Chef and wait staff uniforms–

The food industry in the US is growing rapidly over the past few decades, restaurant experience is now not just limited to fine dining in fancy attire. Eateries have become an essential part of everyday modern life. With life moving at such a high pace, an American eats out four to five times a week on average. Similarly, the food business has evolved as there are now multiple types of eateries at every corner providing unique and appetizing menus.

Food is not only the thing that will make your restaurant stand out but other factors should be noted when entering the business or revamping it. Besides ambiance, your chef and wait staff uniforms play an immensely important role in delivering a statement about your eatery. There are approximately 600,000 plus eateries in the US and so to gain success in this competitive industry, one really be distinct. Your waiters are the first ones to interact with your clients so making a strong first impression and making that interaction count should be your priority!

Tips For Selecting Chef and Wait Staff Uniforms

A uniform simply reflects the image of your restaurant. So it’s crucial for the wait staff uniforms you choose to match the ambiance of the eatery. If you own a fine dining, chic restaurant and will entertain a high-class gentry, attiring your restaurant staff in a logo embroidered polo t-shirt just won’t work while it would work just fine at your local around-the-block diner. As the restaurant business has been categorized in several kinds like diners, bars, patios, fine dining, bars, pop-restaurants, and many more, their wait staff has to be outfitted accordingly to represent the brand.

Comfortability

Another preference when choosing the wait staff uniforms is the comfortability factor. The wait staff usually have long shifts and are continuously on their feet running back and forth from the kitchen to the dining area whereas the chefs are also working long hours with blazing stoves and ovens.
Choose the uniform that fits right and fabric that will provide ease in moving freely, are breathable, and allow airflow. Uniforms should not irritate them through the shift or it will eventually have an impact on their service and honestly, no one wants unhappy customers. Also, it will have a positive impact on your employees and ensure their loyalty to you.

Traditional style or mixing it up

Restaurants are a creative industry and are always experimenting with new recipes and techniques then why not with the uniforms as well. There is no harm in trying new styles or choosing colors rather than traditional black and white; a little change won’t hurt, rather it might impress the customers.
Remember not to go over the top with designing because you do not want to overdo your appearance. Stay true to your motto and business image and go with the style and colors that represent the soul of your eatery.

Darker colors

It’s for you to decide whatever colors you want in your wait staff’s uniforms however most restaurants are inclined towards darker colors like black, blue, navy, maroon, or dark green coupled with white color and beige as they not only look more professional but don’t get dirty or at least do not look dirty very easily.
Darker-colored uniforms are easily manageable. They are easy to clean and can be accessorized without and hassle.

Customization

Every business needs advertising but it does not have to be in your consumer’s face all the time. Imagine putting your branding everywhere in the eatery. It’ll simply throw off the guests and will kill the whole vibe. Another way of advertising your name is by having it printed or embroidered on your staff’s uniforms. This is a subtle way of keeping the brand name within the sight of customers. There are several customization service providers online that will do the job at pretty cheap rates.

Benefits of the Right Uniform & Customization

Shows professionalism & easy to identify

It is important to differentiate your employees from the crowd because you do not want a customer asking another customer for extra napkins. It would not leave a good impression on customers if they are confused in identifying the restaurant staff. Also, clean and crisp uniforms portray uniformity and professionalism.

Promotes the restaurant

As discussed previously, the restaurant business is tough. Competitors are trying every tactic in the book to take lead from one another. Restaurant names or logos customized on the uniforms will make your business stand out from the rest. Personalized uniforms help increase brand visibility wherever your team might be.

Builds positive team mentality

Quality uniforms, chosen with consideration and for the comfort of employees helps lift the team spirits. Restaurant staff attired in quality uniforms will let them know that they are valued and inspire a good attitude towards the employer. It also builds morale and encourages a team mindset; however competitive they might be all day but at the end of the day, they will be a team.

Leaves a lasting impression on customers

Similarly, as quality uniforms work for employees, they impress the customers as well. Before going to a restaurant, a customer has all the information about the menu and ambiance. But when he walks into the restaurant and a sophisticated staff member attired in quality, customized uniform greets him, then and there only the customers form an opinion about the place. Making your team appear presentable and delivering a good first impression would take your restaurant a long way and will put it on the path to success.

Bottom Line

Now you know how to pick the perfect outfit for your restaurant staff and the importance they hold in your business’s success. With new restaurants popping up now and then, you’ll have to take all necessary measures to put your business ahead of the competition. It does not matter much if you are a small restaurant or national chain, any step that puts you in the lead is worth taking. In this case, restaurant uniforms are essential for a business.