Guide to Selecting Restaurant Booths

Read up on restaurant design

Before you order any dining booths, read about designing a restaurant floor plan. The placement of restaurant booths and tables rate careful consideration. You don't want to put them too close to the front door or the restrooms.

I recommend: Running a Restaurant for Dummies, by Garvey, Dinsmore and Dinsmore gives good advice for planning your restaurant dining room and how to incorporate restaurant booths into an existing space. Quantified Marketing offers more advice on planning an efficient restaurant seating plan.

Shop around for restaurant booth manufacturers

There are many restaurant booth makers and suppliers, so it can feel a little overwhelming when you first begin looking. Begin your search with restaurant booth providers that are closest to your area. They may not be the cheapest, but when you factor in shipping and handling, you will probably save money in the end.

I recommend: Business.com has a large directory of restaurant booth manufactures. AMC, a restaurant supplier with over thirty years in business, is another place to begin your search for restaurant booths.

Choose the right type of restaurant booth for your business

Restaurant booths come in small two-persons models and go up to large banquettes that seat up to 10 people. Most eating establishments fall somewhere in the middle range, offering booths that seat between four and six people. Once you have your restaurant floor plan done, decide which size booth will fit best.

I recommend: ChicagoBooth.com is a restaurant booth supplier who offers different styles and sizes of booths, including corner booths, ideal for saving space. Budget Supply is another maker of restaurant booths and tables.  

Consider buying used restaurant booths

Gently used restaurant booths are a great way to save money when opening a restaurant. When looking at used restaurant booths, check the seams of the upholstery for fraying or tears. If you are considering used booths with fabric upholstery, ask about past treatment of stains.

I recommend: A City Discount carries used restaurant booths and tables. Restaurant Solutions Inc. is another vendor offering used restaurant booths for sale.