Let’s face it, cutlery often gets overshadowed by colourful plates or eye-catching glassware. But in reality, this tabletop staple plays a huge role in creating a five-star dining experience and running a more efficient operation. Seeing, touching, and using your utensils can enhance a customer’s satisfaction, boost your brand aesthetic, and bring up your bottom line.
Selecting the right cutlery is a strategic choice that should be made based on several criteria, including style, what’s being served, and how it’ll hold up in the dishwasher. It’s a big decision, but don’t stress. Below, we’ve listed out the five things you should always consider when buying cutlery for your business:
CONSIDER THE AESTHETICS
In foodservice, first impressions are everything. From linens and lighting to glassware and cutlery, creating a space that sets the right mood requires careful attention to detail.
When selecting the style of your cutlery, it’s helpful to take a bird’s-eye view of your table to ensure all the pieces are creating a balanced presentation. Whether you’re going for a vibe that’s modern, formal, or eclectic, United Trimen offers an extensive catalogue of flatware designs that can effortlessly enhance the ambiance and your brand aesthetic.
FINE-DINING DECADENCE:
Opt for ornate details and timeless, flowing lines in mirror polish or silver-plated finishes.
CONTEMPORARY COOL:
Think sleek, simple designs in trendy finishes such as matte, copper, or gold.
VINTAGE WHIMSY:
Select styles with antique accents, such as ivory, bone, or wood, and pieces with a patina finish, which creates an aged look.
LOW-KEY CASUAL:
Stock up on cutlery with classic, clean lines in a satin polish finish, which provides a high-quality look that easily hides fingerprints and scratches.
DISH OUT THE DETAILS
Nothing sours an evening faster than having to saw off each bite of your steak with a dull dinner knife or a trying to use a small spoon to slurp your soup. Serving your meals with the proper utensils not only makes the dining experience better for the customer, but it makes your business look more polished and professional.
When selecting your cutlery, it’s important to consider the type of cuisine and dishes you’ll be serving, and the manner in which these items will be served.
- Chophouses should always have solid, durable steak knives
- Seafood spots should stock up on forks for oysters, shrimp, and lobster
- Heavier fare such as pastas should always come with durable utensils
- Dessert carts and cake service go well with dessert forks and spoons
GET IN THE COMFORT ZONE
If you’ve ever traveled in an uncomfortable car, there’s a good chance you spent the entire trip thinking about the stiff seat, the scratchy arm rest, or the fact that you could feel every bump in the road. The same thing is true with cutlery.
Comfortable, well-balanced utensils will allow your customers to enjoy their meals frustration-free. But, serve up some flatware that’s dirty, flimsy, or hard to hold, and you’re in for a bumpy ride.
Here’s how to find flatware that feels good:
WEIGHT
The second someone picks up their utensil, the amount of weight they feel in their hand has a direct impact on how they see your business.
- Heavyweight cutlery is typically associated with higher quality, great for more formal, fine-dining establishments.
- Medium weight cutlery is durable without being too heavy, offering a good balance for high-volume operations.
- Lightweight cutlery provides a relaxed feel, perfect for casual dining or cafes.
COMFORT
Once the plate hits the table, diners want to dig in with flatware that feels good in their hands. A few things to consider to make sure your cutlery’s comfortable:
- Ergonomically designed handles can reduce strain and fatigue.
- Non-slip materials and smooth transitions between handle and blade can enhance grip.
- Heavier utensils can be cumbersome for some diners, so make sure the weight isn’t overwhelming.
- Specially designed utensils can assist customers who have special medical needs, such as hand tremors or reduced grip strength.
BALANCE
You want customers to focus on their food and their dining companions, not the utensils in their hands. Well-balanced cutlery feels effortless, enhancing efficiency and precision, so tasks like cutting meat and handling more delicate bites are much easier.
LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP?
In addition to looking and feeling good, you want cutlery that’s going to stick around for a while. High-quality flatware can provide durability, but you have to consider what level of care it requires to extend its shelf life.
Stainless steel is the most popular choice for foodservice businesses. It’s reliable, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. Stainless steel comes in three levels of durability and quality, depending on the quantities of chromium and nickel, since chrome provides strength and nickel adds a silver sheen and makes it rust resistant.
- 18/10: With 18% chromium and 10% nickel, this is the highest quality stainless steel, offering peak durability, shine, and corrosion resistance.
- 18/8: With slightly less nickel, this is a great option for affordability, quality, and good rust resistance.
- 18/0: Without any nickel, this option has no protection from corrosion or heavy cleaning, however it’s budget-friendly, ideal for fast-casual dining.
Keep It Contained
When the show’s over and everyone’s gone home, your cutlery needs to be put to bed. Proper storage and inventory management is vital to keeping a well-run kitchen.
- Store cutlery in a dry, clean place with quality shelving and storage containers.
- Organize and label containers by type and function so they’re easy to access.
- Use special dividers and compartments to prevent scratching or other damage.
- Create a schedule for regular inventory counts to ensure up-to-date quantities.
