Hello, I'm Murakami from Design Shop oh. I used to work as a buyer and product developer for an interior design shop.
Based on that experience, I'd like to talk about "choosing tableware" for those who are planning to open a bistro, cafe, Italian restaurant, or creative cuisine establishment.
This content is written based on my experience, with reference to feedback from restaurant owners I've had the pleasure of working with.
First and foremost, the star is, of course, the food. I understand that this is a given.
However, how the food is presented greatly influences the customer's impression. Plating is the chef's skill, but the tableware is what supports it.
If the tableware is too simple, even the most exquisite dishes can look cheap.
Here, I will organize the characteristics of tableware from well-known national chain stores, artisan pottery, and professional-grade tableware, and explain why I recommend professional-grade tableware.
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Pros and Cons of Tableware from National Chain Stores
Tableware from well-known national chain stores is often considered due to budget constraints.
It's affordable, readily available in large quantities, and often features simple designs that pair well with any dish. It's a strong ally for many households. It's a very viable option when trying to open a business on a tight budget.
However, there are also caveats.
Many customers come seeking an extraordinary experience, a "sense of being in a special place."
If they feel, "This is the same plate I have at home," that special experience can instantly be pulled back into the mundane. This is truly regrettable.
Of course, this isn't an issue for restaurants that emphasize a homely atmosphere.
In fact, it can be a positive, making customers feel "as comfortable as at home." The key is whether it aligns with your concept.
Take it a step further and consider this:
When you invite important people who have supported you, your parents, or your culinary mentor, would you hesitate, wondering, "Is it really okay to serve them on this ware?" Having this perspective will clarify your tableware choices.
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Artisan Pottery: Unique Charm and Risks
Many owners who are particular about their tableware are drawn to "artisan pottery."
It has the warmth of handmade craftsmanship and the power to make dishes look special. The uniqueness of each handmade piece, where no two are exactly alike, is also a significant draw.
However, this comes at a higher price.
Furthermore, artisan pottery is often ceramic, and it's a fact that many pieces are prone to chipping. In addition, since ceramics are absorbent, they are often not dishwasher-safe, which can make them impractical for restaurant use.
If you can serve a chipped plate and say, "This is for our valued regular customer," it can become part of your restaurant's character. But how does that work when considering stable, daily use? I've heard stories of restaurants replacing their entire sets after just six months of opening.
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Reasons Why Professional-Grade Tableware is Chosen
I recommend professional-grade tableware.
These are made for commercial use and are very durable. And most of them are dishwasher-safe.
That being said, they are not completely chip-proof. If struck at an unfortunate angle, they can still chip or break. However, that risk is minimized. Compared to household or artisan pottery, they offer significantly greater peace of mind.
Even though they are for commercial use, not all of them are sterile or uninspired.
Many designs are calculated to be simple yet enhance the food. For example, even with a white plate, the difference in the rim's height or thickness can dramatically alter the food's presence.
Customers should feel, "The experience of eating here is different from eating at home."
If I were to point out a disadvantage, it's that while they are not typically retailed to the public, they are mass-produced, so there's a possibility that other restaurants might use the same items. Furthermore, Japanese commercial tableware is popular overseas, so it might even overlap with restaurants abroad. But that might not even be considered a disadvantage anymore.
Another point of caution is that large quantities of inventory can move quickly, making urgent deliveries difficult. Ideally, it's best to finalize your order about two months before your desired delivery date for peace of mind.
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In the Age of Photography, Tableware Becomes a Promotional Tool
We now live in an era where everyone has a high-performance camera in their smartphone.
This was unthinkable 20 years ago.
Customers convey the taste of food with words, but visuals can only be conveyed through photos.
If customers upload photos of your food to Instagram or other social media, it becomes free promotion. Moreover, it spreads through friends and acquaintances as trustworthy word-of-mouth. There's even a chance it could reach a large number of people at once.
Here, the "tableware" is crucial.
If the tableware is both simple and unique, the food photos will be even more appealing, encouraging customers to "want to take a picture."
In other words, tableware is not just a tool; it's something directly linked to your restaurant's branding.
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Tableware Selection is an Extension of Your Restaurant's Concept
What I want to emphasize here is that there isn't one "right" choice.
If you value a homely atmosphere, tableware from national chain stores can work, and if you want to create a special feeling, artisan pottery excels.
However, for many restaurant owners, the ideal is "durable, consistent, and food-enhancing tableware," isn't it?
That's why I recommend professional-grade tableware.
It's a tool that supports your restaurant's concept and offers peace of mind for long-term use. For those who feel they "don't have the luxury to think about tableware" during the opening preparation phase, I believe there's a significant advantage to choosing commercial-grade options.
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What oh can do
At Design Shop oh, we carefully select and offer professional-grade tableware.
The items listed in our online shop are just a small fraction of our inventory. We can also suggest other lineups according to your preferences.
We are patronized by many restaurant owners, and we receive orders from a wide range of customers, from individuals who love cooking to cooking class instructors. We sometimes assist with tableware selection from the initial stages of opening a restaurant.
Also, we offer wholesale pricing estimates for businesses, so please feel free to inquire. (I apologize if this sounds urgent, but the sooner, the better.)
Furthermore, with permission from the businesses that have placed orders, we feature them on our website and Instagram.
Stories with mentions are 100% reposted! (Unless I forget my phone on a business trip!)
I started this because I wanted to support the owners who placed orders, and I've been happy to hear comments like, "That restaurant is near me! I'll check it out!"
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Summary
• Tableware from national chain stores is inexpensive and easy to acquire, but it's difficult to create a sense of the extraordinary.
• Artisan pottery offers a unique and special atmosphere, but it is expensive, prone to chipping, and often not dishwasher-safe.
• Professional-grade commercial tableware is durable, easy to handle, and often features designs that enhance the food.
• In the age of viral photography, attention to tableware can also lead to free promotion.
When opening a restaurant, many people don't have much time to spend on choosing tableware.
However, in reality, the "tableware" is the first stage setting your customers see for your food.
If you're unsure about choosing tableware, please don't hesitate to contact oh.
