Restaurant Seating Design

TOP

Hospitality Industry Trends to Expect for 2020

The hospitality industry is very competitive and to be successful in a fast paced business, it’s crucial to keep up with the latest trends in order to avoid falling behind.  Today’s guest demands will be tomorrow’s history. Successful companies and business owners are always peering over the horizon. Keeping pace with the hospitality industry trends is one of the several ways you as an owner can ensure that your business is delivering excellent customer experience.

hospitality trends

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hospitality industry is diverse in nature and includes everything from hotels, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, senior living environments, medical facilities, and other accommodation venues. Nevertheless, there are some trends that are standard across the entire hospitality industry. The industry is increasingly competitive and ever-growing. Emerging technologies and rising customer expectations are constantly shaping it. Be it interior design, technology, service, food, amenities or commercial furniture, it’s never too late to plan and even stay ahead of competition this year with these hospitality trends for 2020.

Digital will continue to Reshape Guest Experience

Technology has taken center stage of our lives and therefore it should be no surprise that the hospitality industry will be powered by digital technologies. Mobile will continue to influence the industry. Other incipient technologies that brand globally will keep on being incorporated into guest experience. This will propel hospitality providers to serve guests in a significantly more connected way, striking a perfect balance between human interaction and automated solutions. Examples of technology support human interaction would include the deployment of real time translation earphones and smart glasses that would allow staff (especially at hotels) to communicate with guests in their native tongue. However, there are other technologies that you can expect to make a mark in 2020:

  • Internet of Things is one the major emerging technology trends in the hospitality industry. This trend enables the staff/employees to keep track and manage valuable inventory with in the facility. In the case of hotels, the Smart Hotel features allow staff and guests to regulate energy consumption more efficiently and support sustainability and pro-environment initiatives. It also has the potential to increase revenue. Business owners that are investing in mobile engagement expect guests to use mobile devices for payment, making reservations, booking rooms, placing orders, accessing keys for various amnesties, etc. Additionally, IoT powered technology can send real-time offers to customers’ smartphones, thereby encouraging more sales.
  • Artificial Intelligence is another digital feature which many business owners are experimenting with. This trend helps (mostly) helps hotels interact with guests in numerous ways. From using AI-fueled robots to chatbots at the reception area or for room/food service, many of these commercial settings are rapidly moving toward guest-centric hospitality. On the other hand, AI-enabled devices have shown to reduce the need for human assistance when it comes to answering and resolving problems that commonly arise among customers.
  • Virtual Realityis being used by many hoteliers, restaurateurs and other business owners to blend the digital and physical worlds with the purpose of creating an immersive world for their guests. Not only does it make guest (travel) experience more seamless; it also entertains them thus popularizing This trend is expected to grow with hotels and other commercial business around the world that are searching for different and innovative ways to incorporate VR into guest experience. Several examples of these ways are giving people virtual tours by placing theme in a simulated hotel, for instance, and by providing VR experiences of storytelling of each room.

Embracing Sustainable Business Practices

As we face more environmental issues every day, people are increasingly becoming more concerned about sustainability and want to know how the businesses they deal with are handling them. Sustainability, for this reason, has been one of the most perceptible hospitality industry trends in recent times. A large section of the hospitality industry has participated in Go Green Acts which are meant to lessen negative environmental impact. This cause is proved to be good for the planet and also for businesses. Subsequently, customers are willing to pay more for products and services to companies that engage in sustainable business practices.

There are a sheer growing number of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and other business owners engaging in eco-friendly business practices. Examples of these practices range from restaurants promoting vegetarian/vegan options on their menus to hotels using smart light bulbs and smart heating/air conditioning to save energy. Within other venues in the accommodation sector, decisions on using more sustainable materials for commercial furniture are being made. Green campaigns that many businesses in the hospitality industry will consider are global carbon emission compliance, saving water, waste reduction and limiting plastic usage. Smart buildings that will digitalize such facilities will also result in lower energy costs. Determining the right time to go completely green – to the possible detriment of guest comfort – is a million dollar question that many operators are unwilling to answer.

Online Communities

Over the years, especially in the digital age, online communities have changed the way businesses in the hospitality sector have interacted with customers. Company websites, online magazines and social media networks greatly contribute to hospitality facilities’ interpretation of transparency hence leading to the improvement in the quality of services they provide. Online marketing is heavily reliant on multi-user interactivity. Reviews about hotels, restaurants and other businesses posted in the internet affect the customer’s decisions. Word-of-mouth still remains a powerful tool. Now combined with today’s digital platforms, customers can easily share their experiences. Business owners also can find unique selling points.

Positive feedback can translate into economic value for your business. People tend to rely more on reviews made by previous and current customers. As a business owner, you can extract a lot of information from online communities about the reviewer’s age, hobbies, interests and lifestyle to gain valuable insights. That way, you can receive updates with the current trends in the business and competition as well as the upgrades you will need to improve your services.

Sharing Economies

What began with startups like Airbnb and Zipcar, which innovated the physical exchange of services by connecting consumers, the sharing economy is now reaching the hospitality and food service industry. Moving past the experimental stage in the hospitality industry, the sharing economy has been redefining the industry with the expectation to grow in the coming years. Derived from the belief of mutual parties sharing unused assets or properties with each other, the sharing economy leverages technology to facilitate these exchanges. This can be done through collaborative platforms, shared marketplaces or peer-to-peer applications. Some of these groundbreaking projects also address challenges such as food waste or social problems in local communities.  You can easily coordinate transitions via online in the sharing economy.

Although this model has been embraced among private individuals, it has nonetheless made an economic impact for leading and major brands in the hospitality industry. The sharing economy allows more flexible management for restaurateurs and hoteliers. Accommodations and lodging properties listed on these platforms are not legally required to follow the same rules and regulations as a traditional hotel, restaurant or other commercial facilities. Applying this principle, they can deliver more consistent and better customer services and guest experiences.

Hospitality Commercial Furniture Trends

Transforming your venue into a destination, and not just a source of food and entertainment is challenge 2020 brings to the industry. Restaurants and hotels are buying into current trends and expanding their social media presence to capture businesses from younger generations. Creating an environment which customer customers can share their experiences on social media is now an imperative. However, a brand needs more than just a flashy, digital prowess. Keeping substance and quality in check without compromising on charismatic and enticing persona is standard which the industry is expected to measure up to in 2020.

A multitude of factors can affect how long a guest will stay at a restaurant or if he/she is likely to return. Ambiance should be the key factor. The venue’s overall character is comprised of service as well as physical and intangible counterparts. Commercial furniture is a huge essential attribute of any restaurant and hotel. Owners need to recognize trends and seek inspiration for furniture layouts that will provide the right feng shui for customers. Below are some restaurant furniture trends to anticipate this year:

Booths and Waiting Benches

Picture this scenario. Imagine being led by your hostess to your table to discover that one side of the table has a big, comfortable padded seating and the other side has metal chairs. What are you most likely to sit on? Most people will beeline for the booth side, leaving the chairs to the weaker pack. Fortunately, 2020 is bringing a resurgence of restaurant booths and waiting benches. Booth seating screams “luxury”, giving most venues a more upscale feel. Customers will certainly appreciate its comfortably padding and durability.  Restaurant booths and benches/banquettes make an elegant seating option and can be customized to blend in with any décor type. There are a variety of tufting and other designing options to explore along with different materials and colors. These upholstery techniques can be applied to give your booth its own personality and add to the character of your restaurant’s brand.

Mixed Materials

The shift in minimalism to maximalism is quickly trending. A combination of patterned prints and textiles is making it big in 2020. Textured restaurant tables , detailed upholstery and mixed materials are expected this year. Bold statement yet decorative furniture pieces, be it bar stools or chairs, are becoming a defining characteristic of a venue’s brand identity. Multiple fabric choices are being paired together to create a visually indulgent and impressionable restaurant furniture. Complimentary geometric and organic patterns create unique backgrounds for social media content and Instagram scenery.

Shapely Outdoor Patio Furniture

Geometric, 3D-esque commercial patio furniture is another emerging furniture trend we are seeing everywhere. For instance, bulbous designs seen on chairs or bar stools with architecturally inspired frames make for eye-catching decorations that work nicely on restaurant patios. Outdoor restaurant furniture is sometimes an afterthought or seen as less important than restaurant furniture for indoor dining spaces. In many cases, a restaurant patio is the first impression people will get from a restaurant.

The hospitality/food service industry is evolving at an alarming rate, thus demanding the innovation of all aspects of customer experience. Restaurants are no longer just places to stop by for a quick bite. Nor do people use hotels as sleeping accommodations. They have grown into spots where people gather, socialize, co-work, arrange conferences, host events and organize business meetings. Keeping up to date and employing the latest hospitality industry trends in commercial furniture, design, service and business practices are paramount to customer satisfaction.

Read More
TOP

Restaurant Di Menna Redesigns its Dining Space

Italian restaurant updates its restaurant layout and design new commercial furniture from Restaurant Furniture Canada.

 

Restaurant di Menna

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada’s leading commercial furniture distributor redesigns Restaurant di Menna’s interior with a set of restaurant booths, beechwood chairs, wood bar stools and tables.

If you appreciate a fine Italian dining experience, Restaurant Di Menna offers just that. Rather than having to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, you can taste authentic Italian cooking in Montreal. Though French is predominately spoken, everyone in Saint-Leonard understands the language of food. The décor, which has been redesigned, resembles that of old Europe with stone walls. If you are looking to have a romantic nigh out with your significant other, Restaurant Di Menna is the perfect venue for you.

When Restaurant Di Menna first opened back in 1971, it was merely a pizzeria offering delivery service and takeout. This restaurant has evolved as its popularity grew and owner Franco Di Menna decided to expand his business. The pizzeria currently has a dining room. Immersed in the scrumptious world of Italian cuisine, Franco embarked on a culinary journey to further advance his business by experimenting with new recipes and creating delicious meals that are immensely enjoyed by his patrons. In 1988, the restaurant underwent major renovations to match its high quality menu. Already combining fine dining and takeout, Restaurant Di Menna introduced its frozen “oven-ready” meals and fresh sauces to the menu in 2005. Eleven years later, the dining room was finally remodeled with new commercial furniture supplied by Restaurant Furniture Canada. Additionally, a sit-down bar serving specialty cocktails and beers was added.

 

chairs and tables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While undergoing renovations, Di Menna sought the expertise from Restaurant Furniture Canada for interior design ideas. Di Menna felt that an updated restaurant layout would be advantageous for business and Restaurant Furniture Canada was able to accommodate their restaurant seating needs with a set of button tufted back booths to start with.  Like the rest of Restaurant Furniture Canada’s selection of restaurant booths, this booth is made of premium construction where durability and style are intertwined with each other. Customization options are provided and you can adjust the length, shape, or size of this booth in accordance to your specifications. This booth also includes a variety of upholsteries to choose from to match your décor. Popular for its versatility, this restaurant booth is in high demand among fine dining establishments. The button tuft design exhales an air of sophistication and compliments most décors.

 

bar stools

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They furnished their dining room with a set of beechwood chairs accompanied by solid wood plank table tops assembled together with round table bases. As for the bar area, they decided on the upholstered back wood bar stools. Designed for comfort and strength, these wood bar stools meet the rigorous demands in the food industry and therefore ideal for high traffic establishments. The upholstered seat and back made of high density foam guarantee patrons comfortable seating which is one of the many reasons why venues, especially high-end locations, include them in their restaurant layout plans.

Learn more about Restaurant Furniture Canada’s diverse selection of top quality commercial grade furniture here or contact a sales representative for more information at (888) 998-4222.

Restaurant Di Menna invites you to experience fine dining on 6313 Jarry East Street at Saint-Leonard, QC H1P1W1. They can be reached at (514) 326- 4200.

Read More
TOP

Tavola Restaurant Updates its Seating Layout

Mediterranean themed restaurant updates its restaurant design with new commercial grade furniture from Restaurant Furniture Canada.

78464 -1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canada’s leading commercial grade furniture distributor helps Tavola Restaurant redesign its seating layout with new metal chairs, matching bar stools and tables.

Since its grand opening back in 2014, Tavola is a great destination for those who an affinity with Mediterranean cuisine. Restaurant owners Bob Hallet and Chef Peter Anthony bring are considered to be the true masters of their craft where creativity is encouraged. Along with their talented kitchen and wait staff, they bring one of the finest tastes of Europe to the heart of downtown St. John’s. After spending quite some time in Europe, Bob was inspired to open a restaurant that reflected on his culinary experiences. Tavola’s vision was to use fresh Italian rustic ingredients, specifically from Nice and Genoa, to recreate his own version of pasta dishes, fish, sauces, soups, and salads – the type of dishes that were unheard of in St. John’s until recently.

Using local ingredients is important at Tavola as well – especially the ones that compliment Mediterranean cuisine the best.  Literally translated as table, Tavola uses a simple idea in which food should be presented and shared in a social fashion with loved ones – just like at home. With seating for at least 38 patrons, guests can feel at home at Tavola’s.  Tavola offers a cozy and warm ambiance. The owners wanted to add a touch of sophistication to the restaurant design and were in need of commercial grade furniture that would not only help maintain the atmosphere they wanted patrons to appreciate but guarantee long lasting durability. They contacted Restaurant Furniture Canada and sought the expertise of the sales professionals with their seating layout plans.

 

78464 -2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For seating, the owners decided on the X back metal restaurant chair. The classic and modern X back design makes with chair a beautiful seating addition to any dining establishment. Made especially for commercial use, this metal restaurant chair is constructed to meet the rigorous demands made in the food and hospitality industry.  With a choice of frame finishes and seating options, this chair can be tailored to meet the customer’s specifications. A matching bar stool was all that the owners needed to complete Tavola’s décor.

Build to offer maximum support and created the desired restaurant tables, the owners agreed that the cast iron table bases were the best choice.  These cast iron table bases are powder coated and include all the hardware needed. They can easily be assembled together with Restaurant Furniture Canada’s variety of table tops. Put both together and you are assured an affordably priced yet high quality restaurant table.

Learn more about our diverse selection of restaurant furniture and don’t miss out on our sales by visiting us here: http://www.restaurant-furniture.ca/ or dial (888) 998-4222 to speak with a sales representative.

Tavola Restaurant is located at 178 Water Street St. John’s, NL A1C 1B1. They can be reached at (709) 754-1678 for questions about their business hours, menu, and services.

Read More
TOP

Restaurant Furniture Canada helps Vietnamese Restaurant Upgrade its Seating

Canada’s leading restaurant furniture manufacturer has helps Golden Bell Saigon upgrade its seating with a new set of restaurant 6 channel booths and Interchangeable back metal chair with 3 slats.

76442-pic-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant Furniture Canada has collaborated with the management staff at Golden Bell Saigon to organize the layout of their venue with new restaurant seating.

Within the last decade, Vietnamese cuisine has become mainstream in the food culture of Calgary. The reasonable food prices and decent size portions has locals flocking to Golden Bell Saigon. Boasting of its diverse population and multiculturalism, Calgary was very welcoming towards this restaurant and diners relish the authentic Vietnamese dishes served to them. Golden Bell Saigon has been raved by diners and food critics alike for satisfying their taste buds. The banh xeo , aka Vietnamese pancake is recommended in lieu of pho. This pancake epitomizes Vietnamese cuisine which requires a minimum amount of oil while using copious amounts of fresh herbs and vegetables.

Their grilled lemongrass chicken vermicelli is perfect for a hot summer day. It is a salad made of rice noodles, shredded lettuce, carrots, mint, basil, crushed peanuts, and bean sprouts. This dish makes for a wholesome meal unto itself! Nothing concludes a meal at Golden Bell Saigon than an avocado shake or Vietnamese iced coffee. Golden Bell Saigon also has a patio if you are looking to have an enjoyable outdoor dining experience. If you are new to Vietnamese cuisine, this restaurant will convert you into a connoisseur. In efforts to offer their patron high class dining at their venue, management at Golden Bell Saigon was in need of a seating upgrade.

They contacted the experts at Restaurant Furniture Canada who were able to assist them in their restaurant seating upgrade. They first ordered several sets of the 6 Channel Booths. Like most custom restaurant booths at Restaurant Furniture Canada, the 6 Channel booths are exclusively custom made to the customer’s specifications. Customization includes length, height, and shape. Starting from only $295.00 a piece, these restaurant booths come in a variety of vinyl and fabrics to match the décor of any establishment. That is what prompted Golden Bell Saigon to purchase these booths.

76442-pic-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, they selected a set of 52 of Interchangeable Back Metal Chairs with 3 Slats. Affordably priced at $57.00 per chair, these American made restaurant chairs feature 3 slats design and come standard with either a solid wood seat or upholstered vinyl padding. In contrast to most restaurant furniture manufacturers, Restaurant Furniture Canada makes commercial grade chairs that are constructed with a 1 inch solid wood seat and a fully welded frame. The frame of this restaurant chair is comprised of a powder coated finish. Plastic gliders are included as well.

To learn more about Restaurant Furniture Canada’s variety of chairs, bar stools, table tops, table bases, booths, and patio furniture, visit: http://www.restaurant-furniture.ca or talk to a customer service representative at (888) 998-4222 for all inquiries on restaurant furniture.

Golden Bell Saigon is located at 6008 MacLoed Trail SW Calgary, AB T2H 0K1 Canada. For questions about their hours of operations and services, they can be reached at (403) 253-8222.

Read More
TOP

How to Make a Restaurant Seating Plan

royalberry

Creating a restaurant seating plan is one of the crucial steps of the planning stage in opening a restaurant. The seating plan you design depends on several factors. One of the main factors is the type of restaurant you plan to open. Will it be a quick service restaurant, a family-style restaurant such as a diner, a fast casual restaurant, a café or an upscale bistro? Each of type of restaurants will have different layouts. A quick service restaurant will typically feature tables and chairs with easy to clean, fixed vinyl booths along the walls. Family-style restaurants or diners will typically have more booth with comfortable, fabric or vinyl upholstery. bistros will usually have a mixture of chairs, booths and bar stools. Making a seating plan will help you experiment with various seating layouts and find one that meets your needs.

The next important factor is the number of guests you plan to serve. To determine this you will have to take into account space requirements for the dining room and the maximum safe occupancy of your establishment as determined by the local fire department or county planning zone commission.

One of the first steps in drawing up your seating plan is measuring the interior space of your restaurant and its areas such as the dining room, the kitchen, storage, restrooms, server station waiting area and any other area that takes up floor space. The floor area of your dining room and patio if you have one will help determine your seating capacity and your seating layout.

The next step should include a detailed layout of your restaurant’s floor plan. The sketch should make note of windows and doors and include your measurements. The cashier counter and other stations should be included as well as anything else that will take up floor space. (more…)

Read More
TOP

Getting the Right Furniture For Your Restaurant

restaurant-interior  Top restaurants don’t only rely on good food and good customer service. Another factor that customers really appreciate is a comfortable space with good interior design. Restaurant Design is important to set the stage for the customers’ dining experience. The design of a restaurant must find balance between its ambiance and seating capacity. As an entrepreneur you prioritize about the customers’ maximum seating capacity to increase profit while at the same time making guests feel comfortable. This may differ on the type of restaurant. A diner may have more seating capacity while fine dining restaurants tend to put more effort on ambiance.

Choosing a go to place for lunch meetings, dinner dates, family gatherings or for a quick bite is easy if you know the basics about the restaurant’s menu, ambiance, seating capacity and location.

FAST FOOD: Also known as quick service restaurants which focus more on convenience, low prices, and serving the most number of customer in a minimum amount of time. The food menu is limited to burgers, fries, hotdogs, burritos, fried chicken and so on. It’s probably the most appealing type for most people on the go. The interiors of a fast food restaurant usually have bright colors such as yellow and red. They use metal chairs to give a strong support to their heaviest customers. The tables usually have reversible table tops or other type of laminate. These types of table tops are usually scratch and stain resistant and are easy to care for. Resin table tops are also popular for quick service restaurants as they are very durable and resistant to scratches, stains and nicks and have the appearance of wood.

 

FAST CASUAL: This has been a fast trending restaurant. It has upscale interior decor compared to fast food restaurants. They use high quality ingredients and the food is freshly prepared upon order. It offers a healthy menu which is ideal for customers who follow a strict diet. With its open kitchen design, customers may dine while watching their food being made while seated on a high chair stool. The table tops may be laminate or reversible table tops or a made of granite as these table tops are very durable and easy to care for. Steel is another common table top material for outdoor use or to blend in with a modern, industrial motif. Fast causal restaurants will usually have commercial chairs such as the metal ladder back chair. Metal chairs are ideal for these fast-paced commercial environments where there is heavy traffic. They are also easy to clean.

 

BUFFET: A go to place for people with big appetite where you can eat all you can. This self-service restaurant is usually packed with long tables for families. Seats vary from wooden to metal, depending on the kind of cuisine that they offer. Reversible table tops, laminate and veneer wood table tops are common for these types of restaurants because they are easy to care for. Restaurants and hotels that have buffets sometimes also have plastic tables and banquet stack chairs for extra capacity that can be easily stacked and stored.

 

CAFÉ OR BISTRO: Menu items can be simple; they usually serve coffee and sandwiches, and can range up to full entrees. This is a perfect go to place for casual dates; it has an intimate and relaxed ambiance. Outdoor seating is a trademark for cafes where they may enjoy their meal or coffee while smoking. These eateries will usually have solid wood or granite table tops. They give the interior a more sophisticated look and exude a warmer ambiance. These types of establishments will usually have wood chairs and bar stools for seating for a distinctive look.

 

FAMILY STYLE DINING: These types of restaurants offer waiting table service. Food is served in large platters where you share and serve your own portions. Customers are usually seated on booths providing a more cozy experience. These establishments will usually have solid wood or reversible table tops. The seating may feature wood or metal chairs.

 

FINE DINING: Fine dining requires a lot of attention to detail. You also need to have reservations months in advance before you get a taste of their food. You will get the best customer service experience in these restaurants. The interiors could vary from modern, minimalist to old fashioned. As the name implies, it offers the finest menu and ambiance for your dining experience. Seats are wooden but well cushioned keeping you comfortable while enjoying your food. You will not find reversible table tops in these establishments. These restaurants will usually have solid wood table tops and upholstered chairs as they have a more prestigious look and the investment in the high quality furniture and décor helps justify the higher prices, along with gourmet cuisine.

Read More