As with any food business, the uniform is the first thing which is used to impress customers. The uniform style you choose goes on to impact your business image. Let’s take an example if you want to attract tons of customers to your restaurant, allowing your employees to wear any random T-shirt is not going to work. This is going to leave a negative impact on your business.
Let’s dive in and look at some of the things you need to know before buying uniforms for your restaurant staff.Brand Value
Always remember, your staff uniform must ensure that your staff uniform associates your brand name. The reason being, it helps in making customers aware about your business. Hence, it is often said that uniforms are the first and only reflection of your brand and personality. In many restaurants, you might have seen hosts, waiters, and waitress represent their brand.
Uniforms come in different size, shape, and color. These choices totally depend on your business. It is important to understand that some uniforms may suit better than others. Contemplate on these questions before shortlisting your staff uniforms.
- Is it going to be tailor fit or custom?
- Does the logo match with the color of uniform?
- Do you need to add embroidery?
Clean Uniforms with Logo or Slogan
Always give your employee two pairs of uniforms in case they need to change between the shifts. Make sure to choose a professional NNT uniform for your staff. A point to remember: Customers prefer the name of your restaurant on your uniform.
Some restaurant owners not only choose graphics but potentially add their restaurant’s name on staff uniforms. The more they see your restaurant’s logo on staff uniform, the stronger your brand will become.
Additional functionality with your uniforms
You need to select a uniform that represents your restaurant brand. In addition to this, also ensure that it serves a multifunctional purpose for your chefs, waiters, and waitress.
Always choose uniform with ample of pockets on the front for the house staff (hostess, waiters, etc.) The reason being, they need to store things like order notes, cheque, pens, etc.
You need a customise uniform for your restaurant staff as per requirements. For example, always choose a long apron for the chef so that their casual cloth underneath stay clean.
Materials of uniforms
Always remember that your staff is working in a hot, messy, and busy restaurant environment, so it is necessary to choose a material that allows their skin to breathe easily.
Hospitality staff always prefer uniform that is easy to wash after a long day of work. A point to consider: Cotton uniforms can absorb sweat easily so opt for it. This way you will be able to help your restaurant staff that is running around serving customers all day.
Never opt for nylon. Avoid sticky uniform materials that are uncomfortable for the staff.
Front Vs Back House Uniforms
Always choose different uniforms for front-house and the back-house. A prime example of that is, staff working at the bars, and cleaning guys. They need to have a clean and crisp looking uniform all the time.Keeping abreast with today’s open kitchen concept, it is important to select uniforms that can be washed easily for staff working at the back-house. Always choose breathable material for back-house staff because they are dealing with a hot kitchen environment all day long.
The ambience of your restaurant
Your restaurant staff must blend with the atmosphere. If you create a formal dining vibe, your staff should wear casual dining uniforms.
By choosing uniforms like pressed shirts, pants, and formal aprons, you create a strong dining image for your restaurant business. Always remember, majority of the customers will relate to the cleanliness and the casual atmosphere of your restaurant with the expectations of the food.
Variations
Keep in mind, that all the restaurant jobs are different. For example, imagine a head chef wearing a crisp and clean white uniform to convey cleanliness. Customers might get confused if they see a waitress walking around wearing something similar.
When you are selecting the right staff uniforms, keep these things in your mind to make sure not only your restaurant staff uniform looks great, but also your staff feels great.
Team equality
Identical uniforms for staff is a great way to establish a team equality. Sometimes, it works as a visual reminder that every staff member is a part of a team. It also showcases the fact that everyone is working towards the same goal.
Choose a uniform that emphasizes both professionalism and cleanliness. On the top of that, it should send a strong signal to your employees that customers opinions are important!
Even a little thing like choosing an apron is significant, although it might seem to be an afterthought. Always remember: Aprons are a highly visible part of your uniforms. Nowadays, a majority of the restaurants follow open kitchen setting, giving customers a full view of the kitchen and its inner workings.Be careful when you choosing an apron for your staff. Often designer aprons lack the functionality of more traditional aprons. Always check the material and functionality before purchasing.
Uniform Cost
When you purchasing uniforms for your staff, cost is an important factor. You can easily find a restaurant uniform at a low cost. The cost depends on how you are running your restaurant business. For example, if you are running a fast food restaurant where staining is more likely to happen, then you have to go for expensive uniform’s selection.
Summary:
The entire process of choosing a perfect uniform for your restaurant staff is not as easy as it looks. It is sometimes very difficult to select the best uniform for your restaurant staff. Especially when there are lots of options available. Take a final call on the basis of the different criteria mentioned in this write-up. We can bet you will not regret.
According to a recent survey in the US, there are more than 500,000 restaurants. In order to run a successful restaurant chain business, it is important for you to stand out from the crowd. One way to do that is by entering into the market with a specific purpose for your brand.