Growing Factors Boosting Demand for Restaurant Furniture in the Thriving Hospitality Market
By Shawn Zar, Furniture Expert at Superior Seating.
The restaurant industry is bouncing back due to vaccination efforts and safety protocols, which boost consumer confidence and the desire to dine out. As a furniture expert and owner Superior Seating, Ed Rakovsky notes a significant increase in demand for restaurant furniture. Restaurants are striving to create inviting and comfortable dining spaces to accommodate more customers returning to dine-in experiences. This surge emphasizes the importance of well-designed and functional furniture that complements each restaurant’s ambiance and theme.
Expansion and Renovation Projects:
With the reopening of restaurants and an upswing in foot traffic, many establishments are seizing the opportunity to renovate or expand their spaces to accommodate the growing demand for dining experiences. Such projects necessitate the acquisition of new furniture, including seating, tables, lighting, kitchen equipment, and decor. The expansion trend is expected to play a crucial role in driving furniture demand.
According to the National Restaurant Association‘s State of the Restaurant Industry 2023 report, more than 60% of restaurant operators are planning to invest in renovations or upgrades to attract customers post-pandemic.
Emergence of New Restaurants and Dining Concepts:
Entrepreneurs and restaurateurs are capitalizing on the renewed interest in dining out, resulting in the emergence of new restaurants and innovative dining concepts. As these ventures seek to create unique and attractive spaces to entice customers, the demand for stylish and trendy restaurant furniture is expected to surge.
Data from the National Restaurant Association indicates that 110 million Americans dine out every day, indicating a robust market for new restaurants, and creating a ripe environment for furniture manufacturers and suppliers to meet the growing demand.
Sustainable and Hygienic Furniture Solutions:
In the post-pandemic era, consumers have become more conscious of hygiene and sustainability. Restaurants are seeking furniture that aligns with these evolving preferences, favoring pieces that are easy to clean, durable, and eco-friendly.
According to a study conducted by Technomic, 79% of consumers now consider sustainability when choosing a restaurant. Incorporating environmentally-friendly furniture is not only appealing to customers but also aligns with the industry’s focus on responsible and ethical business practices.
Adoption of Innovative Technology:
As restaurants embrace innovative solutions and technology to improve operations and enhance customer experience, there is a growing demand for tech-savvy furniture that complements these modern advancements. Contactless menus, wireless charging capabilities, and built-in digital ordering systems are some of the features that customers now expect in their dining experiences.
A survey by Oracle Hospitality revealed that 41% of restaurant guests prefer to order and pay for their meals using their smartphones, emphasizing the need for furniture that accommodates these digital interactions.
Conclusion:
The thriving restaurant industry, fueled by consumers’ eagerness to dine out and enjoy social experiences, has led to a notable increase in demand for restaurant furniture. Expansion and renovation projects, the emergence of new dining concepts, emphasis on sustainability and hygiene, and the adoption of innovative technology are the key factors driving this demand. As the industry continues to evolve and cater to changing consumer preferences, restaurant owners and furniture suppliers can seize the opportunities presented by this flourishing market.
Sources:
- https://www.superiorseating.com/blog/factors-driving-the-substantial-increase-in-demand-for-commercial-restaurant-furniture
- https://restaurant.org/education-and-resources/resource-library/state-of-the-restaurant-industry-resilient/
- https://www.nrn.com/consumer-trends/survey-sustainability-key-restaurant-customers
