Choosing restaurant booths for customers, in general, is a great choice for several reasons. It gets rid of the need for servers to get around all = sides of the table and creates less traffic. It gives you a more comfortable feel. It gives customers more privacy and you can order booths in a variety of designs, styles, and colors.
Types of Restaurant Booths
You can choose from different heights, widths, and lengths. If you are furnishing your small diner or café, use a single booth in order to place up against the wall to help optimize the walk space. A double booth with back-to-back benches is good for a busy restaurant. Half or three-quarter circle booths can be great for round tables to allow you to seat bigger parties. You can also use a wall bench booth with a smaller table for seating couples because it then can be transformed into a larger table for bigger groups.
The Anatomy of a Restaurant Booth
Before you begin choosing booths, it helps to know the different booth terms to make sure you know exactly what you are purchasing. The top cap is the strip found at the top of the booth. The head roll is the extra foam cushion at the head to have a more comfortable setting. The end cap is found on the side of the booth. The toe kick is found at the bottom around where the customer’s feet are in order to prevent wear. The crumb strip is bound between the cushion and back for each cleaning. The cushion is the actual seat part of the booth.
Measurement of Restaurant Booths
When you are searching for the right booth, you also need to factor in a specific height, length, table size, and seat depth. This way, you can ensure that the booth fits your restaurant perfectly. The standard booth dimensions are 24 inches, 36 inches, and 48 inches, which can comfortably seat up to three people. Booths will usually have more room than a chair with seat depths of up to 17 inches. There can also be seat depth options up to 19 inches. The measurements and dimensions can contribute to the ambiance and décor that your customers experience, depending on if you want a more private or open dining setting. This is why it’s so important that the measurements are correct when choosing the booths.
Materials for Restaurant Booths
Booths are mostly made from wood, upholstery, or laminate. The different kinds of materials you can choose will enhance your décor, depending on the style you have for your restaurant. Laminate booths have an easy-to-clean trim. These types of booths can match your existing décor, depending on the type of laminate you choose. Upholstery booths can give your diners a more comfortable experience. Classic wood booths can also be easy to clean for a contemporary yet rustic look. Cushions can come with a spring foam or solid foam options. Many like to choose the spring foam option since it makes it easier for customers to slide in and out of the booths. Fabric booths can be hard to clean and there is a concern for stenches and stains to get trapped in the baseboards.
Creating the Right Booth Layout
Whether you have a large restaurant or a small café, having the most effective booth layout can maintain the look of your restaurant. You want to make sure there is enough space for servers to move around in the fast-paced environment but still keep customers comfortable. You will need to factor in the dining room table sizes as well.