Uniform for your dining staff

Part of a restaurant's concept and image is the design of its dining room service staff or waiters. It is important as well to determine how the uniform is worn and the grooming you want your staff to maintain.

First on the design. A lot of conservative designers and restaurateurs go for the plain long sleeves with necktie or chef's uniform modifications for waiter's uniforms. Other restaurateurs prefer to go out-of-the-usual. This is specially true about themed restaurants and fastfood places. I personally like inculcating a restaurant's concept into the waiter's uniform but not in a way that the uniform looks weird. I like designs that bring out the personality of the restaurant. At the same time, I like simple designs that give waiters comfort and allow them to move around easily but with a simple touch or accessory here and there. Simple accessories or touches could range from color combinations, different cuff links or buttons, simple brooches or pins.

Fine dining restaurants would admittedly have to be more conservative. Materials would have to be exquisite.

On the other hand, I also would like to emphasize how waiters carry their uniform or groom themselves. I prohibit waiters from wearing strong perfumes and heavy makeups. I also allow only a few pieces of jewelry like a watch and a ring and stud earrings for ladies. No muliple or fine jewelry allowed! Why? You don't want your waiters to look more dressed up than your customers. I also emphasize good grooming, neat hairstyle and clean, pressed clothing. Try if you can to set as a policy that your waiters don't wear their uniforms on the way to work. If possible, uniforms should be washed inhouse care of the restaurant.

A waiter's uniform is part of your establishment's image. Therefore, it should be given attention to just like the other aspects of your restaurant's operations.