How to Choose Dinnerware for Your Restaurant
Regardless of the type of restaunrant you run, there’s one thing that your establishment will need: dinnerware. Althought it doesn’t seem like something important, the right dinnerware will add to the customer’s dining experience and give them something to talk about.
Restaurant dinnerware should be chosen carefully. In addition to aesthetics, you want to make sure that your dishware meets customer expectations while staying in your budget.
Here are some simple steps to help you find the best dishes for your restaurant.
Establish the Budget
Before you even start looking at commercial dinnerware, you need to figure out your budget. Restaurant plateware is more expensive than personal dishware, but there are still options in virtually every price range.
Buying dishes in bulk will typically save you money.
Take Durability Aspects Into Account
Durability is another important factor. Unlike the home dishes, restaurant dishware gets used multiple times per day, every day. It’s common for commercial dishes to break, become damaged or wear out quickly.
The most durable dinnerware will reduce your replacement costs, but you have to keep your guests’ expectations in mind. It’s important to find a balance between cost and durability that meets the expectations of customers.
Don’t Get Lost in a Variety of Dinnerware Types
There are many different types of plates for restaurants. Some of the most common types of commercial dinner plates include:
- Porcelain and China
- Vitrified Glass
- Melamine
- Polycarbonate (i.e. Plastic)
- Earthenware and Stoneware
- Wooden
- Paper
Learn more about restaurant dinnerware types.
Choose the Design
If you run a tapas restaurant, for example, you’ll be serving many different types of dishes on small plates. In this case, dishware is even more important than with regular dining. Fun and interesting plates will make the table more colorful and guests more satisfied with their experience.
If you prefer to keep things simple, you can’t go wrong with plain white china.
Maintenance
If your dishes are expensive and time-consuming to maintain, they may not be worth the effort. Depending on the type of restaurant your run, it may not be practical to serve your food on dishes that must be hand-washed.
Even fine china and porcelain can be dishwasher-safe.
When comparing your options, find a balance between presentation, easy care and affordability.
