It has been another great year at East Coast Chair & Barstool. So we’d like to take a moment to take a look back at some of our favorite customer showcases from 2018. Click through the slideshow to see all the wonderful ways our customers have used our furniture to bring their visions to life.

A big thank you to our customers for making us a part of their year and for sharing photos of their beautiful businesses. If you’d like to submit a photo, you can do so by emailing or messaging us on Facebook.

What do you want your customers to see when they walk into your coffee shop? Plush couch seating where they can enjoy a latte, while watching morning rain hit your front windows? A no-nonsense interior that is serves the utilitarian purpose of getting them in, out, and off to their work day?

Furniture may not be the first thing that comes to your mind when opening a coffee shop but it’s a necessary step that can set the tone for your business! Creating the atmosphere of one of your customers’ first stop of the day is surely an important task.

1. What kind of seating should I have?

The great thing about coffee shop seating is that it can be an eclectic mixture of seating: some bar stools here, chairs there, a loveseat by the window, the options are endless! So, if you’re focusing on which type of furniture you should get, consider the lifestyles of your target audience. Are you located on a bustling city corner where suits stroll in to grab their morning cup, or are you in a college town where students come to study and socialize Central Perk-style? If you have a portion of your menu dedicated to food, try out some booths, tables, and chairs. Or, go with a more bookish approach that oozes academia with couches, coffee tables, and a few bar stools at the counter.

2. How can I get extra storage space?

Use your space wisely! Get furniture that can pull double duty and have built-in storage areas that are hidden from your customers. For example, having a hostess station that is equipped with storage shelves underneath the surface can save your staff trips to your back area and make refilling stirrers, napkins, and sugar more convenient. If you’re investing in booth seating, select models that have removable seats for some extra space. With lusher seating like love seats or couches, you can find coordinating ottomans that can be used for silverware or menu storage. The right furniture can help cure your lack of closet space and shelves in your coffee shop.

3. Are these tables durable enough?

There’s no use crying over spilt coffee but there’s more to be said for the coffee cup. Many coffee shop owners forget to think about the effect their glassware will have on their table tops. Certain woods and finishes can be prone to scratching – especially since many ceramic coffee cups have a glazed bottom. Choose laminate, melamine, or Werzalit tops that are more resistant to scratches and the daily wear and tear of commercial environments. It also doesn’t hurt to select tables that are easy to wipe down and clean.

4. Should I have outdoor seating?

Outdoor seating can be a great advertisement for your business, and even better, you don’t need much of it. Just having a couple sets of tables and chairs by your entrance can call out to passersby’s that didn’t know they needed a cup of joe until now. Have your dollar stretch farther by choosing lightweight aluminum outdoor furniture that is easily stored for cooler temperatures.

Now that you’ve asked yourself these questions, you’re ready to pick out your coffee shop furniture! For more information about choosing the best furniture possible for your coffee shop, give our customer care specialists a call at 800-986-5352.

Summer is in full swing and your patio is being enjoyed by customers. As one of the first things customers notice about your business, your patio is your calling card to everyone that walks by. You want to send the right message to customers; One that says ‘Hey, come on in and enjoy a cool drink or great appetizer.’ It could be what propels them through your front door, instead of walking on by.

So if your outdoor area needs a little facelift, why not upgrade it for amazing prices by checking out our Summer Sale on outdoor furniture. We are offering incredible discounts on classic styles and new favorites. We have a variety of items: aluminum synthetic wicker, and poly lumber have all been discounted.

Worried about making sure that your outdoor space doesn’t look like it was put together with discount items? We have put entire collections on sale so that you can achieve the total look that you are going for.

All items are only available for a limited time and while in-stock. These items sell quickly, so act now to make your outdoor design dreams a come true all while staying in your budget.

The simple answer here? No, you should not use hardwood table tops outside your restaurant. Hardwood tables can include any sort of oak, maple, beech, cherry, walnut, or untreated pine woods.

Wood table tops are commonly used in restaurants because of their durability, strength, and the character they bring to your overall design. But to keep them that way, there are some rules you need to follow.

Climate control is crucial for the longevity of wood tables. Wood table tops should be in rooms that are 68°-72° with 40-45% humidity. This is extremely important, even when it comes to adjusting the thermostat (which should be done gradually). Wood tables will crack or warp in rooms where temperatures vary. Abrupt temperature changes, dryness, and humidity can all lead to the wood expanding or contracting, while losing structural integrity.

You should also avoid putting wood tables in direct sunlight, next to heat sources (like radiators or ovens), and under bright lighting. Even wood tops in storage should be in a climate-controlled area to retain their original state. Many customers try to put these hardwood tables under a covering, but the real issue isn’t just the weather; it’s the humidity levels. Climate control is crucial when keeping wood tops in their best condition, making it impossible to use them outside because you can’t control the humidity.

Another reason why you might not want to use wood tables on your outdoor patio is that you’re likely breaking your warranty for that table top. Before you ever put any furniture in your outdoor space, you’ll want to be sure that furniture item is warrantied for outdoor use. This is the best way to protect the investment you’ve just spent to furnish your restaurant.

If the wood look is a must for your restaurant or bar, consider wood look-alike. There are many textured poly lumber options out there that have the look and feel of a wood texture, but don’t require the rigorous maintenance.

The sun is starting to shine, more and more of your customers want to eat outdoors. Before you say yes, you need to take a moment to consider the condition of your outdoor furniture. After an off-season spent in storage, there is a good chance they are going to need a little bit of maintenance.

Materials such as aluminum, poly lumber, and teak are commonly used outside because of their durability in outdoor conditions.  By taking a look at each of these materials, and more, we will examine the best ways to maintain and clean your outdoor furniture to not only keep it looking its best but to make sure it lasts for years to come.

Hardware:

Every year before placing your furniture outdoors, you should tighten any loose screws and double check for any missing hardware. As the season continues, be sure to check them intermittently and tighten as needed.

Glides:

This is also a great time to check glides. Replace any that are missing or broken to help protect your flooring and keep your furniture level.

Umbrellas: Umbrellas are a great way to make your outdoor areas more appealing to customers. To keep them looking their best, regularly wipe off loose dirt to avoid it becoming embedded into the fabric. For larger spots, clean with a soft bristle brush, soap and cold water as soon as possible to prevent staining.

Most umbrella poles can be easily wiped down with soap and water. If your umbrella pole has metal joints, then using a spray lubricant will help to increase the life of the pole. For a wooden pole, a paste wax applied with a soft cloth, will restore its shine and create a finish to help protect against scratches.

Wrought Iron/Cast Iron: As with all furniture items, it is good to regularly check for dirt. This can be sprayed off with a garden hose, but it is important to dry it completely with a towel to avoid future rust. To help extend the life of your wrought iron furniture, applying an automotive spray wax once a year can help to create an extra barrier against rust.

If rust does occur, sandpaper can be used to lightly sand the rust and then touchup paint can be used for coverage.

Poly Lumber: For light dirt, some soap and water should do the trick for poly lumber. For more persistent stains, you can use a power washer. If you don’t have easy access to a power washer, a magic eraser also works very well.

One of the biggest benefits of poly lumber is just how easy it is to maintain. Simply check to make sure that no screws have worked themselves loose and you should be good to go.

Aluminum/Stainless Steel: When pulling out your aluminum furniture for the season make sure you check all of the welds. It is important to check these pressure points to ensure safety. While looking at the welds you can look for any nicks or scratches on the coating. If you find some, they can be touched up with a damp cloth and a nonabrasive product, such as Soft Scrub.

Much of the aluminum/stainless steel items on the market today are powder coated and rust proof but be sure to check with the manufacturer before you make assumptions. If the furniture isn’t, you can use a paste wax to help protect the surfaces. When the furniture is in need of a good cleaning, some mild soap and water should do the trick.

Teak: Teak can be a bit of a temperamental wood when it comes to cleaning. To clean it and maintain the color, mix a solution of one cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water. Apply the cleaning mixture to the teak using a soft plastic brush and gently scrub into the wood. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

All teak furniture needs to be oiled once a year to prevent it from losing that beautiful teak color. If you see some water marks appear, they can be sanded with a light sandpaper.

IsoTop and Werzalit Table Tops: A big draw of these table tops is that they can be used both indoors and out. When used outdoors, these table tops are super easy to clean and can be hosed down on your patio using soap and water.

While cleaning, take some time to confirm that your table tops and bases are firmly connected. Flipping the table over and viewing it from underneath is a great way to check the screws and clean any of those hard to reach spots.

Finally, if you don’t use your outdoor furniture year-round it is best to store it over the winter months; it will increase the lifespan of your furniture exponentially.

From menus to décor, restaurant owners make decisions with their customer base in mind. And restaurant patio furniture is no different.

Before you look at any catalog or website, you need to decide what your table turnover goal is. It all depends on your concept! This is important to keep in mind when choosing any sort of seating for your restaurant space.

Why do restaurants choose side chairs on their patio? Side chairs can be better for cramped spaces by providing guests a little extra room to slide in and out from the table. Side chairs and bar stools can be great for outdoor space where you want to give them as much range of motion to get up, move, and mingle. Side chairs are ideal for restaurants with the primary goal of fitting as many customers in seats as possible.

Why do restaurants choose arm chairs on their patio? For your more kick back and relax type of establishments, arm chairs have a great laidback vibe. The way the arms are positioned make customers want to mimic the shape, giving a more carefree feel. Arm chairs give the person sitting a sense of personal space, rather than being exposed like that of a side chair. Sometimes these arms can go through a little more wear and tear because they get bumped against the table or leaned on by customers.

As a veteran in the commercial furniture game, we see more side chairs purchased for outdoor spaces than arm chairs. Why? Side chairs tend to be very versatile for all body types because they’re not as constricting without the arms. Many restaurants end up mixing both styles on their patio to provide visual variety across the board. An easy way to do this is to have side chairs the length of the table and then bookend the heads with arm chairs.

Choosing between side chairs and arm chairs may seem like a minor call in the grand scheme of outdoor restaurant furniture, but it’s really something you should think through as a restaurant owner to best serve your business and customers.

Between side chairs, arm chairs, or a mix of both, what would you choose to furnish your patio with? Tell us below!

With the temperatures slowly but surely starting to rise, it is time to start thinking about throwing open the doors to your outdoor areas and take advantage of the boost to your restaurant’s profits that comes with additional seating. Before you get too excited, however check on the condition of your outdoor furniture. Does it need repairs? Replacement?

Now is a great time to buy to ensure that you have new outdoor furniture by the time you plan to start serving outdoors. If you are on the search for new furniture, you will be excited to hear that at East Coast Chair & Barstool we have brought in several new lines of outdoor restaurant furniture. With all of these additions, we are sure to have something perfect for your patio. Let’s discover the best fit for your restaurant or bar.

The Palmetto Collection

Island style doesn’t have to be “all tiki all the time”, as shown by our Palmetto collection. A black and white wire reinforced polyethylene weave is wrapped around a non-rusting aluminum frame to give off an upscale beach vibe. With its neutral color palette, this collection looks great in almost any setting.

The frame is hand painted to give it a very realistic bamboo look, but with the added benefit of durability for commercial use that comes with an aluminum frame. Aluminum does not rust, making it ideal for outdoor use in areas with salty air. This collection features a bistro style chair and bar stool perfect for enjoying a night outdoors.

Fiji Collection

The Fiji collection is a modern take on outdoor furniture that makes a statement. All Fiji chair options were designed with comfort and style in mind. Available in two different back styles, your customers won’t mind sitting back and relaxing for hours on end. The Fiji collection features the traditional arm chair style or a club chair. All club chairs come with a tie-on cushion for maximum comfort.

Created using two different materials that are equally sturdy, your toughest decision will be determining which design you like better! This first is a textile rope in a rich espresso brown color that fits right in with any color scheme. The rope features a beautiful weave pattern using several strands.

The second option, is a polypropylene wicker that is more durable than traditional wicker. It is also available in two beautiful colors, an espresso and ash gray. Some give is afforded by the material to provide your customers additional comfort. Even your staff will love this material as it is easy to wipe down at the end of a busy night.

Havana Collection

Reminiscent of our New England and Atlantic collections, the Havana is the latest addition to a series of faux wood outdoor furniture. Who would have thought textured driftwood poly lumber paired with black metal would look so good? Well, we did, and we are so pleased to offer this to our customers.

The Havana collection is the ultimate in outdoor durability. The frame is a matte black powder coated aluminum frame that is rust resistant. While the poly lumber inserts are much more durable than traditional wood. It is waterproof and resistant to mold and insects, as well as being easy to clean. They are easily stackable, making them convenient to store during the winter months.

This collection is the whole package with two bar stool styles, two chair styles, and table tops in a variety of shapes and sizes. You’ll certainly be able to find something that works for your restaurant.

Palazzo Collection

The visual appeal of wicker with the durability of metal. The Palazzo Collection, with its streamlined and squared off design, offers a distinguished look for your outdoor area. The seat and back of this collection uses a tightly woven wicker weave in a stunning espresso that has just enough give to offer your customers some additional comfort. The rust resistant aluminum frame is powder coated in matte black achieving just enough contrast from the espresso wicker.

This collection is easy to store when not in use because it is stackable. With multiple chairs and bar stools to choose from we are confident you’ll find something you’ll love.

You really can’t go wrong when you select any of our new outdoor furniture collections. Still have questions? You can contact one of our Customer Care Representatives at 800-986-5352 for expert advice or to start your order!

Imagine soft laughter, the clinking of glasses. Touches of sunlight illuminate plates of fresh food. A light summer breeze weaves between tables, but not just any tables, these are your tables on your restaurant’s outdoor patio. And these tables are full of happy customers enjoying the great outdoors all the while paying for drinks and food.

Offering al fresco dining is so much more than just expanding your seating capacity or increasing your curb appeal.

So how can building an outdoor patio boost your profits? Because it gives your customers more space for special events, shows off your restaurant from a distance, and gives them a comfortable spot to stay longer and keep the good times going.

Here are just a few of the benefits that your restaurant can take advantage of by integrating an outdoor patio into your business plan.

Patios add more space. By having a patio space, you not only have room for more activities, but also an opportunity to offer a breath of fresh air to your restaurant.

This is all depending on the environment around you. The empty lot next to your restaurant could be your future bustling patio.  But acquiring space is not always the answer, sometimes you can make better use of the spot you already have. If you’re short on space but have some room in front of your restaurant, adding sidewalk seating can be an option and create a café vibe.

If you have a flat rooftop that you have access to, you’re in luck! Rooftop bars are very trendy and give a secluded feel to what are often crowded city bars.

Having a patio can give you room for exciting events like live music, games, or a fire pit for chilly evening dining. More involvement at your restaurant can lead to more people having a reason to stop, staying longer, eating and drinking more, and therefore, increasing your profits. All of which can happen right in the outdoor space you may already own.

Patios are free advertising to foot traffic. Making a successful outdoor patio space could be your best advertising asset. Depending on the way that your restaurant is set up, it may be the very first thing a customer sees.

If your location is by a landmark, attraction, or even just a beautiful landscape, having an outdoor dining area should be a given for your restaurant.

The sight of current customers having a great time and the scent of fresh food can bring potential customers from the street that would have maybe not chosen your restaurant. It’s like a free sneak peek of what customers can expect when they come to your restaurant, and can be used to your advantage.

While customers are having a wonderful night out with friends and family, make sure you have your social media hashtags and Snapchat usernames in plain sight. If guests take a picture and post it, they will know exactly what location to tag. With that in mind, it doesn’t hurt to create a Snapchat filter exclusively for your business either.

Creating a patio that is visually-stimulating can attract and keep potential and current customers coming back for more. More traffic means more sales for you!

Patios relax customers, leading them to spend more. If you already have a happy hour, make it a patio-exclusive. Patios are a great way to give happy hour guests an exclusive area for drinks and appetizers, making it feel less stuffy than trying to crowd them in with those enjoying a meal. Having a patio-only happy hour can make guests feel relaxed and can lead them to staying longer, which often means the drinks continue to flow.

By allocating happy hour to your patio space, you are giving guests a place to gather together and increase your sales simultaneously. With profit margins on bar drinks being anywhere from 60-85%, depending on the beverage, you can still make a pretty penny on patrons that are ready to blow off steam after work.

Just make sure you have a bar that is fully-staffed and ready to roll in your outdoor area to reduce staff having to run back and forth.

Once your patio is up and running, keep these tips at the top of your mind to ensure continued success.

• Maintain your patio. Keep your furniture clean and floor space free of garbage. If something spills, clean it up. Don’t use your extra outdoor space as a graveyard for uneven tables and less than supportive chairs. The patio can be a goldmine for increasing your profits, so make it look like that.
• Keep up with outdoor trends. According to the National Restaurant Association, you should be updating your patio every five to seven years to keep it looking modern, similar to your dining room. Your outdoor patio is an extension of your restaurant; don’t let the average passersby think otherwise.
• Staff appropriately. You don’t want your indoor crowd to suffer at the hands of your outdoor patio, especially at peak dining times.

Depending on what stage your patio is in (fully-functioning, needs improvement, or non-existent), will give you a ballpark of how much you need to pour in to make it a successful space. Having a patio space will not break your business, but it certainly could help make it.

Let our customer care representatives guide you on your journey to furnishing the perfect outdoor patio at 1-800-986-5352.

What does your restaurant’s outdoor area look like? Is it four or five tables thrown together with a hodge-podge of chairs? More stressful than serene?

With some restaurants, you can tell that their outdoor dining space is not a priority. Maybe customers just prefer to eat inside with the air conditioning on hot days? Or maybe they’re losing business because the curb appeal isn’t there. Depending on your location, your patio could be the first thing a customer sees when they pass your establishment, so it’s crucial to make a good first impression.

A simple to way to upgrade your patio without a shred of mulch or concrete, the Lake Shore Collection brings sophistication to your outdoor area, no matter the size! This collection is functional, on trend, and durable; it truly has it all. Combining a clean-cut silhouette with classic Adirondack design elements, the Lake Shore Collection is sure to be a favorite among guests. The bar stools and chairs of this collection feature a waterfall seat, encouraging them to sit back and relax. The Lake Shore Collection also features tables, benches, and Adirondack chairs to give your patio a synchronized look.

The Lake Shore Collection comes in any combination of our poly color palette to match whatever design you’re going for on your restaurant’s patio. The choices are truly endless with 21 traditional and three wood grain poly options. Whether you want a two-toned set to make a statement with your outdoor furniture or a monochromatic look, the Lake Shore is full of possibilities.

Regardless of your area, the Lake Shore is built to last in your environment with its durable poly lumber construction. This can save time for you and your staff. There’s no extra staining or waterproofing because poly does not splinter, crack, or peel like real wood. If you’re on the coast or in an area where storms are prevalent, outdoor furniture can be difficult to maintain, and in some cases, keep track of. The Lake Shore will not blow away in high winds and is resistant to salt spray, making it perfect for boardwalk restaurants or hotels.

Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into your restaurant’s patio or you’re furnishing it from the start, the Lake Shore Collection can completely change the vibe of your outdoor space and improve your curb appeal. For more information on how to transform your backyard space with the Lake Shore Collection, find it here or call our customer care representatives at 1-800-986-5352.

Turn up your inspiration with our Lake Shore Collection design board below! Follow us on Pinterest for more resources like this one.

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Looking to spruce up your restaurant’s patio this upcoming summer season? Check out our brand new outdoor collections! From tables, chairs, bar stools, and bases, we’re stocking your patio with pieces to spice up your outdoor area.

New Poly Lumber Hues- Real Wood Look Without the Cost

In addition to the 20 colors we already offer, we’re adding four new poly lumber options to our lineup. We now have Powder Blue as part of our traditional poly lumber colors with a smooth texture. Driftwood Gray, Birchwood, and Antique Mahogany make their mark as our first wood grain poly options. Both selections carry color throughout their slats, making noticeable nicks a thing of the past. All of our poly lumber is very simple to clean and maintain with soap and water. These new colors can be used in our Caribbean, Adirondack, Great Lakes, Shipyard, Outer Banks, and Outdoor Communal Table collections.

Caribbean Collection- A Pop of Poly Lumber for Your Patio

Our most colorful outdoor collection yet! The Caribbean Collection is bringing color and style to your restaurant’s patio. Select a black or silver lightweight frame to complement your choice of poly lumber slats. From beachy colors like Aruba Blue (pictured) and Bright Orange to a more neutral palette with Weather Wood or Birchwood, there are 21 smooth and 3 textured poly options.

With so many chairs, tables, and bar stools to choose from, the combinations are endless as to what you could come up with. As with all of our poly lumber products, this collection is warrantied for outdoor use, won’t fade, and are simple to clean.Our Caribbean collection is just what you need to brighten up your restaurant’s outdoor area.

Palermo Base- Just the Support You Need

No matter what table top you plan on using, the Palermo base can support it! This base can be used indoors or outdoors. We’ve thought ahead to the risky environment that outdoor furniture endures. To prevent rust and corrosion in the harsh exterior elements, the Palermo is constructed with a steel plate wrapped in aluminum with an aluminum column. These durable outdoor materials give your outdoor tables the sturdy foundation and protection they need. Whatever size your table, the Palermo comes in both single and double sizes. Offered in a silver finish or a black powder coat, the Palermo is easy to match your outdoor furniture. Pair an umbrella with this base and create a shady spot for your patio guests.

Outdoor Communal Table with Four Legs- A Different Way to Dine

If you’re trying to create a community atmosphere on outdoor patio area, the Outdoor Communal Table with Four Legs is perfect for your restaurant. When it comes to its silhouette, this table stands out among the crowd. Instead of a top and base combination, the Outdoor Communal Table stands tall on four legs, reducing the chance it will move because of the weather. The Outdoor Communal Table can have a black powder coated frame, depending on what other furniture you’re trying to match. Make coordinating your furniture a cinch; our poly color selection is the same throughout all our products.

For more information, check out our site, call our sales department (1-800-986-5352), or check out last year’s collections for even more inspiration.

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