting design.  Search for color matching websites on the internet and learn how color design works in general.  Soon, you will have one of the best looking restaurant dining spaces around.

 

 

Trends in Hospitality Furniture

While true style never goes out of vogue, trends keep life fun and exciting. For the hospitality industry, following trends has become a necessity to keep guests intrigued. To stay current in the industry and keep the atmosphere fresh, business owners need to keep abreast of the latest trends in hospitality furniture.

Trends in Hospitality Furniture

One of the most popular trends in hospitality furniture is making items that are old into a new outdoor granite restaurant tablescreation. The concerned consumers of the world today are passionate about the environment and conservation efforts. Even in hospitality furniture, people are looking for furniture that has been repurposed from other items, authentic antiques and vintage, and hand-crafted products.

Another green trend in the hospitality industry is using locally sourced products, whether chairs from local trees or pillows manufactured in the same state to cut down on gas emissions.

With the earth-friendly trends in hospitality furniture continuing to take over, there is also an increasing emphasis on blending the natural elements of the outdoors with the often artificial indoors to create a harmonious environment. Many hospitality businesses are moving away from bright, bold colors for more neutral, earthy tones, as well as focusing on more soothing graphics instead of the in-your-face style of the past few years. They are also using more wood and granite furniture instead of plastic or aluminum to add to the natural vibe guests are looking for.

Another popular trend in furniture for the hospitality industry is the notion of making furniture smaller. Keeping with the eco-friendly frame of mind, many hotels are opting for smaller chairs and tables to take up less space and consume less of the planets valuable resources. Hospitality leaders are discovering that guests do not necessarily prefer larger loungers to having more floor space. An open use of floor space can not only make a guest feel less cramped, but it can also make the entire room look bigger.

No matter what the hot trends are in hospitality furniture, it is always essential to know your guests and what they expect from your business. However, knowing what they like doesn’t mean you can’t shake the room up with a fun, fresh trend!

Wholesale Patio Furniture Design Tips

outdoor restaurant furnitureAs a restaurant owner, take some time researching the outdoor dining spaces of your industry and competitors.  There are many new design themes and trends restaurant owners can use to design an outdoor dining space of their own, or to renovate their existing outdoor decks and patios.  Creating an appeal restaurant patio is easy. Simply start with your restaurant patio tables, add matching restaurant patio chairs, and mix in some outdoor restaurant barstools.

1. Start with Restaurant Patio Tables

Restaurant patio tables are the cornerstone of any well designed restaurant patio.  Start with your selection of a gorgeous table style, and build the rest of your restaurant patio around the tables.  Some great options for outdoor restaurant table tops are discussed here.  Granite table tops with a lightweight design are excellent for outdoor use as they are more easily movable.  Granite tables require virtually no maintenance and are very easy to clean.  Granite tables can be found in a wide variety of colors and sizes to fit into any patio design.  They can be paired with a vast array of styles of outdoor restaurant chairs and barstools.

Werzalit table tops are another excellent outdoor table style choice. Werzalit consists of a molded laminate table top.  Werzalit tops are seamless and weather resistant, and have been proven in extreme conditions around the world.  They are made using a special process combining resin and woods with pressure and heat.  Werzalit table tops are also available in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Other choices in outdoor restaurant tables include stainless steel and teak.  Outdoor stainless steel table tops provide a contemporary option in outdoor table tops.  They are easily movable for cleaning and combining seating for large groups.  Outdoor stainless steel tables are also a very budget friendly option.

2. Add Restaurant Patio Chairs

Of course, any well designed restaurant patio will need quality, attractive outdoor restaurant chairs.  Quality commercially rated outdoor chairs are available in a variety of colors and styles to perfectly complement your selection of restaurant patio tables.  Aluminum patio chairs are an excellent option for commercial use.  Aluminum patio chairs are waterproof and light weight making them excellent for patios, where ease of movement is essential.  Many styles of aluminum patio chairs are also stackable which makes storing them much easier.  Aluminum patio chairs are available with many styles of accenting backs and seats, such as wicker, teak and polyprolene.  They are also available in a vast array of styles, colors and designs.

Some other choices in restaurant patio chairs are weave chairs with a wicker appearance, cast aluminum for a wrought iron look, and clear molded polycarbonate for a contemporary feel, among others.  A wide variety of these restaurant patio chairs are available with or without arms to accommodate each specific patio design.

3. Mix in Restaurant Patio Barstools

Just like with outdoor chairs, outdoor patio barstools come in many colors and styles to match patio chairs and tables.  When shopping for patio barstools, look for options that are commercially rated patio. There are many choices in outdoor barstools that feature a lightweight design for easy mobility. The large selection available ensures there are plenty of attractive and durable design choices.

 

 

 

Restaurant Furniture: Designing the Perfect Dining Space

For restaurants that want to deliver the perfect ambience, the dining space is where you need to spend quite a bit of time making the feel of the dining area just right. A dining space is much more than restaurant tables and chairs randomly arranged. People need to feel comfortable and relaxed to enjoy the good food and appreciate the service. The dining area defines the overall ambience of the restaurant and the kind of experience it can deliver. A well planned dining area should complement and accentuate the theme of the restaurant, highlight the features that make it a better dining option, and ensure that the staff functions with maximum efficiency. Below is how you can create the perfect dining space for a restaurant.

Getting the Theme Right

You need to choose a theme for your dining space, so it is coordinated with what customers expect with the design rule of function before form.  An excellently executed theme provides a soothing dining experience. Incorporate the theme into the restaurants’ décor, music, lighting, staff outfits, culinary style, and even the menu items.  A theme is a unique feeling a person gets when in a space that everything is coordinated.  Your restaurant furniture should accent and highlight the theme of your restaurant.

The idea is to ingrain the theme on a customer’s mind.  Walt Disney’s theme parks are an example of developing a great theme.  Each area of Disneyworld has a distinct theme from space to pirates and each area does not waiver from mixing one theme with any other theme.  This kind of visual penetration of a distinct theme can make your restaurant very memorable which helps to turn occasional customers into regular patrons. It is important you choose a theme to which your clientele can connect.

Suggestions for Getting the Right Theme

  •  Visit other restaurants to get a theme idea
  •  Hire a designer to assist
  • Go to other places to get ideas that are not restaurants, like a mall, a small town downtown shops, or go to other cities.

Appropriate Color Palette for Dining Space

Colors play an important role in affecting various interactions within the dining space, i.e. interactions involving the customers that eventually make the difference between a popular restaurant and just another eating-out option!

Engage People, Don’t Overwhelm Them: People react to different colors, and each shade has a slightly different psychological impact. For instance, the choice of wall and flooring color can greatly affect the way your customers perceive your restaurant, particularly the first impression. It is better to create a color blend that stays away from extremes. A decent play with colors in the dining space means creating points of visual engagement and prepping a few zones that help people to disconnect and relax.  You don’t want the dining area to overwhelm the customer with overzealous color patterns!

Using Lighter Colors: A small restaurant with a cramped dining room can look bigger by using lighter colors on the walls. Colors such as ivory, pale yellow, off-white, and light gray exude a serene feeling. This helps people to unwind and spend some more time, translating into repeat customers.

Using Darker Colors: A darker color palette using deep shades of blue, crimson or dark purple helps to camouflage the emptiness found in expansive dining halls where the dining crowd might feel spaced beyond their level of comfort. Here, darker shades help to induce the feeling of a cozier setting. Dark colors also aid in concealing small flaws in the property like ductwork in the ceiling.  Avoid blue as some people say it makes them less hungry.

Using Warmer Colors: Colors like reds, yellows, bright greens, and burnt orange help to add to a cheery dining space.  But also know that bright colors such as yellow or red can be irritating to customers, so do not overuse them. Green can be more relaxing as it may represent the outdoors. Some dining areas use basic colors like white, black, brown and grey—called neutral or passive colors. These are helpful in creating a likeable contrast with a brightly colored dining area ensemble.

When developing a theme such as sports, cowboy, Italian décor, strictly business, or something like Disney uses in their parks make it an extension of your written business plan. Then use the right colors for the theme and especially for your target customer.