Depending on what type of restaurant people are heading to, the staff will typically be dressed based upon price, prestige, and reputation. There is no right or wrong with the apparel from one establishment to another. Frankly, I don’t want to head to a restaurant that has a 9oz filet mignon priced at $51.95 to see my waiter roll up in shorts and a tank top. Conversely, I don’t want to go to a local mom and pop restaurant by the water only to be caught off guard. Said hole-in-the wall dishes out fried fish, hot dogs, and burgers, all at under $8.00 each. As I write this, I am almost giggling at the image of a waiter approaching my table wearing a tuxedo. It’s so over the top, I think I’d kind of like the experience. But a tie, white dress shirt, black slacks, and black shoes just doesn’t fit the atmosphere.
Staff Comfort Means Better Service:
As alluded to in the opening paragraph, what type of restaurant you run will determine the type of garments worn by your wait staff (and all employees, as well). This article will speak to the casual dining owner, one who decides a branded custom t-shirt is part of the standard uniform.
A t-shirt is great for ease of movement. For servers, there is plenty of mobility required. Waitpersons bend, lift, walk a gazillion steps, and have to extend arms to reach for things. Your staff will be very happy to hear that you’ve gone to a custom tee, as this will provide them the necessary comfort and agility the garment will bring them. A happier staff is a more effective and efficient staff. They will deliver a better service to the customer, who will then come back to your restaurant more. I’m no math whiz, but I think it goes like this:
Better Service + Return Trips = More Revenue
Unity and Mindset:
If you allow your wait staff to wear individualized clothing, you may be setting yourself up for a fashion contest. It can lead to angst among your servers, as a competition ensues. That scenario does nothing for staff morale. On the other hand, custom gear with a cool t-shirt design can set in motion a sense of unity, a sense of team identity. You will see in the camaraderie, a spirit of the staff altruistically willing to help each other more. A uniform, in this case, a custom t-shirt, also signals to staff that they need to get in the mindset that it’s time to work. What’s the old saying, “Time to lean, time to clean.”?
T-Shirt Color:
Time to talk color options for your restaurant’s t-shirts. Dark colors work very nicely, as stains from food, as well as perspiration get masked more than with lighter colors.
If your place is casual, it will tend to be more fast paced. In this scenario, vibrant colors will reflect the speed in which things are taking place. Envision fast food restaurants. Staff is often wearing red, yellow, or a combination. These are bright colors that indicate motion, so this is a route you should consider.
T-Shirt Fabric:
As for fabric, I just spoke about sweat. Nylon and rayon will tend to stick to the body, which is a pretty unsightly look that you don’t want your clientele to see.
Going with cotton is strong. It’s a very breathable fabric, which your servers will greatly appreciate. While providing a light, airy feel, cotton is durable as well. Another option would be to go with a blend. A blend is generally part cotton, part polyester. With this combination, you will get a shirt that not only has the characteristics of cotton, but is even more sturdy, as well as resistant to wrinkling. A blend means fewer replacements for you, saving you those precious few dollars on a continual basis.
As mentioned off the top of this article, the type of restaurant you own will determine uniform choice. For a more casual joint, I highly recommend a custom t-shirt. It reflects the theme of your restaurant, creates a team-like atmosphere, and is filled with functionality. If you have any questions, or would like to order staff t-shirts, give us a call at 800-215-6424. We have a talented crew ready to help guide you through the process.
