What are tabletop accessories? Tabletop accessories are items like glassware, flatware, servingware, tabletop decor, linens, table covers, and more. Tabletop accessories play a big role in restaurant settings. They can add color and personality to the space, as well as functionality.
to help you decide which is best for your company.No matter what kind of food operation you have, tabletop accessories can improve your efficiency and output. From simple items like salt and pepper shakers to more specialized tools like juicers and Food Serving Baskets, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. Here are some of the best accessories to consider.
Glassware
What is the first thing a server asks you after sitting down to eat? The answer is, "Can I get you started with some drinks?" When customers sit down at a restaurant, they expect drinks to be the first thing they see.
Therefore, the presentation of your beverages and cocktails can heavily influence how your customers feel about your establishment. Glassware comes in various forms, including wine glasses, highball glasses, and hurricane glasses. You'll also need cups, mugs, and pitchers for serving hot and cold beverages.
Flatware
Of course, your customers can’t enjoy the food you prepare without having the proper flatware. Items like forks, knives, and spoons are essential in a food operation. Whether you are a restaurant or catering company, buffet-style restaurant, you'll need a surplus of flatware to keep things moving.
Also, consider that flatware can be easily lost and quickly dirtied in the height of rush at a restaurant. Have backups available if you run out or the dishwasher is having trouble keeping up with demand.
Servingware
Servingware is another crucial category of tabletop accessories. Serving dishes, platters, bowls, and baskets come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate everything from appetizers to desserts and baked goods.
Consider the presentation that comes along with these accessories. If you're sitting down at a restaurant that serves bread before the main courses, it is best to properly present them in a basket or serving dish that allows customers to help themselves. This is just one example of something you can do that will set you above and beyond when it comes to hospitality.
Tabletop Display & Decor
If you're looking to add a little extra to your food operation, display ware is the way to go. These items turn your everyday eats into an eye-catching presentation, from signs showcasing new cocktails or desserts to vases and accent pieces. Not only will it look nicer for your customers, but it will also give them a sense of excitement about what they're eating.
Linens and table covers
To keep your tabletop looking neat, you'll need a variety of linens. Tablecloths, napkins, and placemats can all help to protect your furniture and give your presentation a polished look.
Also, consider the cleanup that follows customers dining in with you. If you are a fine-dining restaurant, you will most likely want to provide high-quality linens to improve your customer's experience even more. That said, these linens will get dirty regardless, so having a backup stock of them will come in handy.
Condiment holders, pourers, and shakers
When it comes to tabletop accessories, condiments are the most critical items. Salt and pepper shakers, ketchup and mustard bottles, and sugar and creamer holders help keep your food operation running smoothly by preventing customers from sending the serving back and forth to the kitchen. Make sure you keep these stocked up so that your customers never have to wait for a refill.
Tabletop Beverage Service
In addition to drinks that are served in glasses, you'll also need a variety of beverage service items. This includes pitchers, carafes, and dispensers for serving hot and cold beverages and coffee makers and brewers for those all-important morning cups of joe.
Most restaurants will have pitchers of water and commonly consumed sodas in pitchers, so when they come around to refill beverages, they won't have to take the physical cup back to the beverage fountain. This saves time by having one less trip to make and makes the customer feel appreciated when constantly making sure their water is filled.
Tabletop Accessories
While we have already discussed a variety of tabletop accessories that can further enhance your customer's dining experiences, there are a few more that may be good for your type of food establishment. Having napkin or toothpick dispensers can improve efficiency, presentation, and customer satisfaction. It's the little things that can make a huge difference in your food operation.
Oven to Table Items
In many food operations, such as fine dining restaurants, food will be cooked in the oven and then brought to the table for serving. Food like baked mac and cheese, chicken fajitas, creme Brule are just a few dishes that require they be served in the containers they are prepared in. To make this process easier, you'll need to have a variety of oven-to-table items such as souffle dishes, sizzler platters, and even mini cast iron skillets.
Asian Cooking & Serving Supplies
If you're serving Asian cuisine, you'll need a variety of specialized tabletop accessories to accompany your menu. Serving traditional meals that include rice, seafood varieties, stir fry, and soups means you will need to provide your guests with chopsticks, soy sauce bottles/dishes, and sake cups and bottles.
Mexican Cooking & Serving Supplies
Your business will also require a few specialized tabletop accessories if you're serving Mexican cuisine. When serving tacos or fajitas, you may want to provide customers with tortilla servers or warmers. Some restaurants like to serve their tacos in holders to prevent a bigger mess for the waitstaff.
Typically, these restaurants provide chips and salsas to their customers before ordering their food. Therefore, salsa dishes/bottles should be available to enjoy while waiting. This also encourages customers to stick around and order more drinks while they’re waiting.
Coatroom Supplies
If you operate a food operation that offers coat hanging closets or services, you may want to consider having a variety of hangers, coat racks, and umbrella stands available. This can help with organization and ensure your customer's items stay clean and wrinkle-free. Also, if a customer feels taken care of as soon as they walk in the door, they are more likely to have a good experience at your establishment.
No matter what type of food operation you have, it's essential to have the proper tabletop accessories to maintain efficiency, design, and overall customer satisfaction.
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