Plates and glasses are among the most important types of tableware used by the restaurant industry. Although most people associate tableware for restaurants simply as items to serve meals and beverages, they have multiple additional functions. For example, plates can be used to improve the customer experience of dining. Furthermore, their design can be combined with the dish’s plating in order to get an Instagrammable result. The foodie culture has made tableware for restaurants an important part of the overall restaurant marketing strategy. In this post, we’ll share more about the characteristics of tableware for restaurants and the trends in this niche market.
Key takeaway: Tableware for restaurants is not so different from the items used in households. However, food service establishments need to consider the modern trends and their restaurant’s conception when buying wholesale tableware.
What Is Tableware for Restaurants
The term tableware refers to the various items that are used primarily to serve food and drinks. That includes plates, bowls, glasses, cups, and other accessories such as serving trays. Cutlery and flatware are other major categories in the tableware market. Other tableware for restaurants might include specific items such as gravy boats or serving platters. They are more frequently used in food service establishments compared to households. When it comes to glasses and cups, bars and restaurants have a much wider range of products compared to homes. That’s because different beverages and cocktails need to be served in different types of drinkware.
When buying tableware for restaurants, businesses usually purchase them in bulk. For example, before opening a new location, a restaurant chain will purchase various plates, glasses, cookware, utensils, and other goods from the tableware category. They can buy them from tableware suppliers, manufacturers, or broadline distributors. Some types of food service establishments use disposable tableware like single-use plates and cardboard cups. That’s common among fast food chains or other restaurant businesses where convenience is more important than customer service and dining experience.
Where to Sell and Buy Tableware for Restaurants
There are multiple places to buy tableware for restaurants or for your home. Retail sales from brick-and-mortar stores still dominate the sector. Most people and businesses want to see the product themselves before purchasing it. However, online sales have grown significantly in recent years. That’s why most manufacturers have developed eCommerce stores where business owners and individuals can purchase their products.
Large retailers offer a variety of tableware goods. That’s true both for online retailers and physical stores. When it comes to wholesale sales of disposable tableware for restaurants and other fast food establishments, they often use wholesale marketplaces like BlueCart. These platforms give them the ability to compare prices between different wholesalers and automate various tasks.
Distributors of wholesale restaurant supplies also offer a variety of tableware for restaurants. Although it’s more common for these wholesalers to sell bulk disposable plates and cups, they might offer glasses and porcelain plates as well.
Trends in Modern Restaurant Tableware
It’s important for food service businesses to follow the latest trends when picking tableware for restaurants. That’s because plates and glasses are not simply items to serve food and drinks. Instead, they are aesthetic pieces that should improve the overall dining experience and service. Let’s examine the main trends in restaurant tableware.
- Sustainability. This has been an important trend not only among environmentally conscious consumers but also throughout the market. Manufacturers and distributors aim to make and offer eco-friendly products that are made and delivered in a sustainable manner. That’s also true for tableware for restaurants. In fact, waste from single-use plastic is a major polluter worldwide. That’s why many buyers of tableware wholesale search for biodegradable alternatives.
- Minimalism. It is said that trends are temporary and class is permanent. That’s why stylish dinnerware in neutral palettes will always be among the high-demand products in the tableware sector. Minimalist designs focus on simplicity. Such tableware usually comes in a matte finish and subtle colors.
- Functional design. It’s especially important for disposable tableware such as cardboard food boxes. That’s because convenience is a priority for customers when they purchase food in such containers. That’s why they should have a functional design that makes them easy to transport and protects them from spills. Additional technological functionality is also expected to be a trend in the future. For example, products like temperature-controlled plates or other smart tableware are likely to become more popular.
- Handcrafted items. Artisanal and handmade items can significantly improve the dining experience. Being one-of-a-kind products, they add uniqueness to the atmosphere. Handcrafted tableware is popular in ethnic restaurants that wish to offer guests a full-scale traditional experience.
- Bold patterns and colors. Although minimalism is among the major trends in restaurant tableware, bold colors and patterns are also in high demand. That includes vibrant hues such as emerald green or sapphire blue. They give chefs various opportunities to plate dishes in a unique and contrasting way. Bold patterns and colors combine modern aesthetics with classical shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tableware for Restaurants
Whether you wish to know more about finding sustainable suppliers or how to increase your company’s B2B sales, you’ll find multiple useful resources on our website. Below are the answers to some common questions regarding restaurant tableware.
How to Choose Tableware for Restaurants?
There are a few major factors when picking tableware for restaurants. The most important one is the style of the products. Dinnerware and glassware should complement the interior of the establishment. That’s especially important for high-end venues and Michelin-starred restaurants. A fast food joint or a food truck is more likely to consider prices as a major factor when picking disposable tableware. In recent years, sustainability has been a major factor among consumers and buyers. Thus, it is important to choose tableware for restaurants that are made in an eco-friendly manner or are biodegradable.
Is Tableware for Restaurants Different from Domestic One?
Yes. Although not major, there are some differences between tableware for restaurants and the ones used at home. For example, dinnerware in food service establishments should be more durable. As such, they pick products that can withstand multiple uses and washes per day. Furthermore, since restaurants purchase tableware in bulk and at wholesale prices, they might get these products at much better prices compared to retail customers. Food service establishments also search for options that fit their interior and follow the latest trends in the tableware market.
Can You Buy Restaurant Dinnerware for Your Home?
Yes. If you’re looking for affordable plates or glasses, you might search for closing restaurants in your local area. When a food service business closes, they often make a sale of their inventory. That includes furniture, tableware, equipment, and various restaurant supplies. Keep in mind that buying tableware from a closed restaurant means that the products will be second-hand and will have some damage.
If you wish to purchase new plates and glasses like the one in your favorite restaurant, you can easily do so. Keep in mind that tableware for restaurants usually comes with customization options such as branding.
BlueCart: The Platform That Connects Distributors with Customers
Whether you operate a catering business and need to find suppliers or you’re a wholesaler looking for new customers, BlueCart is the right place for you. Thanks to our wholesale ordering software, both distributors and their customers can automate certain processes and tasks. Schedule a demo today and see how BlueCart can help your B2B sales!