A Practical Guide to Restaurant Seating Options in Foodservice Design
Choosing the right seating isn’t just about filling a dining room—it’s about shaping your guests’ experience, improving workflow, maximizing your floor plan, and reinforcing your brand identity. Whether you’re a restaurant operator, interior designer, or contractor, understanding modern foodservice furniture is essential for creating a space where comfort meets durability.
This guide explores the most common restaurant seating options, their applications, and the design considerations that help ensure long-lasting performance in commercial environments.
Cayard’s proudly supplies professional-grade seating from Oak Street—known for value-driven durability—and John Boos, a premier manufacturer trusted for its craftsmanship in both seating and commercial table solutions.
1. Booths: Comfortable, Space-Efficient, and Versatile
Booths offer privacy, comfort, and sound absorption, making them ideal for restaurants aiming to create a cozy dining experience.
Applications
- Family dining
- Quick-service and fast-casual
- Cafés and coffee shops
- High-traffic seating zones
Styles & Options
- Single or double booths
- Wall benching
- U-shaped booths for large parties
- Upholstered seating for comfort
- Wood or laminate backs for durability
Why Choose Boothes
- Maximize seating capacity
- Improve acoustics
- Add warmth to the dining environment
- Efficient for long wall runs
2. Chairs & Dining Seating
Standard dining chairs are the most flexible seating category and work in virtually any restaurant setting.
Design Options
- Metal frame chairs
- Wood frame seating
- Upholstered seats
- Stackable chairs for event spaces
- Outdoor-rated seating
Oak Street offers a variety of commercial-grade dining chairs built to withstand daily wear, moisture, and heavy use.
3. Banquettes: Customizable Seating for Style & Efficiency
Banquettes combine the comfort of booths with the flexibility of chairs. They are perfect for operators or designers seeking streamlined aesthetics.
Applications
- Hotels
- Fine dining
- Lounges
- Multi-use dining rooms
Benefits
- Custom shapes to match your layout
- Can contour to architectural features
- Upholstery options elevate brand identity
- Great for maximizing seating along walls
4. Barstools: Height, Style, and Practicality
Bar and counter seating adds energy and casual appeal to a dining room. Choosing the correct height is essential.
Barstool Height Options
- Counter Height (34–36″ tables) → 24–26″ seat height
- Bar Height (40–42″ tables) → 28–30″ seat height
- Spectator Height (44–48″ tables) → 34–36″ seat height
Applications
- Bar lounges
- Fast-casual dining
- Breweries
- Open-kitchen seating
- Coffee bars
Style Options
- Wood barstools
- Metal and powder-coated frames
- Upholstered seats
- Backless for tight spaces
- Swivel options
Oak Street manufactures durable, commercial-grade barstools designed for high-traffic environments.
5. Outdoor Seating: Weather-Resistant & Guest-Friendly
Outdoor dining continues to be one of the strongest drivers of restaurant traffic. Choosing resilient foodservice furniture is key.
Outdoor Furniture Options
- Aluminum dining sets
- Resin or poly chairs
- Outdoor bar-height tables
- Weatherproof patio stools
- UV-resistant finishes
Outdoor seating must be easy to clean, stackable when possible, and built to resist fading, rain, and heat.
6. Tables, Bases & Worksurfaces
No seating discussion is complete without tables. John Boos, known for its iconic butcher block and stainless-steel fabrication, offers commercial tables suited for:
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Food halls
- Bakeries
- Open kitchen concepts
Table Options
- Solid wood tops
- Laminate tops
- Stainless steel
- High-density resin
Table Bases
- Cross bases for stability
- Pedestal bases for flexibility
- Bar-height and counter-height options
Choosing the Right Seating Style for Your Concept
When designing your seating mix, consider:
1. Brand Identity
Rustic concepts may choose wood-grain finishes, while modern cafés lean toward metal and minimalism.
2. Durability & Cleaning
For high turnover operations, vinyl upholstery and metal frames offer easy sanitation.
3. Space Planning
Chairs provide flexibility, while booths and banquettes maximize wall use.
4. Flow & Accessibility
Provide wide aisles, ADA seating accommodations, and clear traffic lanes.
5. Longevity
Commercial seating from Oak Street and tables from John Boos ensure long-term performance and safety.
Call to Action
Whether you’re furnishing a brand-new concept or refreshing existing seating, Cayard’s Foodservice Equipment & Supplies can guide you toward solutions that balance style, comfort, and durability.
👉 Contact Cayard’s today to speak with a seating and design specialist.
👉 Visit our showroom in Baton Rouge to explore options in person.
👉 Request a consultation to discuss layout planning and product recommendations.
