Most restaurants purchase tablecloths as part of the dinnerware to protect the table linens from the harmful effects of dropped or spilled food. While this is the basic purpose of any Table Mat, there are other, more valuable functions that it can perform. In fact, high-end restaurants use them more as a decorative object than a functional one. Even here, the material used is basically meant to reflect the status of the restaurant and, in turn, the class of its clientele.
For example, rugs made of raw silk, fine cotton, exquisite bamboo, handmade paper, etc. substantially increase the restaurant’s operating costs. Management usually goes through intense deliberations when purchasing them. The material, color, design, texture, size, and workmanship greatly influence the impact these tablecloths have on the environment. They also need impeccable maintenance and timely replacements. Such tablecloths are meant to convey the restaurant’s level of indulgence to enhance the dining experience.
Mid-tier restaurants cannot afford the type of tablecloths described above due to the huge recurring expenses required to maintain them. Hence, they tend to settle for the cheapest Reusables. These mats are usually made of synthetic materials or laminated with a synthetic material. By choosing a suitable design from the commercial variety, these mats can serve the dual purpose of protecting table linens and improving the environment. Due care should be taken when purchasing them to ensure that the design and color complement the interiors of the restaurant. It is also advisable to review the designs used by the other nearby restaurants to avoid replication.
Despite meeting these basic requirements, these bulk-produced tablecloths miss an important opportunity. A Table Mat serves as an excellent means of communication with your clientele. They can be used to not only reflect the theme of your restaurant, but can also help project your motto and build an identity. This can be done by choosing custom made tablecloths to exactly match your requirements in all respects. With today’s technology, these mats are available even in small quantities at an affordable price.
At the more casual end of the market, restaurants use tablecloths made of paper sponsored by local business establishments with their printed messages. These mats are often given to restaurants for free. Many fast food chains also use paper mats printed with special offers. Here they serve more directly as a message board.
They say a hungry man is an angry man. And an angry man is the last person any place of business wants to have. Waiting for food is an irritating experience and causes unnecessary dissatisfaction for the diner. Some restaurants get around this by printing their tablecloths with non-commercial material such as puzzles, trivia, jokes, famous quotes, coloring line drawings, etc. These mats are meant to keep diners busy while they wait for their food to be served.
Whichever version you choose, make sure it serves its intended purpose; because a Table Mat can do much more than protect table linen.
