Your choice of commercial glassware can speak volumes about your restaurant or bar. Far from being just a humdrum necessity, glassware for restaurants helps you establish a certain ambiance in the same way that your dining room furniture or tableware does. The casual environment of diners and breakfast-lunch eateries calls for commercial grade glassware, such as sturdy juice glasses and abundant coffee mugs. The more refined atmosphere of European cafes or fine dining restaurants demands decorative stemware that imparts a cultured setting.

By selecting the right kind of foodservice glassware, you can boost your patrons’ dining experience. Indulge in some in-store marketing by serving coffee in oversized mugs that bear your restaurant’s logo. Patrons take notice of these enhancements, which distinguish you from the competition. Following are some practical tips in choosing commercial glassware:

1. Contact suppliers of commercial glassware for a large selection of basic glassware.

2. Get more personalized and varied service by dealing with commercial glassware manufacturers.

3. Choose strikingly beautiful wine glasses for an impeccable presentation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the most abundant selection with suppliers of commercial glassware

If you're already dealing with a restaurant equipments supplier, chances are the company also supplies kitchen glassware.

I recommend: Texas-based Jean's Restaurant Supply houses a large inventory of restaurant glassware from beer mugs to shot glasses. It currently services about 5,000 customers and has been a reliable glassware supplier to restaurants for the past 22 years. Hubert also carries a full line of commercial glassware and stemware. Its online source book simplifies the ordering process.

Establish accounts with commercial glassware manufacturers when you prefer one brand over another

Get speedy and custom service by dealing directly with commercial glassware manufacturers.

I recommend: With locations in Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania and Canada, Anchor Hocking has serviced the food industry since the 1920's. The company manufactures an extensive line of glassware and stemware. Cardinal has served fine restaurants and hotels with its artistically crafted glassware since 1935. The company offers custom decorating of its products so you can create unique glassware for your establishment.

Consider how exquisite commercial wine glasses enhance your customer service

Transform run-of-the-mill service into something spectacular with artistically designed wine glasses.

I recommend: Among the thousands of products it carries, The Restaurant Source offers a wide selection of elegant commercial wine glasses. Contact one of their service representatives to locate products not shown on the website. Galasource offers beautifully crafted wine glasses, some designed by the Italian master, Luigi Bormioli.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider size a critical factor in choosing the right kind of restaurant grade glassware. Restaurant and bar owners know that profits depend upon portion control. Therefore, you can maximize profits by serving beverages in smaller containers.